Reem Alsalem

Reem Alsalem is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls. As a UN expert, she investigates and reports on violence against women globally. She is in the news currently due to two distinct issues. First, she has publicly supported the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to allow only biological women to compete in women's sports. Furthermore, she suggested that women negatively impacted by previous IOC policies regarding transgender athletes should receive retroactive compensation, such as parallel medals. Second, Alsalem has urged investigations worldwide in the wake of ex-Prince Andrew's arrest, likely related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, highlighting the need for accountability for victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. Her statements underscore the UN's focus on protecting women's rights in sports and ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence.