WUNRN
STATEMENT
TO THE 12TH SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
By
Conchita
Poncini (IFUW)
Item 8: ANNUAL DISCUSSION ON THE
INTEGRATION OF GENDER
PERSPECTIVE
IN THE COUNCIL'S WORK (WITH FOCUS ON UPR)
Mr. President,
I speak on behalf of the International
Federation of University Women and as president of the Geneva NGO Committee on
the Status of Women (of the Conference of non-governmental organisations
We welcome this year’s discussion on integrating gender focus on the Universal Periodic Review. We have great expectations that this innovative mechanism is an institutional process that could bring light to particular gaps in the impartial and equal treatment between women and men of all ages and status Some governments have suggested UPR risks being a selective process due to uneven political, economic, social and cultural situations,. We believe however, if there is genuine goodwill and systematic accountability, UPR could enhance a state’s performance towards fulfilling its commitment to gender equality, enjoyment of women’s human rights and their access to decision-making. To take effect, it is essential that UPR include a gender equal perspective as a prescriptive concept and test for gender bias by asking the question “Does a woman have an equal opportunity, access, treatment and choice to develop in a given situation?” UPR should include gender-specific awareness and sensitivity factors, impact assessment and evaluation measures with time lines.
Much of the failure to redress gender
inequality is due primarily to absence of systematic sex and age disaggregated
national statistics that identify characteristics and practices of human rights
violations specific to or primarily directed against women or to which women
are particularly vulnerable. It is essential that all international treaties
and conventions be the basis of analyses, especially CEDAW and the Platforms of
Action of Beijing,
Civil society and individuals from the ground are valuable in validating allegations of gender-based violations in the UPR and provide Council with models of best practices to advance women’s status in countries under review.
Finally, we strongly endorse the creation of one gender entity in the UN just
adopted by the General Assembly, for a stronger and more coherent UN delivery
on gender equality. The Council should
establish a synergetic relationship with this Body, inject a human rights
approach to the Review Process on
Thank you Mr. President.
Delivered by CP on 28.09.2009
.
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Thank you.