communications [at] rescue.org New York, NY, April 1, 2021 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) cautiously welcomes the draft outcomes of the first conference of the Generation Equality Forum (GEF), hosted by the government of Mexico from March 29-31. While the conference provided an important space for governments, activists, and allies to exchange ideas and recommit to gender equality, the IRC is concerned that millions of women and girls living within conflict and crisis settings are largely absent from draft blueprints, and will once again be left behind. IRC welcomes and congratulates the Mexican government on the launch of the “Group of Friends of Gender Equality, "a group of 20 states that intend to champion Gender Equality at the UN and in multilateral negotiations. This is a timely and much-needed development, as women’s rights are frequently under attack, and we are seeing a roll back of rights and opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.