Delegation of the European Union to Colombia

09/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2024 02:34

HRC57 - Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57th session

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

30 September 2024

EU statement

Mr. President,

The European Union is deeply committed to promote and scale up all action to achieve gender equality, and ensure the equal and full enjoyment of all human rights by all women and girls.

The European Union strongly supports the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. In this regard, we welcome the establishment of a Gender Advisory Board and the campaign to promote gender equality and prevent sexual harassment at the UN.

Investigative bodies have made notable progress in gender mainstreaming throughout their reports by including gender advisers in the investigation teams, successfully incorporating women's voices, and addressing sexual and gender-based violence and conducting trauma-informed interviews.

However, further progress is needed, particularly in addressing how pre-existing gender inequalities intersect with and exacerbate the escalation and recurrence of conflict as well as fuels sexual and gender-based violence both during and after conflict. The EU calls for enhanced integration of a gender perspective in the work of investigative bodies, fostering actionable recommendations that lead to real change and accountability. We also emphasize the need for engaging women and girls in these processes to ensure inclusive solutions and to prevent the recurrence of violations.

Distinguished Panel,

Could you please share how gender-responsive analyses may address the root causes of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly how pre-existing gender inequalities exacerbate conflict-related violations?