A/HRC/17/22 improving the ways and means through which cases of violence against women are investigated, perpetrators are held accountable and reparations are granted to victims, and in contributing to protecting women and ultimately preventing violence from occurring. 62. She highlighted that analyses from the international level, paired with concrete examples on regional and national experiences made for a constructive approach of the issue of violence against women. However, in-depth reflection on what works and what hampers progress in the elimination of violence against women was still essential. The High Commissioner stressed the need to spur further progress in implementing and enforcing women’s rights, and countering gender-based discrimination and violence that persisted in both public and private spheres, in peace, conflict and transition times. 63. The High Commissioner acknowledged that violence against women continues to be one of the most entrenched forms of discrimination worldwide and tangible improvements in the daily lives of millions of women lag well behind commitments and intentions. She pointed out that it is everyone’s responsibility to continue breaking down the wall of silence surrounding the countless women who face violence and exclusion and to counter the underlying prejudices and discrimination with holistic strategies. She concluded that addressing violence against women as a human rights issue encouraged an indivisible, holistic and multi-sectoral response. 15