Protesters gather near the freedom plaza in Washington D.C., the United States, Jan. 19, 2019. Thousands of women gathered in Washington D.C. on Saturday for the third Women's March, supporting women's rights while denouncing racism and violence against women. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

UNITED NATIONS, March 11 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday warned that there is a "pushback" on women's rights globally.

"Around the world, there is a pushback on women's rights," the UN chief said while addressing the opening of the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63), noting "that pushback is deep, pervasive and relentless."

"We witness increased violence against women, especially human rights defenders and women running for political office," he added.

"We see online harassment and abuse of women who speak out," said the UN chief, adding that "in some countries, homicide rates are going down - but murders of women are going up."

"In others, we see a rollback of legal protection against domestic violence or even female genital mutilation," said Guterres.

CSW63 kicked off at UN headquarters in New York on Monday and will last until March 22. Its theme is: Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Representatives of UN member states, UN entities, and the Economic and Social Council accredited non-governmental organizations from all regions of the world will attend the session.