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UN Updates
WHO launches manual to strengthen health sector responses to survivors of violence
On the occasion of International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women (25th November), World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a new manual to help health managers and policy-makers to strengthen health systems to deliver better quality of care to women who have been subjected to violence. The manual is based on the WHO’s clinical and […]
The Bogota Declaration on tax justice for women
In collaboration with Tax Justice Network and the Global Alliance for Tax Justice, Public Services International launched the ‘Bogota Declaration on Tax Justice for Women’s Rights’ in December 2017. Sometime in early 2017, researchers, advocates, public service trade unionists and activists from the tax justice and women’s rights movements organised a global meeting of leading […]
Victor Madrigal appointed as UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity
The United Nations Human Rights Council appointed Victor Madrigal-Borloz as the new Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity has the responsibility to assess the implementation of existing international human rights instruments, raise awareness around violence and discrimination […]
UNDP releases report on legal gender recognition in Asia
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a study titled Legal Gender Recognition of Transgender People: a Multi-Country Legal and Policy Review in Asia which highlights that a majority of transgender people across the Asia-Pacific region have not been able to obtain any official identification documents that reflect their gender identity. The report further mentions […]
Expanded Yogyakarta Principles released on their 10th anniversary
On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Yogyakarta Principles, a group of 33 international human rights experts released a set of new principles on International human rights law pertaining to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) to call for renewed action worldwide against violations and discrimination and re-assert the […]
CEDAW issues General Recommendation no. 36 on girl’s and women’s right to education
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) submitted general recommendation no. 36 on girls’ and women’s right to education in its sixty-eighth session and highlighted that education of girls and women is one of the most effective investments for sustainable and inclusive development. The recommendation focuses on two critical education targets that […]
Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) launched
The International Labor Organization, UN Women, and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have launched the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC). With a vision to achieve gender equality at workplace, EPIC will act as a multi-stakeholder coalition to contribute to the realization of target 8.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals i.e. to achieve equal pay […]
WHO releases guidelines for healthcare workers on responding to sexual violence
WHO has released guidelines to enable health care providers respond effectively to children and adolescents (up to 18 years of age) who have been sexually abused (including sexual assault and rape) with compassionate and respectful care. A 2011 study estimated that 18% of girls, and 8% of boys worldwide have experienced sexual abuse. The guidelines […]
UN Experts propose plan to end harmful practices related to witchcraft
Over 100 United Nations officials collaborated with international experts in Geneva to establish effective means of combating human rights violations related to witchcraft. Officials advocated that measures must be comprehensive while enshrining inalienable human rights. Examples of concrete measures discussed include strengthened data collection, grassroots collaboration with traditional health practitioners, and the regulation of “independent […]
UNESCWA releases study on intimate partner violence
The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia recently released a study exploring intimate partner violence with particular focus on its economic impact. The study is focused in the Arab region and provides an evidence-based, comprehensive understanding of the human rights and socio-economic impact of intimate partner violence. In particular, the study explores links […]