UN experts report on the underlying
causes of women’s deprivation of liberty
GENEVA (26 June 2019) - A UN human
rights group of experts has urged States to combat the underlying causes that
lead to the deprivation of liberty of women as part of their obligations to
eliminate discrimination against women in law and in practice.
“Gendered social norms and
stereotypes, economic deprivation, and experiences of violence and conflict are
underlying causes for the deprivation of liberty of women,” says a report by
the experts.
“Deprivation of liberty is a deeply
gendered phenomenon,” the Chair of the Working Group on the issue of
discrimination against women, Meskerem Geset Techane, said before presenting a
new report to the Human Rights Council. “Combating harmful stereotypes, and the
economic and social inequities faced by women is crucial to adequately address
women’s deprivation of liberty,” she added.
The report examines the multiple
forms in which women can be deprived of their liberty by both State and non-State
actors, not only in detention facilities but also in other public and private
institutions, in private homes or community spaces, and in situations of
conflict and crisis.
The expert said that in complying
with their obligation to eliminate discrimination against women, States should
take action to ensure that gender stereotypes are not embodied in law, policy
and practice or institutionalised resulting in deprivation of women’s liberty.
“This requires modifying or
eliminating all laws based on stereotyped gender roles and combating gender
stereotypes in the family, community, social and formal institutions. It also
entails eliminating any laws or policies criminalising the private as well as
public roles of women, and taking measures to ensure the participation of women
in political and public spheres.”
In relation to women’s economic
opportunities, the expert said that unequal access to and control over
resources, opportunities and services constitutes a key factor in the
confinement of women. “Measures should be taken to ensure that resources and
social services are available to women, and that the obstacles they encounter
to the full enjoyment of their economic and social rights are eliminated.”
The expert also stressed the
importance of taking the necessary steps to provide effective protection for
women from gender-based violence at all levels of society and in times of
conflict or crisis.
The report will be presented on 27
June to the Human Rights Council, which can be watched live.
ENDS
The UN Working Group on the issue
of discrimination against women in law and in practice was created by the Human
Rights Council in 2011 to identify, promote and exchange views, in consultation
with States and other actors, on good practices related to the elimination of
laws that discriminate against women. The Group is also tasked with developing
a dialogue with States and other actors on laws that have a discriminatory
impact where women are concerned.
The Working Group is composed of
five independent experts: Ms Meskerem Geset Techane (Ethiopia), Chairperson; Ms
Elizabeth Broderick (Australia); Ms Ivana Radačić (Croatia); Ms Alda Facio
(Costa Rica),; and Ms Melissa Upreti (Nepal).
For inquiries and media requests,
please contact: Ms Hannah Wu (+41 22 917 9152 / hwu@ohchr.org) or Ms. Laura
Ramirez (+41 22 917 9668 / spbconsultant7@ohchr.org) or write towgdiscriminationwomen@ohchr.org.
For media inquiries related to
other UN experts: Mr. Jeremy Laurence, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22
917 9383 / jlaurence@ohchr.org)
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