Slow Progress in Official Statistics Bringing Violence against Women to Public Scrutiny
1/20/2006 In a recent press release, the UN announced the publication of The World’s Women 2005: Progress in Statistics. The press release and the report note the importance of disaggregating data by sex to monitor and combat violence against women. The press release can be found here.
Compiled from: "Slow Progress in Official Statistics Bringing Violence against Women to Public Scrutiny," Press Release, UN Statistics Division, 18 January 2006.
___________________________________________________________
New Reports Published by International Council on Human Rights Policy
1/19/2006 The International Council on Human Rights Policy has published two new reports. The first, co-published with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, is titled "Assessing the Effectiveness of National Human Rights Institutions" and examines methods by which to evaluate national institutions' compliance with the Paris Principles, which govern the status and functioning of national institutions. The second, "Local Government and Human Rights: Doing Good Service" emphasizes the increasing importance of the link between local governance and the daily patterns of our life, in terms of supplying housing, education, sanitation, and other necessities. This report discusses how government agencies can more effectively achieve their goals and act with more legitimacy by applying such human rights concepts as non-discriminiation, participation, and accountability. Compiled from: "Human Rights Policy Reports", The Network of East-West Women, 19 January 2006. __________________________________________________________
|
Human Trafficking Assessment Tool
1/10/2006 The American Bar Association's Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA-CEELI) has created an assessment tool to measure countries compliance with the United Nation's Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The tool assess a country's both de jure and de facto compliance with the UN Trafficking Protocol. The Assessment tool considers laws and governmental efforts to eliminate traficking and compares them to the country's obligations under the UN Trafficking Protocol. The Assessment also looks at best practices and regional approaches to trafficking. In piloting the program, ABA-CEELI has used the assessment tool to look at the situation in Moldova.
Compiled from: The Human Trafficking Assessment Tool, ABA CEELI (last viewed 10 January 2006)
___________________________________________________________
Screening Study for Domestic Violence
1/15/2006
According to a recent study published in BMC Family Practice, “How and why community hospital clinician document a positive screen for intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional study,” nearly one-third of primary care providers do not record a patient’s disclosure of domestic violence on their medical charts. The study compared the medical records of people who reported having experienced domestic violence on their waiting room screening questionnaires. Only 10% of the charts which documented domestic violence included a referral and safety plan.
The study is available online at www.biomedcentral.com/bmcfampract/
Compiled from: “Domestic Violence Screening Study,” Family Violence Prevention Fund, 15 February 2006.
__________________________________________________________
The World's Women 2005 Released by United Nations Statistics Division
2/06
This unique report issued by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' Statistics Division presents sex disaggregated statistics on such topics as health, demographics, education, work, violence against women, poverty, human rights and decision-making. As the fourth World's Women report issued since 1991, this edition attempts to address some of the concerns raised in previous reports regarding the availability of national statistics on gender. Strategies for improving national collection of data as well as mainstreaming gender concerns into national statistical frameworks were also included in the report.
Compiled from: "The World's Women 2005: Progress in Statistics", The United Nations Statistics Division, February 2006.
__________________________________________________________
Responding to Violence against Women in Europe: Special Issue of Entre Nous - The European Magazine for Sexual and Reproductive Health
Dear colleagues,
"We need to stop viewing violence against women as a problem which only affects women. In its entirety it is a grave social and public health issue, due to both its magnitude and the serious repercussions it carries for the collective safety and health of families and society." Elena Salgado, Minister of Health, Spain and President of the World Health Assembly 2005, in her editorial to "Responding to Violence against Women", the new Entre Nous - The European Magazine for Sexual and Reproductive Health (No 61). This special issue on violence against women published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the United Nations Family Planning Association (UNFPA) is a contribution to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, the international campaign to end violence against women. This campaign bridges between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), the World AIDS day (1 December), and the International Human Rights day (10 December). The theme of this year's campaign, "For the health of Women, for the health of the World: NO MORE VIOLENCE", offers an opportunity to more strongly engage the public health community. The Entre nous issue "Responding to violence against Women" sheds light on violence against women in the European Region: its magnitude and burden, national action and regional networks policy implications and responses, adolescents experience and the social context.
Please visit the following website: http://www.euro.who.int/violenceinjury/violence/20050208_1 and read more in this special issue on: - inequalities in health - the greatest challenge of this century - violence against women and HIV: linked or parallel epidemics? - sexual violence against children and adolescents: adolescents view on it - partner violence during pregnancy as a threat to maternal health - need for national action plan and a multi-sectoral response.
With best wishes,
Dr Gunta Lazdane Regional Advisor, Reproductive Health Principal editor, Entre Nous
Dr Inge Baumgarten Technical Officer, Prevention of Violence Violence and Injury Prevention
WHO Regional Office for Europe Scherfigsvej
8 DK-2100 Copenhagen East Denmark
Tel: +45 3917 1502
Fax: +45 3917 1892
e-mail: IBA@euro.who.int
New website launched at: www.euro.who.int/violenceinjury
__________________________________________________________
Call for NGO Input on 2006 Trafficking in Persons Report
2/06
A call for NGO input on the 2006 Trafficking in Persons report produced by the U.S. Department of State has been made by Ambassador John R. Miller, director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. The U.S. State Department reports that in past years, information and input supplied by NGOs has significantly contributed to the decisions of the Department in how to coordinate a response to trafficking. A questionnaire, including four sections labelled General Law Enforcement, Health-Related Issues, Prevention of Trafficking, Victim Assistance and Protection, has been sent to NGOs working on issues of trafficking, and is due to the State Department by 1 March 2006.
Compiled from: Call for NGO Input on 2006 Trafficking in Persons Report, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, U.S. State Department, February 2006.
___________________________________________________________
UNESCAP Announces Two Gender-Related Papers
2/7/06
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific has announced two new publications dealing with gender-related issues. Discussion Paper No. 17, entitled "Violence Against and Trafficking in Women as Symptoms of Discrimination: The Potential of CEDAW as an Antidote", examines the relevance of CEDAW in promoting gender equity and thereby reducing trafficking in women. Discussion Paper No. 18, "Gender and HIV/AIDS in the Asia Pacific Region", analyzes the gender dimensions of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, including such factors as poverty, gender discrimination, substance abuse, and violence against women. Lastly, UNESCAP announces the creation of a new webpage, providing reports, documents, and sources on combating Commerical Sexual Exploitation of Chilidren (CSEC).
Compiled from: "Gender and Development Discussion Paper Series No. 18: Gender and HIV/AIDS in the Asia and Pacific region", UNESCAP, 7 February 2006.
____________________________________________________________
Take Back the News: Four Sisters Confront the Rape Epidemic
2/5/06
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amnesty International recently published a report concluding that one in three people believes that women who behave flirtatiously are at least partially responsible for being raped, and a similar number think that women are partially or wholly responsible for being raped if they are drunk. Recent statistics (National Center for Policy Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Justice) estimate that only 6% of rapists will ever spend a day in jail for their crime. Rape may be the only crime where the victim is blamed and the perpetrator nearly always escapes punishment. Yet, rape is one of the most devastating crimes that can happen to a person. What is it about rape and sexual assault that causes society to blame the victim, to allow the perpetrator to escape punishment, and to largely ignore its very existence? More importantly, how can these attitudes be changed? February 13th marks the launch of Take Back The News’ new website, www.takebackthenews.org. Take Back the News works to raise public awareness about the epidemic of rape, in order to foster greater public dialogue and ultimately greater public responsibility. The new site reflects the incorporation and revamp of this anti-rape organization, including the formation of a Media Response Project to streamline communications with media outlets, and the distribution of free Community Print Project Kits that college activist groups can use to gather and publish rape survival stories. Jen Curley, who organized a Take Back The News Community Print Project at La Salle University in Philadelphia, said, “The impact was incredible. It served as the catalyst for the first Speak-Out on campus. We were worried that people wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing their stories in a large group, but the Speak-Out lasted for three hours, with woman after woman sharing her story—some for the first time ever. Take Back the News made it possible to start. There was a noticeable shift in community awareness after this—no longer could the University pretend that it didn’t happen on our campus. We also had to reprint the publication—we ran out of copies very quickly. The impact on the women who wrote their stories was really powerful—for some of us, it was the first time that we had written them. The women who wrote their stories talked about the power they felt in doing it and about the movement towards healing in the writing.” Takebackthenews.org continues to publish rape survival stories told in survivors’ own words, as was the project’s original mission beginning in 2001. These stories are the very heart of the organization’s mission to confront the misrepresentation and underrepresentation of sexual assault by mainstream media. The revitalization of this nonprofit organization is due, in large part, to the formation of a Board of Directors comprised of four sisters, Emily Brandt, the project’s founder and a New York City public school teacher; and Julia Brandt, a public school teacher and veteran activist; Laura Blasberg, an attorney; and Maria Brandt, a college literature professor. The Board has established four main components of the project: - Media Response Project: a streamlined system to track and archive media articles regarding rape and to contact editors and reporters regarding our concerns of how rape is misrepresented or underrepresented in the media
- Creative Writing Program: a program for colleges to use to encourage survivors to write about the circumstances surrounding their assault
- Book Project: a published book of compiled rape survival stories intended to increase public awareness that sexual assault is an epidemic that must be addressed with greater urgency by our lawmakers, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies
- Community Print Project Kits: Take Back the News print kits to be sent to community centers and campus women’s centers with instructions on how to raise community awareness through newspaper print projects and related events
In addition to these projects, Take Back the News is building a resource of information on police reporting experiences. To learn more about these projects, visit www.takebackthenews.org today. For more information, contact Emily Brandt at Emily@takebackthenews.org or at 718-599-8857. Take Back The News
P.O. Box 110-945, Brooklyn, NY 11211 · TakeBackTheNews.org Published in: Take Back The News: Four Sisters Confront the Rape Epidemic, Press Release, Take Back The News, 5 February 2006. |
__________________________________________________________
European Women's Lobby Releases Gender Equality Roadmap
1/06
The European Women's Lobby has released its "Gender Equality Roadmap for the European Community 2006-2010." The Roadmap will serve as a model for the European Commission's official communication on gender equality put forward at the beginning of 2006. The Roadmap emphasizes that action must be taken over the broad spectrum of European policies in order to promote gender equality and non-discriminatory behavior and policies. The Women's Lobby has identified six main themes and concrete actions, which are expected to be undertaken by the European Commission between 2006 and 2010.
Compiled from: "Gender Equality Road Map for the European Community", European Women's Lobby, January 2006.
____________________________________________________________
Call for Daphne Proposals
12/05
The 2006 call for Daphne II Programme proposals suggesting projects to eliminate violence against vulnerable groups has been announced. The Daphne II Program works with other non-governmental organizations in cooperation with the European Union to advocate support for organizations that prevent and combat violence against at-risk groups, such as children and women. Submission deadline for proposals is 10 Februrary 10 2006. Please see the EU Daphne Programme website for more information.
Compiled from: EU Daphne Programme, Europa: Gateway to the European Union, December 2005.
____________________________________________________________
Danish Red Cross Releases Report on Trafficking
The Danish Red Cross has released an extensive study entitled "Good Practices in Reponse to Trafficking in Human Beings: Cooperation Between Civil Society and Law Enforcement in Europe." The report seeks to identify the different aspects of trafficking and examine their implications for appropriate and effective practices. It also analyzes frameworks for cooperation between government and civil society in Europe. The pratices of various non-governmental organizations, from such countries as Serbia, Ukraine, Belgium, and Italy, are profiled to support the study with evidence and enhance its regional diversity. Sections on law enforcement training and operational issues also exist. For more information, please see the full report from the Danish Red Cross.
Compiled from: "Good Practices in Reponse to Trafficking in Human Beings: Cooperation Between Civil Society and Law Enforcement in Europe." Danish Red Cross. 2005.
___________________________________________________________
US Department of State Releases Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
3/21/06
The U.S. Department of State released its annual "Country Reports on
Human Rights Practices" on 8 March 2006. The reports evaluate human rights
conditions in 196 countries worldwide. Published annually since 1977, the reports address the progress that has each country has made as well as identify the challenges that still remain. Each county report includes sections on women and trafficking in persons.
Compiled from: "2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices", Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, 8 March 2006. See the full report.
_____________________________________________________________
New Report: "Forced Marriages in Council of Europe Member States"
3/19/06
A report entitled “Forced Marriages in Council of Europe Member States” written by Edwige Rude-Antoine was released last year. The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers considers forced marriage as an act of violence against women as it is carried out without the consent of the persons concerned. The report examines the ways in which forced marriages occur and the numerous issues involved, as well as assess the ways in which the law can prevent them from occurring. The report also addresses the limits of a legal approach and the importance of programs initiated in the social sector. The study examines forced marriage in 28 member states.
Compiled from: Forced Marriages in Council of Europe Member States, Edwige Rude-Antoine, Council of Europe, 2005.
_____________________________________________________________
Special Rapporteur Releases Report on Women and Adequate Housing
3/17/06
The Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination, Miloon Kothari, released a 2006 report on women and housing. In her examination of the issue, Kothari assessed the obstacles in the realization of women's right to housing. Kathari defined states' responsibilities in the protection of this human right to be broader than recognition of these rights legally; it also encompasses implementation. The obstacles found by the Special Rapporteur include discriminatory cultural and social norms, violence against women, privatization, homelessness and multiple discrimination.
In regard to the effects of violence against women, the Special Rapporteur reminded states of their obligation to prevent, investigate and punish domestic violence as well as provide services for victims. Kothari argues that legislation enacted on domestic violence should include housing provisions, as many women who seek to leave their husbands often face discrimination in their search for adequate housing.
Compiled from: “ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS: Women and adequate housing,” Miloon Kothari, United Nations Commission on Human Rights, 27 February 2006.
____________________________________________________________
National Institute of Justice Releases Findings from Survey on Rape Victimization
3/6/06
The National Institute of Jusice, the research division of the U.S. Department of Justice, has issued a report entitled "Extent, Nature, and Consequences of Rape Victimization: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey". Written by Patricia Tjaden and Nancy Thoennes, the research finds differences in rape prevalence relating to age, gender, race/ethnicity, and age at which victims are first raped. The survey also comments on the status of rape as one of the most underreported crimes in the U.S. despite broad attempts to increase public education and awareness of the crime. Furthermore, the report cites "significant gaps in understanding rape victimization" due to a general lack of research in the area; although research levels have been increasing in recent years, much progess remains to be made. The researchers conclude the report by offering recommendations on how and on what topics future research should be conducted.
Compiled from: "Publications Summary", National Institute of Justice, 6 March 2006.
_____________________________________________________________
Special Rapporteur Releases Report on Violence Against Women in the Russian Federation
3/2/06 The UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, Yakin Ertrk, released
a report on the state of this human rights abuse in the Russian Federation on January 26, 2006. The report identifies both deep rooted patriarchal values as well as socioeconomic conditions, largely due to the political and economic transition after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, as main causes for the marginalization of the status of women in the Russian Federation.
The report outlines the numerous ways in which the human rights of women in
the Russian Federation are being disregarded. There is a lack of domestic
legislation on this issue, inadequate action being taken by the state to ensure that those that perpetrate this crime are being held accountable, as well as insufficient social institutions for those that have been victims of this human rights abuse. The report reminds the Russian Federation of its responsibilities to prioritize this issue as a state that has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and its first Optional Protocol.
Compiled From: "Report of the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women its Causes and Consequences: Mission to the Russian Federation," Yakin Erturk, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, January 26, 2006. _____________________________________________________________ |
Special Rapporteur On Violence Against Women Issues Third Report
3/1/06
On January 20, 2006, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences, Yakin Erturk issued her third report to the Commission on Human Rights in its sixty-second session. The report's broad themes include "Integration of the Human Rights of Women and the Gender Perspective: Violence Against Women" and "The Due Diligence Standard as a Tool for the Elimination of Violence Against Women." Erturk focuses on the changing nature of global economic and political structures and how these changes impacted women's guaranteed human rights. She also comments on the "due diligence" measure of evaluating state's efforts to recognize and punish violence against women, saying that it is state-centric and does not promote prevention of violence against women. The report concludes by stating that a more inclusive vision of human rights for women is possible through enforcing the due diligence standard to make states compliant with international law, concentrating on the roots of violence against women, and holding non-State actors accountable as well. Compiled from: "Report of the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women. its Causes and Consequences," Yakin Erturk. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 1 March 2006. _____________________________________________________________ |
New Report "Sexual Harassment at Work: National and International Responses"
3/1/06 A new report, entitled “Sexual Harassment at Work: National and International Responses,” was released by the Conditions of Work and Employment Program at the International Labour Organization. The author, Dierdre McCann, is a labour lawyer who conducts research on the legal regulation of working conditions. The report assesses the worldwide effort to prevent and combat sexual harassment in the workplace. It looks at regional and international instruments, domestic legislation and the role of social organizations and NGOs. The report also identifies what responsibilities the employer has, as well as the most effective measures and policies a company can take to prevent and combat this form of sexual harassment. Compiled from: Dierdre McCann, “Sexual Harassment at Work: National and International Responses,” International Labor Organization (2005). (PDF, 74 pages). _____________________________________________________________ |
Report Out On Honor-Related Violence
3/1/06 The Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, along with other partner organizations, has released a training manuel entitled "Honour Related Violence: Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls in Patriarchal Families." The document is an extension of the institutional goal of Kvinnoforum, the Founder of Women's Forum, to raise awareness and recognition of honour related violence as a specific and specialized type of violence against women. This new document is aimed at European civil society in order to best share practices, knowledge, and techniques in working to end honor-related violence. Please see the report "Honour Related Violence: Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls in Patriarchal Families" for more information. _____________________________________________________________ |
Amnesty International Reports on Violence Against Women in the Russian Federation
3/1/06
A report issued by Amnesty International (AI) on the state of violence against women in the Russian Federation confirms worldwide concern that inadequate action is being taken by the state to protect women affected by violence in the family and to make sure that those who perpetrate it are held accountable. It is estimated that a woman dies from domestic abuse every hour in the Russian Federation. The report stresses the need for comprehensive measures to be taken by the government to educate the population and public officials on the seriousness of this human rights abuse, as well as provide services for those that have been victims of this crime.
The Russian Federation is bound by international human rights treaties that it has ratified, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The report calls for the Russian Federation to enact legislation that specifically prohibits violence in the family, arguing it is required under the CEDAW.
Compiled from: “Nowhere to turn to -Violence against women in the family,” Amnesty International, 20 February 2006.
____________________________________________________________
Women PeaceMakers Program
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice University of San Diego, California
Call for Applications
The Women PeaceMakers program is an eight-week residency for women leaders who want to document, share, and build upon their unique peacemaking stories. Selected peacemakers will receive roundtrip airfare, housing, and a small stipend to cover expenses for the eight-week residence (September 18 - November 11, 2006) at the University of San Diego in southern California.
The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice is pleased to announce the 2006 Women PeaceMakers Program is now accepting women peacemaker and peace writer applications for the Fall program. You will find all the program details and the down-loadable application at <http://peace.sandiego.edu/programs/women.html>.
The Women PeaceMakers Program invites four women who are on the frontlines of peacemaking and human rights activism to participate in an eight-week residency program to document their unique stories. The residency program will take place from September 18 - November 11, 2006.
Each peacemaker will: (1) have assistance in documenting her development
as a peacemaker and
the work she is doing
(2) share her vision and work with new communities
(3) explore peace-building with other women on the frontlines of
peacemaking
(4) take part in a two-day international conference focusing on
women's impact on peacebuilding policies when they participate more equally with men in governmental, corporate, military and peacemaking decision-bodies
(5) have a beautiful setting for a needed respite
Women from anywhere in the world who have assumed the leadership role in peace and conflict resolution with an emphasis in human rights in their own society or our global community are invited to apply for this unique residency in San Diego. Peace Writers will help each peacemaker document her unique peacemaking experience.
Applications are available NOW on-line (<http://peace.sandiego.edu/>).
Application deadline is June 2, 2006.
____________________________________________________________
Report Released on Girls' Human Right to Education
4/7/06
The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Vernor Muñoz, will present a report on the human right of girls to education to the new Human Rights Council. The report will address the underlying socio-cultural causes of the denial of the right to education for girls, focusing on the concept of patriarchalism and its attendant discriminatory behavior. Muñoz goes on to detail the negative impact of the notion of education as a service, not a human right, on the right to education of all people, and especially of girls. Practical obstacles to girls' education are addressed, including early marriage, pregnancy, child labor, and armed conflict.
Muñoz emphasizes the importance of girls completing the education cycle as well as being assured equal access, and discusses the differences between equal access and total equality. Other highlighted themes include: girls' education and the economy; universal primary education and its impact on gender balance; sex education; girls in situations of marriage, pregnancy, or motherhood; and girls in armed conflict situations. Finally, Muñoz provides 25 recommendations to country governments that will support the goal of ensuring the human right to education of girls.
Compiled from: "Girls' Human Right to Education", United Nations Association of Australia, 7 April 2006.
_____________________________________________________________
New Resource: Women's Fundraising Handbook
4/14/06
The Global Fund for Women has released a new resource entitled "Women's Fundraising Handbook." It is directed towards non-profit NGOs that focus on womens rights issues and who need to find financial resources. The handbook addresses the need to empower women to search out these resources, where they can be found, how to raise money for a start-up organization or a small project and tips to keep in mind along the way.
Compiled from: "Women's Fundraising Handbook," Global Fund for Women, 14 April 2006
_____________________________________________________________
ICTJ Previews Groundbreaking Work on Gender and Reparations
4/14/06
NEW YORK, April 11, 2006-The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) today released six groundbreaking case study summaries on Gender and Reparations, in advance of the publication of a comprehensive book on the topic in late 2006. Following several years of intensive research on reparations, these case studies are the first of their kind that aim to close a significant gap in the literature on reparations by focusing attention on the voices and needs of women victims.
The ICTJ hopes that the insights offered by these case studies-which provide a gendered analysis of reparations discussions in Guatemala, Peru, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Timor-Leste-will impact the way reparations programs are crafted and carried out throughout the world.
"What we've found is that in spite of some important signs of progress, women are still often marginalized in reparations programs because the programs fail to take their specific needs into account," said Ruth Rubio-Marin, ICTJ project manager and editor of Engendering Reparations-the book that will feature the case studies. "This is becoming an increasingly salient point as more countries with a legacy of human rights abuses are turning to truth commissions and reparations as a way of recognizing and compensating victims."
Despite a notable trend towards incorporating gender concerns into the field of international justice, this research presents the first-ever attempt to articulate a gendered analysis of reparations. By drawing on six unique country experiences, the summaries raise a broad range of questions and provide concrete suggestions for designing reparations measures and policy choices that are flexible and informed by previous failures as well as best practices.
Rubio-Marin emphasizes that this kind of research is crucial to making reparations measures more effective for a huge population of victims who remain on the margins of well-intentioned but lacking programs. "If we don't ask questions about the role that gender plays in experiences of violence and programs for redress, we not only undermine the fundamental goals of justice that should inspire reparations programs, but we also miss a crucial opportunity to prevent the ongoing suffering of women victims."
The ICTJ's Work on Gender and Reparations
The ICTJ has been doing research on reparations since 2002 and will soon announce the publication of a landmark volume on this issue. With generous funding from Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the ICTJ started its Gender and Reparations Research in December 2004, when it first brought together a group of worldwide experts in New York to discuss which country contexts and thematic issues would best represent the topic to be addressed in a two-year research project. In June 2005, authors of the project met to discuss their work and to identify common trends. These case study summaries are the first product of this global collaboration and the prelude to Engendering Reparations: Recognizing and Compensating Women Victims of Human Rights Violations, due to be published later this year.
The summaries are available on ICTJ's website www.ictj.org.
About the ICTJ
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) assists countries pursuing accountability for past mass atrocity or human rights abuse. The Center works in societies emerging from repressive rule or armed conflict, as well as in established democracies where historical injustices or systemic abuse remain unresolved.
In order to promote justice, peace, and reconciliation, government officials and nongovernmental advocates are likely to consider a variety of transitional justice approaches including both judicial and nonjudicial responses to human rights crimes. The ICTJ assists in the development of integrated, comprehensive, and localized approaches to transitional justice comprising five key elements: prosecuting perpetrators, documenting and acknowledging violations through non-judicial means such as truth commissions, reforming abusive institutions, providing reparations to victims, and facilitating reconciliation processes.
The Center is committed to building local capacity and generally strengthening the emerging field of transitional justice, and works closely with organizations and experts around the world to do so. By working in the field through local languages, the ICTJ provides comparative information, legal and policy analysis, documentation, and strategic research to justice and truth-seeking institutions, nongovernmental organizations, governments and others.
Published in: ICTJ Previews Groundbreaking Work on Gender and Reparations, International Center For Transitional Justice, Press Release, 11 April 2006.
_____________________________________________________________
New Report by Amnesty International on Domestic Violence in Albania
4/13/06 A new report entitled Violence against Women in the Family: "Its not her shame" by Amnesty International looks at the state of domestic violence in Albania. It is one of a series of reports published by AI as part of its Stop Violence Against Women Campaign. The report outlines the social context in which these abuses occur, as condoned by the society through the concept of "tradition." Amnesty International criticizes Albania for not holding up to its international obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. The report outlines the ways in which the Albanian government can protect women from domestic violence, as well as ensure that those who perpetrate it are held accountable. Currently, Albania lends little or no support to the work of women's NGOs that address this problem and provide places of sanctuary for women that have suffered this human rights abuse. Compiled from: Albania: Violence against Women in the Family: Its not her shame, Amnesty International, March 30, 2006.
Cover Page
(PDF, 1 page)
Summary
(PDF, 3 pages)
Report
(PDF, 66 pages) ___________________________________________________________ Helsinki Federation Releases Report on Human Rights Organizations in The Russian Federation, Belarus, and Uzbekistan
4/5/06 From March 30-31 of this year, the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) presented its report The Assault on Human Rights Defenders in the Russian Federation, Belarus and Uzbekistan to the “OSCE Conference on Human Rights Defenders and National Human Rights Institutions” in Vienna. This report expresses concern over the recent increase in persecution of NGO’s and human rights organizations in the Russian Federation, Belarus and Uzbekistan. Dismayed by the minimal efforts of governments and international organizations in preventing this escalation in violence, the report warns against the rapid erosion of protection for human rights, democracy and freedom in other parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The report notes that in recent years, the Russian Federation has exerted increasing control and pressure on human rights groups. Arbitrary laws make it difficult for human rights organizations to register. Following the passage of a bill in January 2006 aimed at restricting human rights activities, both the Moscow Helsinki Group and the Russian Human Rights Research Centre, along with ten other human rights organizations, were charged with espionage by Russian authorities. Human rights groups have experienced threats, arrests, searches, abductions and even killings, especially in the Northern Caucus. Labeling Belarus as the “the worst country in Europe in terms of their respect for the rule of law, democracy and human rights,” the report notes that many human rights activities are prohibited by Belarusian law. NGO’s are targeted for harassment or criminal proceedings for engaging in human rights activities that are protected under international human rights law. Prior to March 2006, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee (BHC) maintains it was unjustly charged with tax evasion. As the single legally registered independent human rights organization remaining in Belarus, the BHC is threatened with dissolution and its leaders face criminal charges. Following the Tashkent bombings in 1999 and the Andijan massacre in May 2005, the Uzbek government has increased “anti-terrorism measures” in order to silence and shut down NGO’s and humanitarian workers who provide information about human rights violations in Uzbekistan. Outspoken human rights workers are routinely placed in psychiatric institutions and treated with psychoactive drugs, a “treatment” dating back to the Stalinist era. Women human rights activists and their families in particular are subjected to psychiatric confinement, beatings and politically motivated trials. The full report can be viewed on the IHF website: http://www.ihf-hr.org/documents/doc_summary.php?sec_id=3&d_id=4221 Compiled from: “The Assault on Human Rights Defenders in the Russian Federation, Belarus and Uzbekistan,” International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights, 30 March 2006. ____________________________________________________________ |
New Report on Gender, Trade Policy, and Environment Sustainability
4/5/06
The report entitled "The EU's Responsibility at the WTO: Environment, Gender, and Development" has been published by the non-governmental organizations Friends of the Earth Europe and Women in Development Europe. The goals of the publication, as stated in the foreword, are to stimulate and promote civil society dialogue between the global North and South on matters of EU trade policy and WTO decisions. Based partially on a public hearing of the same name on November 9, 2005, given by the same organizations, the report utilizes professionals from various NGOs and government bureaus to discuss various issues of gender and social justice and environmental sustainability. Recent WTO actions, such as those taken at the Hong Kong ministerial meeting in December 2005, are called into question as promoting a "one-size-fits-all liberalization scheme" that proves to be detrimental for many groups, including women, as it increases women's double burden and doesn't take into account social justice measures or environmental protection. Issues diverse as gender-fair governance, environmental sustainability, biosafety, and human rights are addressed in the report, which was published under the patronage of the European Parliament's Intergroup on Globalization.
Compiled from: The EU's Responsibility at the WTO: Environment, Gender, and Development, ed. Mandy Mcdonald, Women in Development Europe. March 2006.
____________________________________________________________
Special Rapporteur Releases Report on Human Rights Aspects of the Victims of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children
4/4/06
The Special Rapporteur on the human rights aspects of the victims of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Sigma Huda, released a report on the state of this human rights abuse on 20 February 2006. The report is entitled Integration of the Human Rights of Women and a Gender Perspective.
The report, which is composed of three main sections, identifies factors influencing trafficking in persons and looks at the impact demand has on this process. The first section describes the activities of the Special Rapporteur during the time period of January-December 2005. The second section examines the link between human trafficking and the demand for commercial sexual exploitation, and the final section consists of conclusions and recommendations from the Special Rapporteur. The report emphasizes methods used to target demand side trafficking as used by intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. The report concludes by addressing paths for education and advocacy.
Compiled from: "Integration of the Human Rights of Women and a Gender Perspective," Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights aspects of the victims of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Sigma Huda, Commisions on Human Rights, United Nations, 20 February 2006.
____________________________________________________________
European Commission Releases Annual Report on Equality between Men and Women
4/4/06
Brussels 24-02-2006. Women in the EU earn 15% less than men and progress has been slow in closing gender gaps with men, according to a new European Commission's report. The 'Report on equality between women and men 2006' calls on EU countries to provide better ways to help women deal with home and work pressures. It will be submitted to the European leaders at the Spring European Council on 23/4 March.
The report found that difficulty in managing a work/life balance means that many women leave the labour market. Their employment rate, at 55.7%, is 15% lower than men's. Women who do work are often confined to a limited number of sectors - more than 40% work in education, health or public administration, compared to less than 20% of men. Part time work accounts for over 32% of women's jobs, but just over 7% for men. Women earn 15% less than men partly because they are concentrated in lower paid professions. And women still fill relatively few top posts. On the positive side, the report found more than 75% of new jobs created in the EU in the last five years have been filled by women.
Vladimir Spidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, said more needs to be done to address gender inequality. 'It's not acceptable that half of the EU's population still gets a worse deal than the other half. We need commitments at the highest levels to close the gender gap. This is not just an equality issue, but is fundamental if we are to reach the targets set out in the Lisbon strategy, which is designed to boost Europe's economy.'
Work-life balance tensions, combined with stereotypes and gender-biased pay and evaluation systems continue to hold women back in the job market. Women account for just 32% of managers. Only 10% of members of the boards and 3% of CEOs of larger EU enterprises are women.
The lack of a good work/life balance has not only adversely affected women's position in the labour market, but has contributed to lower fertility rates - which also impacts on the EU's economy. The report invites EU Member States to help both men and women to balance work and private life, such as through more and better childcare, innovative and adaptable working arrangements or better equality policies. It also urges them to reduce employment and pay differences between men and women and to make full use of EU Structural Funds in addressing gender issues.
The EU made advances in promoting gender equality in 2005 with its proposal for new European Institute for Gender Equality last year, which will raise awareness of gender issues while more EU gender equality legislation also came into force last year leading to the creation of new national gender equality bodies. The European Commission will present on March 3 a 'Roadmap for equality between men and women' Communication in the coming days, which will set out concrete actions designed to help bridge the gender gap. The launch of the roadmap will lead up to this year's International women's day on March 8.
Compiled from: "Report on Equality between Men and Women 2006, " European Commission, Press Release, 24 February 2006. See the full report.
_____________________________________________________________
Anti-Trafficking Website
4/1/06
HumanTrafficking.com is a website for research and training dedicated to the fight against human trafficking. It was launched by Polaris Project, a grassroots organization. In addition to being home to the largest online database on trafficking, the site also provides a feature called Anti-Trafficking Toolkit. Within this feature are training materials and information specifically aimed at assisting those involved in the struggle against human trafficking such as law enforcement officials, service providers, attorneys, academics and community members. Another key feature of the site is its large collection of survivor testimonies.
____________________________________________________________
Report on Documenting Women's Human Rights Violations by Non-State Actors Released
The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development and Women Living Under Muslim Laws have released a new report, entitled Documenting Women’s Human Rights Violations by Non-State Actors. Authored by Jan Bauer and Anissa Hélie, the report presents advocacy strategies from Muslim societies. The report presents the international legal and human rights framework for documenting violations by non-state actors. It also provides examples of how activists are using the human rights framework locally, nationally, regionally and internationally to document women’s human rights violations. Appendices in the report present resources, including a list of factors the perpetuate gender-based violence, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the CEDAW complaint form, a complaint form to the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, and contact addresses and resources. Compiled from: Report on Documenting Women’s Human Rights Violations by Non-State Actors, The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, Women Living Under Muslim Laws. (PDF, 93 pages). _____________________________________________________________ New Voices, New Perspectives Paper Series from UN INSTRAW
5/15/06
In order to create a space for new voices in the spheres of academia, policy-making and practice, in 2005 INSTRAW launched a new research-paper series entitled New Voices, New Perspectives. Directed towards recent post-graduate students worldwide, this paper series is intended as an opportunity for students enrolled in gender-related programmes to contribute to global debates and to our communal sphere of knowledge on women’s and gender issues. The 2005 Call for Papers focused on some of INSTRAW’s priority research areas, including Gender, Governance and Women’s Political Participation; Gender, Migration and Remittances; and Gender, Peace and Security. The Papers selected and published in 2005* are listed below, and cover a variety of topics from women’s participation in the water sector in Nepal to the gender dimensions of the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine. Reprinted with permission from UN INSTRAW. Published in: New Voices, New Perspectives Paper Series, UN INSTRAW (last visited 15 May 2006). ____________________________________________________________ ICRW Releases New How-to Guide on Reducing Violence and AIDS Stigma
5/3/06
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ICRW Releases New How-to Guide on Reducing Violence and AIDS Stigma
Manual Provides Practical Tools for Community Groups in Developing Countries
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 3, 2006—The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) recently released the HIV/AIDS Stigma and Violence Reduction Intervention (SVRI) manual, a how-to guide for community organizations working to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS in developing countries. “Stigma and gender-based violence fuel the HIV/AIDS pandemic by limiting access to and use of HIV/AIDS-related services for prevention, treatment, care and support,” says Nata Duvvury, Ph.D., one of the manual’s authors and director of ICRW’s work on gender, violence and rights. “HIV/AIDS programs that fail to consider stigma and gender-based violence can be only partially effective, at best. “The SVRI manual provides communities with practical tools they can use to address stigma, violence and other barriers undercutting their efforts to fight HIV and AIDS,” she adds. The manual is based on findings from the Stigma and Violence Reduction Intervention project, conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, from 2003 to 2005. ICRW staff worked with groups who experience stigma and violence – sex workers, truckers’ helpers and truckers’ spouses – to devise a community-appropriate intervention. Because these groups regularly interact with highly mobile people like truckers who are difficult to target for interventions, they can play an important role in changing norms that condone dangerous behaviors. The intervention is described in the manual, which also includes a toolkit detailing workshop agendas and distinct activities for various community groups. “The SVRI project is significant because it shows that attitudes and behaviors that drive HIV stigma and gender-based violence can shift,” Duvvury says. “The key is involving communities to reflect on the problem and devise their own solutions. If they are empowered and motivated, change is possible.” Nandini Prasad and Nanda Kishore, both of ICRW, co-wrote the report. The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) is a leading Washington, D.C.-based international research organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls in developing countries. Learn more about ICRW and its work at www.icrw.org. For more information: HIV & AIDS-Stigma and Violence Reduction Intervention Manual (PDF, 130 pages) Press Release (PDF, 1 page) _____________________________________________________________ |
A UN Study on Violence against Children Nears Completion
The UN is in the process of finalizing a survey, which was conducted in nine regional consultations all over the world during 2005. A questionnaire was sent to the given countries and 123 completed surveys have been received at this point in time. The study allows for the opinions of children and young people, so they can provide their input on how to develop better protection against violence. The study is a joint initiative with the WHO, UNICEF and OHCHR. The completed report is to be published in 2006.
Compiled from: The United Nations Secretary General’s Study on Violence Against Children, Violencestudy.org, 2006.
_____________________________________________________________
CEDAW Assessment Tool Report for the Russian Federation
The CEDAW Assessment Tool Report for the Russian Federation examines women's rights within the country as well as Russia's compliance with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This study was conducted over 2004-2005 using the CEDAW Assessment tools as defined by the American Bar Association Central European Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI). The assessment tool measures the status of women as reflected by the country's laws and to what extent women enjoy the rights and protections provided under CEDAW. The assessment is done in two parts called "de jure assessment" and "de facto analysis". To view the full report, please visit: CEDAW Assessment Tool Report for the Russian Federation. Compiled from: CEDAW Assessment Tool Report for the Russian Federation, ABANET.org, 2006. |
_____________________________________________________________
Center on Family Violence and Violence Against Women (CRI-VIFF) Offers a Postdoctoral Scholarship
The Research Center on Family Violence and Violence Against Women is an interuniversity center within the Universite de Laval and the Universite de Montreal. CRI-VIFF seeks to gain a better understanding about family violence and violence against women through an approach, which considers victims, children and aggressors. The Center also attempts to teach students how to scientifically approach these topics as well as share knowledge amongst the scientific community including concerned regional, national and international organizations. The CRI-VIFF scholarship is for researchers who wish to study family violence and violence against women. Research can be focused on a variety of areas.
For more information, please visit: CRI-VIFF-CAD-Postdoctoral Scholarship.
____________________________________________________________
UNODC Reports that No Country is Immune to Human Trafficking
4/24/06
"Trafficking in Persons: Global Patterns," is the most recent report released by the UNODC. The report identifies 127 countries of origin, 98 transit countries and 137 destination countries for human trafficking. It emphasizes that international efforts to stop trafficking have been hindered by the lack of accurate data, which shows an overall unwillingness of some countries to admit their internal problems. The report ranked states on a scale from "very low" to "very high" as countries of origin and destination. It was found that people are usually trafficked from poor countries to affluent ones and that in most cases women and children are the ones targeted.
To access the full report, please visit: Trafficking in Persons-Global Patterns.
Compiled from: Virtually no country immune from human trafficking, UNODC report shows, UNODC.org, 24 April 2006.
____________________________________________________________
Advanced Online Courses Offered on the Subject of Human Trafficking and Slavery
The University of Rhode Island will be offering advanced online courses on human trafficking and slavery starting this summer and also in the fall. The courses will be taught completely online and they are intended for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students and those who work in the field. Two courses offered this summer will be "Human Trafficking and Contemporary Slavery" and "Campaigns and Services for Victims of Trafficking and Slavery".
To learn more about these courses, please visit: The University of Rhode Island.
Compiled from: The University of Rhode Island Online Courses, The University of Rhode Island, 2006.
_____________________________________________________________
Peer Education Manual "Human Trafficking - Our Response" Now Available
NGO ASTRA, in cooperation with the Red Cross Society of Serbia and Montenegro, created a Peer Education Manual “Human Trafficking – Our Response”. This is the first manual of this kind in Serbia. Our long standing expirience in combat and prevention of trafficking in human beings, and especialy work with young people, showed that one of very usefull ways of prevention is peer education, wich led to production of this particular manual.
First part of this manual is applied to analyse the problem of trafficking in human beings, regarding phases of THB, current legislature in Serbia, risk groups, prevention, usefull contacts etc. Second part is all about peer education, and in the last part you will find step guides for the workshops for young people. This Manual will be distributed to the Red Cross Youth activists, who already passed ASTRA's one-day workshop on combating human trafficking. These young people will share the knowledge acquired at this workshop with their peers in their local communities, having Peer Education Manual «Human Trafficking – Our Response» at disposal as an assistive tool.
Realisation of this Manual was supported by Danish Red Cross, the Red Cross of Norway and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.
For the moment, Manual is available only in Serbian, and it can be found at:
http://www.astra.org.yu/sr/pdf/istrazivanje5.pdf
NGO Astra
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
Tel: +381 11 3347 853, fax: +381 11 3347 817
E-mail: astranet@sezampro.yu
Web address: www.astra.org.yu
_____________________________________________________________
Women, the Girl Child and HIV/AIDS
During its fiftieth session, the Commission on the Status of Women reaffirmed its position and set forth a series of recommendations to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic which disproportionately affects women and girls and those who live in poverty. Some of these recommendations call for governments to empower women to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, ensure accessible and affordable prevention commodities, expand access to treatment, strengthen policy and program linkages between HIV/AIDS and sexual/reproductive health, combat the stigmatization of those living with HIV/AIDS, and, at the most basic level, to ensure women’s human rights and fundamental freedoms. The report also urges governments, inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations to include a gender perspective in HIV/AIDS-related research and program implementation.
Compiled from: Women, the girl child and HIV/AIDS, Commission on the Status of Women, Economic and Social Council, United Nations, March 9, 2006.
____________________________________________________________
The Gender Equality Index
Social Watch released a report on gender equality entitled "No country treats its women the same as its men: The Gender Equality Index- A New Perspective." Social Watch has created its own mechanism to assess the levels of gender equality in most countries in the world. The Gender Equality Index (GEI) encompasses factors such as school enrollment, birth expectancy, gender-based income differences, and empowerment. Best performers include Australia, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Countries with the worst performance include Yemen, Pakistan, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo and Egypt. Compiled from: "No country treats its women the same as its men: The Gender Equality Index- A New Perspective," Social Watch Research Team, Social Watch, April 25, 2006. _____________________________________________________________ |
International Helsinki Federation Posts New Chapters of Report
The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights has posted the first ten chapters, by country, of its 2006 report entitled "Human Rights in the OSCE Region: Europe, Central Asia, and North America." Each country chapter contains information about gender issues and connections to women's human rights. Reports on Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Macedonia, Netherlands, and Norway are included. Other country chapters will be published by IHF in the coming weeks, with the full report available in June 2006.
Compiled from: Human Rights in the OSCE Region: Europe, Central Asia, and North America, International Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, 4 April 2006.
____________________________________________________________
United Nations Research Institute Releases Report on Development and Violence against Women
The United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women has released a report by Belen Sobrino entitled, "Responding to Violence Against Women: How development policies address the issue of gender-based violence." The report aims to deconstruct the connections between gender, violence, and sexuality in context of development efforts by civil society and international organizations. Based on an evaluation of development plans and population debates, the report concludes that the current discourse surrounding women's reproductive health focuses on reproductive capability and functions as ways to advance the economy and public health. The author argues that this current framework perpetuates violence against women both by promoting an utilitarian view of women as childbearers, wives, and mothers and by denying sexual autonomy to those women who reject this asexual, utilitarian view. Using examples from Latin American civil society organizations, the report ends with recommendations on how to fully incorporate "gender and sexuality" within a development framework to explain and challenge violence against women.
Compiled from: Responding to Violence Against Women: How development policies address the issue of gender-based violence, Belen Sobrino, United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women, March 2006.
_____________________________________________________________
International Consultation on Women’s Human Rights Defenders
The International Consultation on Women’s Human Rights Defenders was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from November 29 to December 2, 2005. Women’s Human Rights Defenders encompass those who advocate for and defend human rights, but who are also targeted for who they are. The 2005 Consultation included 180 Women’s Human Rights Defenders from countries around the world.
The meeting resulted in a report, which centered on several key objectives that were set for the Consultation. The report contains seven main sections. Sections one, two, three and four focus on the four main sources of abuse, which includes state actors, non-state actors, families and communities, and sex and sexuality-based attacks. Sections five and six discuss strategies for addressing abuse. Section five describes the UN tools available in order to prevent and hold those accountable for abuse and section six contains recommendations from participants of the Consultation. The final section presents conclusions.
International Consultation on Women's Human Rights Defenders: Proceedings (PDF, 55 pages)
_____________________________________________________________