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Posts Tagged ‘Gender Mainstreaming’:

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October 4, 2017

Here’s What Happened at the 36th UN Human Rights Council

The 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council took place from 11-29 September 2017. Below you will find information on some of the key sexual rights related: Resolutions, Oral Statements, Side Events and Panels.

Featured News

 

The Sexual Rights Initiative would like to thank the 286 NGOs who signed the joint statement marking the September 28 Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion. This was the first mass joint statement on abortion rights at the Human Rights Council. Click here for the statement and video »

Sexual Rights-related Resolutions

The question of the death penalty HRC/36/L6

Chaired by Benin, Belgium, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, and Switzerland, the resolution focused on the right to equality and non-discrimination in the context of the use of the death penalty as per the Secretary General’s report presented during the session. The resolution condemns the imposition of the death penalty as a sanction for specific forms of conduct, such as apostasy, blasphemy, adultery and consensual same-sex relations, and expressing serious concern that the application of the death penalty for adultery is disproportionately imposed on women. The resolution further deplores the fact that, frequently, poor and economically vulnerable persons and foreign nationals are disproportionately subjected to the death penalty, that laws carrying the death penalty are used against persons exercising their rights to freedom of expression, thought, conscience, religion, and peaceful assembly and association, and that persons belonging to religious or ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented among those sentenced to the death penalty.

The resolution urges States that have not yet abolished the death penalty to ensure that it is not imposed as a sanction for specific forms of conduct such as apostasy, blasphemy, adultery and consensual same-sex relations, calls upon States to undertake further studies to identify the underlying factors that contribute to the substantial racial and ethnic bias in the application of the death penalty, calls upon States to make available disaggregated information on the application of the death penalty and decides that the high-level panel discussion on the topic at the 40th session (March 2019) will address the human rights violations related to the use of the death penalty, in particular with respect to the rights to non- discrimination and equality.

Egypt, Russia and Saudi Arabia put forward 9 hostile amendments to the resolution, including two sovereignty amendments which would have considerably weakened the text. All amendments were rejected.

This is the first UN resolution explicitly referencing adultery at either the Human Rights Council or the General Assembly.



ADOPTED BY VOTE: 27 FOR – 13 AGAINST – 7 ABSTENTIONS

Click here to read the resolution

The full enjoyment of human rights by all women and girls and the systematic mainstreaming of a gender perspective into the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development HRC/36/L12

Chaired by the group of Portuguese speaking countries (Portugal, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Mozambique and Timor Leste), the resolution recognizes that the full implementation of all Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda is not possible without the respect, protection and fulfilment of the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all women and girls, and which should be mainstreamed into all policies and programmes aimed at the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

During the negotiations, a more substantive text that included several paragraphs from Agenda 2030 was discussed. However, many States and civil society objected to the selectivity of issues from Agenda 2030 that were included and the absence of relevant human rights content. In response to these concerns, the core group stripped back the text to make it a largely procedural resolution that calls for a 2-day intersessional expert meeting to consider gaps in, challenges to and best practices in the fulfillment of human rights by all women and girls and the systematic mainstreaming of a gender perspective in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. A report of meeting will be presented to the Human Rights Council at its thirty-ninth session (Sept 2018).

This resolution has attracted few co-sponsors to date.

ADOPTED BY CONSENSUS WITHOUT A VOTE

Click here to read the resolution

From rhetoric to reality: a global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance HRC/36/L.17/Rev.1

Chaired by the Africa Group, the resolution expresses concern at the increasing incidents of racially motivated hatred in all its forms and manifestations, the resurgent violent manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance precipitated by dangerous ideologies, such as white supremacy and extremist nationalist and populist ideologies, and deplores the use of social media platforms to incite hatred and violence against migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and calls upon States to prohibit by law any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, including that propagated by information and communications technology. The resolution directs the Ad Hoc Committee on the Elaboration of Complementary Standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination to commence elaboration of a draft additional protocol to the Convention criminalizing acts of a racist and xenophobic nature.

The USA, stating its concern for the elaboration additional standards to ICERD and limitations to freedom of expression contained in the resolution, called for a vote.  Latvia, on behalf of the EU, and Switzerland echoed the concerns of the USA regarding freedom of expression and elaboration of additional standards to ICERD.



ADOPTED BY VOTE: 32 FOR – 5 AGAINST – 10 ABSTENTIONS

Click here to read the resolution

Mental Health and Human Rights HRC/36/L25

Chaired by Portugal and Brazil, the resolution expresses concern at the marginalization of mental health within health policies, budgets, in medical education, research and practice, and pays particular attention to the mental health rights of migrants, refugees, women, girls, people living with HIV and members of key populations. The resolution underscores that States should ensure that persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities have access to a range of support services that are based on respect for human rights in order to live independently, be included in the community, exercise their autonomy and agency, participate meaningfully in and decide upon all matters affecting them and have their dignity respected, on an equal basis with others. The resolution further encourages States to support persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities to empower themselves in order to know and demand their rights, including through health and human rights literacy, to provide human rights education and training for health workers, police, law enforcement officers, prison staff and other relevant professions, with a special focus on non-discrimination, free and informed consent and respect for the will and preferences of all, and confidentiality and privacy.

The resolution Requests the High Commissioner to organize a consultation during the 71st session of the World Health Assembly, to discuss all the relevant issues and challenges pertaining to the fulfillment of a human rights perspective in mental health.

ADOPTED BY CONSENSUS WITHOUT A VOTE

Click here to read the resolution

Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights HRC36/L26/Rev1

Chaired by Fiji, Ghana, Hungary, Ireland and Uruguay, the resolution notes with concern the worsening incidence, severity and scope of cases of intimidation and reprisals against individuals and groups who cooperate with the United Nations, urges States to refrain from acts of intimidation or reprisals, to prevent such acts and to ensure accountability for such acts. The resolution decides that the presentation of the report of the Secretary-General on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights will be followed by an interactive dialogue.

19 amendments to the draft resolution were tabled by Russia, China, Venezuela, Egypt and India, which sought to undermine the role of the UN in addressing reprisals and the responsibility of Governments to stop reprisals, to prevent the publication of reports of reprisals, to assert that some reports of reprisals are fabricated for political purposes and to restrict civil society’s communication with the UN. 1 amendment was withdrawn, 3 were adopted and 15 were rejected. The adopted amendments stress cooperation and dialogue to strengthen the capacity of Member States to comply with their human rights obligations, that information provided by stakeholders, including civil society, should be credible and must be thoroughly checked and corroborated, and changed the language of the tabled text that required States to report on action they have taken to address reprisals to providing concerned States with an appropriate opportunity to respond to allegations.

ADOPTED AS AMENDED BY VOTE: 28 FOR – 0 AGAINST – 19 ABSTENTIONS

Click here to read the resolution

Enforced or involuntary disappearances HRC/36/L.10

Chaired by Argentina, France, Morocco and Japan, the resolution expresses concern about the increase in enforced or involuntary disappearances in various regions of the world and by the growing number of reports concerning harassment, ill-treatment and intimidation of witnesses of disappearances or relatives of disappeared persons, takes note of the recommendation made by the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances that more assistance should be provided to family members and members of civil society in order to enable them to report alleged cases of enforced disappearances to the Working Group, and decides to extend the mandate of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances for a further 3 years.

China, Pakistan, Venezuela, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt tabled two amendments to the draft text seeking to insert a sovereignty clause and to undermine the Working Group. The SRI joined civil society organizations in calling for States to reject these amendments which would set a dangerous precedent for the work of all Special Procedures. Both amendments were rejected.

Click here to read the joint letter calling on States to reject the amendments »

ADOPTED BY CONSENSUS WITHOUT A VOTE

Click here to read the resolution

SRI Oral Statements

 

Joint Statement on Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion
with 286 NGO signatories

The SRI also made statements on:

  • Annual discussion on integration of a gender perspective
  • Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development
  • Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – Brazil
  • Item 6: Adopción de los Resultados del EPU – Ecuador
  • Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – India 
  • Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – Indonesia
  • Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – Poland
  • Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – South Africa
  • Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – The Netherlands
  • Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – United Kingdom
  • Panel discussion on the impact of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence in the context of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the full enjoyment of all human rights by women and girls

Side Events

 

We Persist

We Persist:

Using human rights law and standards to advance the right to access safe and legal abortion

In support of the September 28 Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion, the Sexual Rights Initiative organised a panel highlighting the ways in which States, civil society, the UN system, and others can use human rights law and standards to advance the right to access safe and legal abortion. It is intended that this exchange of practices and experiences will inspire further action and collaboration among States, development partners, and civil society towards realizing abortion related rights for all.

Moderator
Naureen Shameem, Challenging Fundamentalisms Human Rights Coordinator, AWID

Speakers
H.E. Martha Maurás Perez, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Chile to the UN
Ronald Johnson, Scientist, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, WHO
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, Vice Chairperson, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition, South Africa
Dr. Francelina Romao, Health Counselor Permanent Mission of Mozambique to the UN

Co-Sponsors
Sexual Rights Initiative, AWID, Permanent Mission of Chile to the UN, Center for Reproductive Rights, RFSU, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition, World Health Organization

Panels

 

Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective 
The universal periodic review and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girlsSRI statement begins at 2:18:31

 

Panel discussion on the impact of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence in the context of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the full enjoyment of all human rights by women and girls

SRI statement begins at 1:29:27


September 15, 2017

HRC36 Oral Statements

The 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council is took place from 11-29 September 2017. Here are transcripts of oral statements made by the Sexual Rights Initiative.


Annual discussion on integration of a gender perspective

I make this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.

We welcome the theme of this discussion as it provides an opportunity to focus on accountability mechanisms for the 2030 Agenda and States’ commitments to achieving gender equality.

Data from the first two UPR cycles show that gender equality and women’s rights feature prominently in State recommendations. Yet, their language and national reports regularly lack specificity on the laws, policies and budgets that are crucial for the realization of gender equality. Moreover, egregious sexual and reproductive rights violations that directly impact gender equality and the overall goals of Agenda 2030 continue to be neglected by States. Specific examples of neglected issues, derived from the SRI’s Sexual Rights UPR database, include denial of safe abortion, restrictions on adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, inhumane treatment of migrants and refugees, and violence against sex workers, all of which are directly connected to treaty obligations and SDGs 1,3, 4, 5, 10 and 16. At a time when we are observing a worrying tendency to step back on women’s rights, especially on reproductive and sexual rights, at national, regional and global levels, we cannot afford to ignore the opportunities presented by the UPR to hold states accountable.

We must recognize that while the SDGs present a global and forward looking agenda, they are insufficient to ensure the full range of human rights to which women and girls are entitled, especially their sexual and reproductive rights. The Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, including the UPR, can help strengthen the legitimacy of the SDG processes by aligning recommendations and reporting with SDG indicators focused on law and policy reform that meet human rights standards.

The potential exists for the SDG and UPR processes to be mutually reinforcing and complementary to the advancement of gender equality.  However, for this happen States must listen to what women and girls from the country under review are telling them are the major barriers to gender equality, and deliver specific, measurable and achievable recommendations.

I thank you.


Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development

Thank you Mr President.

I make this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  We congratulate the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development on his appointment to this new mandate.

The Women’s Human Rights Defenders International Coalition frames the global crises within which human rights defenders do their activism within 5 key factors:

  1. The global capitalist crises
  2. The crises in democracy
  3. Religious extremisms and fundamentalisms
  4. Patriarchy and heteronormativity
  5. Militarism and conflict

The Coalition of African Lesbians includes in this list of factors that define the current global crises  environmental exploitation and degradation. The causes and consequences of this hostile context can be addressed by this Council through deploying the concept of right to development. This right enables us to bridge the gap between civil and political rights on the one hand and social, cultural and economic rights on the other.  None of us need to be reminded that there is sufficient wealth and resources in the world to ensure that everyone can live in dignity and enjoy good health, having their basic needs met.

The Sexual Rights Initiative thanks and affirms the Special Rapporteur for reminding us all that

The Charter of the United Nations mandated the United Nations to higher standards of living; full employment; conditions of economic and social progress and development;  solutions to international economic, social, health and related problems; international cultural and educational co-operation and universal respect for and observance of human rights

The World Conference on Human Rights emphasised the importance of removing obstacles to development, including human rights violations, racism, colonialism and foreign occupation; of promoting peace and security; and of increasing the resources devoted to development

In keeping with the concerns articulated by the Special Rapporteur on the barriers to the implementation of the Declaration on the Right to Development, the Sexual Rights Initiative calls on States to:

  1. Desist from the politicisation of the right to development and to respect and act to implement the Declaration on the Right to Development in accordance with human rights standards and obligations;
  2. Engage actively in promoting, protecting and fulfilling the right to development with the same commitment and vigour with which they advocate for civil and political rights in recognition of their interdependence;
  3. Reaffirm the Special Rapporteur’s clarion call regarding the universality of human rights and that the promotion of, respect for and enjoyment of certain human rights and fundamental freedoms cannot justify the denial of other human rights and fundamental freedoms; and
  4. States to heed the injunction of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development to bring to the discussion the paradigm of choice – the right of every individual to participate in, to contribute to and to enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development in order to achieve sustainable development;

We look forward to the work and future reports of the Special Rapporteur and to observing the co-operation of all states in this Council in addressing issues related to the right to development.

Thank you Mr President.


Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – Brazil 

Not delivered orally due to time limitations

Thank you Mr. President,

Action Canada makes this statement on behalf of Ipas and the Sexual Rights Initiative. We welcome Brazil’s acceptance of a number of recommendations relating to ensuring universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in accordance with its commitments made at the Montevideo Consensus amongst others, and to continue expanding access to voluntary termination of pregnancy so as to ensure the full recognition of sexual and reproductive rights.

In addition, Brazil stated that it will continue to ensure access to safe abortion as long as it is subject to existing laws. Unfortunately, this is not enough and completely disingenuous. Current legislation on abortion is highly restrictive and not fully implemented preventing women and adolescent girls to have access to services that provide safe and legal abortions. In most of health services health professionals are permitted to refuse to perform the procedure requested by sexual violence victims. It is no surprise to learn that clandestine and unsafe abortions disproportionately affect poorer, socially excluded, black and rural women and that complications from unsafe abortion represent one of five causes of preventable maternal mortality in Brazil.

It should also be noted that these circumstances were increased during the public health emergency declared by The World Health Organization relating to the Zika epidemic. The government’s inadequate response to the epidemic failed to prevent harm and to protect women’s sexual reproductive health rights and the protocol on the health care response to the virus, elaborated by the Ministry of Health failed to address relevant reproductive rights, including access to safe and legal abortion for women not willing to continue their pregnancies with many uncertainties about future health consequences, as well as access to information on the risk of sexually transmitted infections, among the traditionally underserved populations living in the most affected areas in the Northeast.

The Brazilian government’s commitments made in this UPR on ensuring universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services including on expanding access to voluntary termination of pregnancy without discrimination, means that it must comply with its obligations under international human rights law. We call on the government to reverse discriminatory policies and practices, and review punitive laws that impose unnecessary suffering for women in most need.

Thank you,


Item 6: Adopción de los Resultados del EPU – Ecuador

Gracias Señor Presidente,

Hago esta declaración en nombre de la Iniciativa por los Derechos Sexuales y Taller Comunicación Mujer de Ecuador.

Apreciamos el compromiso de Ecuador con el proceso del EPU y su aceptación las recomendaciones recibidas de redoblar sus esfuerzos dirigidos a eliminar la discriminación y la violencia contra las mujeres y las niñas, y la búsqueda y enjuiciamiento a los autores de actos de esa naturaleza, como también las recomendaciones que llaman a adoptar medidas para prevenir, investigar y sancionar las manifestaciones de violencia, intolerancia y discriminación contra personas LGBTI, investigando, enjuiciando y castigando a autores de dichos actos.

Asimismo, tomamos nota del reconocimiento por parte de Ecuador de la existencia de las llamadas “clínicas de rehabilitación y las terapias de “reorientación sexual” y la aceptación de las recomendaciones solicitando medidas para erradicarlas, eliminando las prácticas de internación forzosa de personas LGB.  Destacamos que sobre esta situación Ecuador ya recibió recomendaciones en el ciclo anterior y sin embargo estos establecimientos y prácticas continúan vigentes.

Mientras tomamos nota del compromiso de Ecuador en este EPU, quisiéramos resaltar que para la efectiva implementación de estas y otras recomendaciones aceptadas son necesarias medidas adicionales y fundamentales, entre otras, reunir información permanente y actualizada permita conocer, analizar y evaluar su situación, el diseño de políticas y programas integrales sobre la materia y la asignación de un presupuesto suficiente.

Por este motivo instamos a Ecuador que tome estas medidas adicionales ya que permitirán una implementación integral y efectiva de las recomendaciones aceptadas.

Muchas gracias,


Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – United Kingdom 

Thank you Mr President. Action Canada makes this statement in collaboration with Alliance for Choice Northern Ireland and the Sexual Rights Initiative.

We regret that out of the 227 recommendations the UK received to improve its human rights record, it chose to accept less than 100 recommendations – a paltry 42 per cent. This represents a blatant disregard for the integrity of the UPR process and calls into question the UK government’s willingness to uphold international human rights laws and norms.

In its national report, the UK proclaimed itself a champion in opposing ‘modern forms of slavery’. However, the continued criminalization of abortion in Northern Ireland and the UK’s rejection of recommendations to address this grave human rights situation belies this assertion. The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery has stated that forced ‘motherhood’ experienced by women and girls in countries which restrict or deny access to abortion should be classified as a form of ‘modern slavery’.

While access to safe abortion is legally permitted in England, Scotland and Wales, women and adolescent girls in Northern Ireland are denied this very same choice and are forced to travel abroad to access safe and legal abortion, provided they have the means to do so. If they do not have the means, they are forced to continue pregnancies against their will or risk criminal prosecution by seeking out safe but illegal medical abortions.

The criminalization of abortion in Northern Ireland is incompatible with international human rights obligations. It is a violation of the rights to health, to non-discrimination, to privacy, to life, to liberty and to security of the person and to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment.

We call on the UK government to put to one side the politics that have sustained this discrimination, fulfil its obligations as the duty bearer for the implementation of human rights within its jurisdiction as per the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and devolved administrations, and realise the human rights of all women and girls in Northern Ireland.


Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – India 

Thank you Mr. President

Action Canada makes this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.

We welcome the fact that 12 countries made recommendations to India regarding the need to recognise marital rape as a form of rape, however we are deeply concerned that India has not accepted these recommendations and that it continues to favour the exception on marital rape.  Only a few days ago, on 29th August 2017, in an affidavit filed before the Delhi High Court the Central Government stated that “(I)t has to be ensured adequately that marital rape does not become a phenomenon which may destabilise the institution of marriage apart from being an easy tool for harassing the husbands,”.

India’s commitments under CEDAW and other international instruments require it to recognize marital rape as a serious form of violence against women, punishable under its laws. In India’s 4th and 5th periodic review under CEDAW, the Committee observed that Indian rape laws need to reflect the realities of sexual abuse experienced by women and to remove the exception of marital rape from the definition of rape.

Further, while India received eight recommendations on access to healthcare, education and other benefits for persons with disabilities, we are disappointed that specific issues faced by women with disabilities were not addressed by the Council. While laws on violence against women are applicable to women with disabilities, systems and procedures are not equipped to deal with the specific concerns of women with disability. All recommendations concerning the rights of people with disability should incorporate the reality of human rights violations faced specifically by girls and women with disability.

We strongly call upon the Indian government to implement the recommendations on removing the exception to marital rape in its penal laws. To put the institution of marriage before the basic human rights of a person to be free from sexual violence is unacceptable. We also urge the Indian government to recognise and address the holistic sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls with disabilities and its impact on issues around access in accordance with General Comment 3 of the CRPD.

Thank you


Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – Indonesia

Thank you Mr President. Action Canada makes this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.

We welcome the Government’s acceptance of recommendations related to the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education, early and forced marriage and reproductive health. We urge the government to take practical and meaningful steps to implement these recommendations with the full involvement of women, adolescents and their advocates, in accordance with human rights standards.

However, we are perplexed that, at the same time, the Government decided not to accept recommendations to repeal discriminatory laws that violate women and adolescents’ sexual and reproductive rights including those that restrict access to health services, information and commodities. These two different positions are incompatible in law and practice. Further, the explanation provided by the Government for not accepting particular recommendations is wholly inadequate in that a list of reasons were applied to all noted recommendations regardless of substance.

The Government’s own national report states that “reducing maternal mortality and improving access to sexual and reproductive healthcare across the country continues to be high priority on the national agenda”. Yet the reality is that access to these services are dependent upon ones’ marital status, denying unmarried women, adolescents and people of diverse sexualities and genders access to life saving and life changing healthcare to which they are entitled. During his visit to Indonesia in March of 2017, the Special Rapporteur on Health expressed particular concern over policy or legal barriers related to the realization of sexual and reproductive rights and that this exposed women, adolescents and marginalized communities to violence and discrimination.

We take this opportunity to remind the Government of Indonesia that discrimination on any grounds is prohibited under international human rights law and to strongly encourage the Government to review the laws and policies that serve only to deny individuals’ their human rights.

Thank you


Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – Poland

Thank you Mr. President,

This statement is made on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.

During the 27th session of the UPR as many as six states (France, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Canada) recommended that Poland guarantees access to safe and legal abortion. Iceland and the Netherlands recommended full and effective implementation of the European Court of Human Right judgments on the issue of women and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health-care and services.

We welcome these recommendations made to the Polish Government and stress that we are disappointed that Poland decided to respond by selectively choosing to highlight information that presents itself as a State that faultlessly realizes the right to legal abortion, contraception, and sexuality education. The reality and practical execution of sexual and reproductive rights in Poland is very different from the one presented by the representatives of the Polish Government.

Regarding access to abortion, the Polish Government referred to the possibility to obtain the service free of charge in three cases as stated in the act on family planning, human embryo protection and conditions of permissibility of abortion. What the State has failed to mention, however, is the fact that in practice Polish hospitals and doctors do not comply with the law. Many doctors successfully prolong the medical and bureaucratic procedures in connection with termination of pregnancy in order to exceed the deadline to perform a legal abortion. Doctors also refuse to perform procedures claiming their right to conscientious objection. This refusal to care without timely referral to another service provider is clearly overused by doctors and is in use in entire hospitals in Poland.  It is also used to deny prescriptions for contraceptives or referrals to prenatal testing.

Accessing a legal abortion in Poland has become almost impossible – there are entire parts of the country that fail to meet women’s need in this regard, such as the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The Polish State fails to recognize the numbers of abortion that are performed in illegal and thus unsafe setting. The official numbers issued by the Ministry of Health refer to a population of almost 39 million and in 2016 there were only 1098 reported legal abortions. This is clearly an underestimation of the reality.

We call on the state of Poland to fully and effectively implement the recommendations received during the 3rd cycle of the Universal Periodic Review process and comply with its obligations under international law.

I thank you.


Panel discussion on the impact of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence in the context of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the full enjoyment of all human rights by women and girls

Thank you Mr President,

Action Canada makes this statement on behalf of the Coalition of African Lesbians and the Sexual Rights Initiative.

We welcome this panel and its emphasis on the need for an intersectional analysis and approach to confronting and countering racism and xenophobia. Across the globe violent nationalism and populism are gaining ground on the streets and in governments. These racist and xenophobic sentiments and violence follow the same well-worn paths of the trans-atlantic slave trade and colonialism, which views black bodies as the dehumanized ‘other’ and consequently always available to violence, exploitation and denigration.

The High Commissioner’s report highlights the many impacts and manifestations of intersecting discrimination and violence on women’s lived realities. Yet missing from this important analysis is how capitalism and free market fundamentalism, racism and heteropatriarchy are co-constitutive, and serve to deepen existing inequalities and oppressions. Privatisation and extractivism – two hallmarks of neo-colonialsim and globalized white supremacist capitalism – continue to deprive those on the margins from their land, livelihoods, essential services and life-saving medicines. Black and migrant women in the global north and south are disproportionately affected by this with devastating impact on their quality of life, autonomy and fundamental freedoms.

We must continue to create spaces and maintain mechanisms that focus specifically on addressing these forms of discrimination and violence.  We must also ensure that every mandate, mechanism and institution addresses the ways in which race, nationality, among other social and identity markers shapes lived realities – to not do so is to condone and perpetuate it.

It is also equally important to recognise the work of black feminists in advancing social justice and human rights. Black feminists across the globe are resisting oppression and violence in bold, courageous and innovative ways. And yet, they remain conspicuously absent and excluded from decision-making spaces such as these.

The question we have for the panel is what more can be done to ensure better representation, voice and inclusion of black and migrant women in UN spaces?

Thank you


Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – The Netherlands

Thank you Mr President. Action Canada makes this statement in collaboration with Rutgers and the Sexual Rights Initiative.

We welcome the Government’s acceptance of the recommendations by Belgium and Slovenia related to comprehensive sexuality education and to paternity leave.

We note that in its response, the Government of the Netherlands gives the impression that these recommendations have already been fully implemented. However, we see still see room for improvement in order to fully meet its obligations.

Although elements of sexuality education are included in the national education policy, independent research shows that it is only incidentally taught, and that a comprehensive approach to sexuality education is often missing. The national education policy is not in line with the international commitments to comprehensive sexuality education as defined by UNESCO, which requires a structural approach. Further, training on the delivery of comprehensive sexuality education to new and existing teachers is not integrated into the regular training of teachers.

The Government of the Netherlands refers to an expansion of paid paternity leave from two to five days. However, sufficient follow up to this recommendation by Slovenia asking for ‘paid paternity leave of adequate length’ requires more than five days in order to meaningfully participate in their child’s care.

Therefore, we urge the Government to:

  • Ensure that in addition to sexuality and sexual diversity, gender equality and sexual rights are indeed compulsory elements of the curriculum, and that more concrete instructions will be provided to schools to ensure that comprehensive sexuality education is actually taught in all schools and classes, touching upon all the essential topics outlined by the UNESCO Guidelines.
  • Ensure all teachers are provided with training on comprehensive sexuality education by structurally including it in new teachers’ curriculum, as well as by training existing teachers;
  • Substantially increase paid paternity leave beyond the minor increase from 2 to 5 days that is currently foreseen.

Thank you


Item 6: Universal Periodic Review Outcomes – South Africa

Thank you, Mr. President.

Action Canada makes this statement in collaboration with the Sexual Rights Initiative.

Of the 243 recommendations made by member states to South Africa many echo the recommendations made in the previous cycle, having been pointed out by civil society. These relate to a set of commonly identified injustices – gender based violence, HIV and AIDS, poverty, inequality and discrimination.

The repeated commitments by the government of South Africa to addressing these issues are undermined by the historical and ongoing extraction of the country’s natural resources by multinational corporations; the political economy of aid, whose conditionalities represent the modern face of old colonialism in the name of development and human rights; corruption; poor and inconsistent political leadership on policy, institutional transformation and delivery; lack of coordination between government ministries; lack of recognition and an enabling environment for meaningful participation by civil society groups (who all too often are relied on to do the work of government service provision in relation to HIV and GBV) – all packaged within a macroeconomic and political framework that privileges the rich and the powerful and deepens already existing and multiple inequalities including race, class and gender, amongst others.

More than half of South Africa’s population — over 30 million people —live in poverty or on less than two and a half dollars per day. This represents three million more people living in poverty today than in 2011. Closer inspection of the data reveals the ways in which poverty, like any other social injustice or concern in South Africa, is profoundly raced and gendered. Race, class and gender – among other identity and geographical markers – continue to dictate the destiny of those who reside within South Africa’s borders.

We call on the government of South Africa to undertake:

  • Focused and sustained prioritization of key areas that pertain to the lived realities of people facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion demonstrated through adequate resourcing, proper coordination and open and transparent monitoring and evaluation and accountability to those most affected.
  • Disciplined and rigorous implementation of the many progressive laws and policies and where necessary to engage in law reform to align laws, policies and practices to ensure accordance with the Constitution. This includes the full decriminalization of all aspects of adult sex work, ensuring access for women and girls to safe and legal abortions, and the roll out of comprehensive sexuality education.
  • Develop with the involvement of civil society and other key role-players a plan for effective and accountable delivery of the UPR outcomes paying particular attention to the expressed needs and realities of women and others who have been excluded and marginalized.

Finally, we call on international donor / financing community to challenge the dominant market approach and conditionality-driven aid architecture, and establish one based on gender equality, human rights and sustainability.


September 6, 2017

What to Expect at the 36th Human Rights Council Session

The 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council will take place from the 11th to the 29th of September 2017. Find below information about anticipated sexual rights-related resolutions, panels and reports, UPR outcomes, and parallel events taking place during the 36th session.

 


Click here to access the full programme of work for HRC36

Expected Resolutions Relevant to Sexual Rights

  • The systematic mainstreaming of a gender perspective in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (Brazil)
  • Human rights education and training (Brazil)
  • Implementation of 2030 Agenda (using national mechanisms) (Paraguay)
  • Mental health and human rights (Portugal and Brazil)
  • Question of the death penalty (Belgium, Benin, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, Switzerland)

Sexual Rights Related Panels

Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms

Theme: The universal periodic review and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

The panel discussion will present an opportunity to participants to explore the potential role the UPR mechanism can play in advancing the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular its Goal 5, at the global, regional and country levels. Click here to download the concept note »

Annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples 

Theme: The commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with a special focus on challenges and good practices in achieving the ends of the Declaration

The panel discussion aims to identify good practices and challenges in achieving the ends of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, examine the role of indigenous youth in the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, and consider the way forward in implementing the Declaration including through collaboration between relevant human rights mechanisms. Click here to download the concept note »

Panel discussion on the impact of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence in the context of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the full enjoyment of all human rights by women and girls

Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 32/17 and further to the High Commissioner’s report A/HRC/35/10, the panel discussion will present an opportunity to further examine the compounded negative impact of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence on the ability of specific groups of women and girls to realize all their human rights, including economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. The panel discussion will also present a unique opportunity to share promising practices for addressing intersecting forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls by States and other stakeholders, and discuss the constraints and challenges in doing so, while paying particular attention to legal frameworks, institutions and policies, data and research, monitoring and protection, awareness raising and capacity building. Click here to download the concept note »

Click here for a list of all panels and concept notes

Sexual Rights Related Reports

A/HRC/36/19
Summary of the Human Rights Council panel discussion on access to medicines. Click here to read the report »A/HRC/36/20
Summary of the panel discussion on realizing the right to health by enhancing capacity-building in public health – Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Click here to read the report »A/HRC/36/21
Panel discussion on unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents and human rights – Summary report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Report not currently available.A/HRC/36/30
Expert workshop on best practices to promote women’s equal nationality rights in law and in practice – Summary report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Click here to read the report »A/HRC/36/45
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. Click here to read the report » A/HRC/36/46
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. Report not currently available.

A/HRC/36/48
Report of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons. Click here to read the report » 

Click here for a list of all reports

UPR OUTCOMES

Outcomes from the 27th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) will be adopted during this session of the HRC. The 27th session of the UPR was held from the 1st to the 12th of May 2017.

Fourteen countries were reviewed: Algeria, Bahrain, Brazil, Ecuador, Finland, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Tunisia, and United Kingdom.


SRI collaborated with organizations and individuals in preparing reports for six countries:

Brazil

  • Ipas

Ecuador

  • Taller Comunicación Mujer

Indonesia

  • Rutgers WPF Indonesia, Ardhanary Institute, Yayasan Pulih, Aliansi Remaja Independen, GWL-INA, Suara Kita, Perempuan Mahardhika

Netherlands

  • Rutgers

Poland

  • Federation for Women and Family Planning

South Africa

  • Coalition of African Lesbians, People Opposing Women Abuse, Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce, Sonke Gender Justice, WISH Associates

Click here to review all SRI joint submissions

All Reports from the Working Groups, containing all recommendations received by States Under Review can be accessed here.

SRI Parallel Events



26 SEPTEMBER
We Persist: Using human rights law and standards to advance the right to access safe and legal abortion
Sexual Rights Initiative
15:30-17:00, Room XVIn support of the September 28 Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion, the Sexual Rights Initiative is organising an event during the 36th regular session of the Human Rights Council. The event will highlight the ways in which States, civil society, the UN system, and others can use human rights law and standards to advance the right to access safe and legal abortion. It is intended that this exchange of practices and experiences will inspire further action and collaboration among States, development partners, and civil society towards realising abortion related rights for all.

Other Sexual Rights-related Parallel Events

11 SEPTEMBER
Interaction Panel Discussion with Human Rights Council Candidates
Canada, Amnesty International, and International Service for Human Rights
12:30-15:00, Room XI13 SEPTEMBER
Women and human rights
Rencontre africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme
14:00-15:30, Room XI14 SEPTEMBER
Realizing Rights: Protecting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Time of Backlash
Center for Reproductive Rights
13:30-15:00, Room XXVII

Right to Development and LGBTI
Swedish Federation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights – RFSL
14:00-15:30, Room XV

15 SEPTEMBER
Ensuring Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women and Girls Affected by Conflict
Center for Reproductive Rights
13:00-15:00, Room VIII

Meaningful Youth Participation
World Young Women’s Christian Association
17:00-18:00, Room XXIV

19 SEPTEMBER
Women and Youth in Peacebuilding
Human Rights Information and Training Center
14:00-15:00, Room XI

21 SEPTEMBER
Human rights in Libya and Yemen: Women, Peace and Security
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
14:00-15:00, Room XXVII

Click here for a list of NGO parallel events

October 5, 2016

HRC33: Sexual Rights Recap

The 33rd session of the UN Human Rights Council took place from the 12th to the 30th of September 2016. Here is an overview of resolutions, panel, oral statements and side events related to sexual rights that took place during the session.

 

The HRC33 Recap provides information on some of the key sexual rights related: 
  • Resolutions
  • Panels and Discussions
  • Oral Statements
  • Side Events
all of which the Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) was engaged with during the session. 

Sexual Rights-related Resolutions

Preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and human right

The Council adopted by consensus its biannual resolution on preventable maternal mortality and morbidity. The resolution represents an advancement to women’s human rights on several counts.

However, fourteen amendments tabled by Russia aimed to significantly reduce the potential advances in the resolution, five of which went to a vote. The amendments targeted references to the CESCR General Comment 22 on the right to sexual and reproductive health and the CRPD General Comment 3 on women and girls with disabilities, and the call for States to remove third party authorization for health services ( agreed language from resolution A/HRC/RES/32/4), insisting on the qualifiers of the ICPD and Beijing Platform for Action for agreed language on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, and sought to change the title of the proposed panel on maternal mortality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

These five amendments were voted on and accepted by a majority of States in the Council. While the text remains strong and represents important advances in several areas, the number of amendments put forward and their acceptance by the Council members illustrates the continued challenges to advancing women’s rights to equality, health, life, information, privacy and control the number and spacing of children, among others. It is especially disappointing that the Council would backtrack on language agreed only three months ago in the Elimination of Discrimination against Women resolution at the June session regarding the removal of third party authorization for information and health services.

How the resolution advances women’s human rights:

  • highlights the linkages between human rights obligations related to ending preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and the SDGs and the Secretary General’s Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health;
  • recognizes the obligation of States Parties to the ICESCR to take steps to achieve the full realization of the right to health, including sexual and reproductive health as an integral part of this right;
  • recognizes that sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, in accordance with the PoA of the ICPD and the Beijing Platform and the outcome of their review conferences are integral to the progressive realization of the right to health;
  • upholds the principles of formal and substantive equality within comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care and services, while including the need to address intersecting and multiple forms of discrimination;
  • reaffirms women’s right to have control over, and to decide freely and responsibly on, matters related to their sexuality, including their sexual and reproductive health, free of coercion, discrimination and violence;
  • recognizes the importance of identifying, within the SDGs framework, appropriate national indicators in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity with full respect of States relevant human rights obligations and commitments;
  • recognizes the large disparities in the maternal mortality rate between and within countries, between women with different incomes, between rural women and women living in urban areas;
  • notes with concern the higher rates of maternal mortality and complications in pregnancy and childbirth for adolescent girls under the age of 15;
  • recognizes the exacerbated risk of maternal mortality and morbidity in armed conflict and humanitarian emergencies;
  • identifies unsafe abortion, poverty, lack of access to services, discrimination against women, gender inequality and gender-based stereotypes as factors that can lead to maternal mortality and morbidity.
  • urges states to address these interlinked causes utilizing a human rights-based approach;
  • requests states to integrate a human-rights based perspective, addressing the impact that discrimination against women has on maternal mortality and morbidity, in maternal mortality and morbidity initiatives;
  • calls upon states to assess accountability mechanisms, where they exist, while ensuring access to justice for women and girls and to build accountability into interventions and strategies;
  • calls on states to ensure the meaningful participation of women and girls in all decisions that affect them;
  • calls upon all relevant actors to strengthen their efforts to reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity including through, amongst others, the application of the OHCHR technical guidance;
  • Decides to convene a panel at the 34th session of the human rights council on preventable maternal mortality and morbidity as a human rights priority for all states including in the context of the implementation of the 2030 agenda.

Click here to read the SRI statement

The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation A/HRC/33/L.19

The resolution was Adopted by vote of 42-1-4 and led by Germany and Spain. It includes the following reference to menstrual hygiene and stigma: “Deeply concerned that the lack of access to adequate water and sanitation services, including for menstrual hygiene management, especially in schools, contributes to reinforcing the widespread stigma associated with menstruation, which negatively affects gender equality and women’s and girls’ enjoyment of human rights, including the right to education and the right to health.”

Click here to read the resolution

Sexual Rights-related Panels & Discussions

Annual half-day discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples
Theme: The causes and consequences of violence against indigenous women and girls, including those with disabilitiesThe panel discussion will be based on a holistic approach to the issue of violence against indigenous women and girls, recognizing that such violence is deeply influenced by ethnicity, gender, and historical factors, and that addressing such violence requires an intersectional approach to human rights.The SRI delivered an oral statement addressing the legacy of colonialism, perpetuated by post-colonial power structures, patriarchy, gender norms and stereotypes and neo-liberal economic policies, which denies indigenous women’s agency, excludes indigenous women from development paradigms and increases vulnerability to violence and abuse. Read the statement »

Click here to read the SRI statement

Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms
Theme: Gender integration in the resolutions and recommendations of the Human Rights CouncilThe panel discussion will take stock of experts’ analysis on how a gender perspective has so far been integrated in the resolutions of the Council and in the recommendations of the universal periodic review (UPR), with a view to make concrete recommendations

The SRI delivered an oral statement addressing the failure of the Council from substantively taking up most of the findings and recommendations of the different mechanisms in a way that is meaningful for women and girls. We called on this Council to stop using women’s bodies as the battlefield in which geopolitical and ideological debates are fought and to work together to advance women’s human rights as is your duty and obligation. Read the statement »

Click here to read the SRI statement

SRI Oral Statements



Visit the SRI website for transcripts and video footage

Outcomes from the 25th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) were reviewed during the 33rd session of the HRC. The following fourteen countries were reviewed: Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Thailand.

SRI delivered statements to six countries:

  • Ireland
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Sudan
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand

SRI also made statements on:

  • Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms
  • Item 8: Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
  • Annual half-day discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples
  • Preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and human right

SRI Side Events

Bodily Autonomy & Sexual Rights


HRC33 Panel: Bodily Autonomy & Sexual Rights

The panel articulated the benefits of advancing a holistic and intersectional understanding of bodily autonomy, explored the interlinkages between sexual rights issues affecting bodily autonomy, and encouraged the Human Rights Council to continue to produce contextualized analyses of sexuality and gender in relation to bodily autonomy. Click here for highlights »

Global Action on Safe and Legal Abortion

 

Global Action on Safe and Legal Abortion

In recognition of the Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion, the panel Global Action on Safe and Legal Abortion shared different country experiences of advocating for safe and legal abortion, highlighted the human rights obligations of States to provide access to safe and legal abortion, and discussed opportunities to utilize HRC mechanisms to affect policy and legal changes at the national level.

more info about the HRC

Created in 2006 to replace the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Council is the foremost international body for the promotion and protection of human rights and can be used to bring substantial pressure on governments to take steps to implement human rights norms. The Human Rights Council is comprised of governments of countries that are members of the United Nations and is an important venue to develop and advance sexual rights as a critical part of the international human rights framework.

Click here for more information on HRC33

September 9, 2016

What to expect at HRC33

The 33rd session of the UN Human Rights Council will take place from the 12th the 30th of September 2016. Find below information about anticipated sexual rights-related resolutions, panels and reports, UPR outcomes and parallel events taking place during the 33rd session.

Click here to access the full programme of work for HRC33

Expected Resolutions Relevant to Sexual Rights

  • Preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and human right  (New Zealand, Burkina Faso and Colombia)
  • The right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur (Brazil)

Sexual Rights Related Panels

Annual half-day discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples

Theme: The causes and consequences of violence against indigenous women and girls, including those with disabilities

The panel discussion will be based on a holistic approach to the issue of violence against indigenous women and girls, recognizing that such violence is deeply influenced by ethnicity, gender, and historical factors, and that addressing such violence requires an intersectional approach to human rights. Click here to download the concept note »

Panel discussion on youth and human rights

The panel will identify challenges, best practices and lessons learned in the exercise of human rights by young people, as well as relevant opportunities for the empowerment of youth in the exercise of their rights. Click here to download the concept note »

Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms

Theme: Gender integration in the resolutions and recommendations of the Human Rights Council

The panel discussion will take stock of experts’ analysis on how a gender perspective has so far been integrated in the resolutions of the Council and in the recommendations of the universal periodic review (UPR), with a view to make concrete recommendations. Click here to download the concept note »

Click here for a list of all panels and concept notes

Sexual Rights Related Reports

A/HRC/33/24
Follow-up report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on how technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to the implementation of policies and programmes to reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity has been applied to States and other relevant actors. Click here to read the report »

A/HRC/33/27
Human rights and indigenous peoples – Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Click here to read the report »A/HRC/33/30
Comprehensive report on the human rights of migrants – Report of the Secretary-General.A/HRC/33/68
Summary report on the panel discussion on violence against indigenous women and girls and its root causes, held during the annual full-day discussion on women’s human rights – Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Click here for a list of all reports

UPR Outcomes

Outcomes from the 25th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) will be adopted during this session of the HRC. The 25th session of the UPR was held from the 2nd to the 13th of May 2016.

Fourteen countries were reviewed: Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Thailand.

SRI collaborated with organizations and individuals in preparing reports for six countries:

Ireland

  • Abortion Rights Campaign Ireland, Sex Workers Alliance Ireland

Sudan

  • Anonymous Contributor

Tajikistan

  • Anonymous Contributor

Papua New Guinea

  • Kaleidoscope

Thailand

  • TEA, Kaleidoscope, Thai Transgender Alliance

Samoa

  • Kaleidoscope Australia

Click here to review all SRI joint submissions

All Reports from the Working Groups, containing all recommendations received by States Under Review can be accessed here.

Sexual Rights Initiative Parallel Events



20 SEPTEMBER, Palais des Nations – 14:00-15:00, Room XXV 
Bodily Autonomy and Sexual Rights

The traditional siloed approach of considering issues in isolation ignores the interconnectedness of sexual rights, the common source of oppression and inevitably leaves people behind. The panel will articulate the benefits of advancing a holistic and intersectional understanding of bodily autonomy, explore the interlinkages between sexual rights issues affecting bodily autonomy, and encourage the HRC to continue to produce contextualized analyses of sexuality and gender in relation to bodily autonomy.



28 SEPTEMBER, Palais des Nations – 13:00-14:30, Room XXVII 
Global Action on Safe and Legal Abortion

In recognition of the Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion, the panel will share different country experiences of advocating for safe and legal abortion, highlight the human rights obligations of States to provide access to safe and legal abortion, and discuss opportunities to utilize HRC mechanisms to effect policy and legal changes at the national level.

Other Sexual Rights-related Parallel Events

15 SEPTEMBER
Violence against women
Liberation
17:00 to 18:00, Room XXVII16 SEPTEMBER
Maternal Mortality, Morbidity & Human Rights – Implementation and the SDGs
OHCHR, SRI, Center for Reproductive Rights, UNFPA, WHO
12:00 to 13:30, Room XXI19 SEPTEMBER
Women’s ESC rights

Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
12:00-13:00, Room XXVII

27 SEPTEMBER
Gender identity at HRC

International Lesbian and Gay Association
14:30-16:00, Room XXVII

Click here for a complete list of parallel events

 

Click here to watch a live feed of the 32nd session of the HRC
Read the SRI & IPPF

UPR Toolkit for Sexual Rights Advocates

Available in
English, French, Portuguese, Spanish & Arabic.

The National Sexual Rights Law and Policy Database documents and compares the status of law and policy related to sexual rights issues in different countries around the world.

Click here to access the database

More info about the HRC

Created in 2006 to replace the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Council is the foremost international body for the promotion and protection of human rights and can be used to bring substantial pressure on governments to take steps to implement human rights norms. The Human Rights Council is comprised of governments of countries that are members of the United Nations and is an important venue to develop and advance sexual rights as a critical part of the international human rights framework.
Click here for more information on the upcoming session



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    Although #abortion is illegal in most of #Mexico, it was decriminalized during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy within #MexicoCity in 2007, making the capital the only locale in the country where safe, elective abortion is available. guttmacher.org/news-release/2…

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