In the lead-up to the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Every Woman Treaty worked in close collaboration with Champion Nations Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone to build support for a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW to end violence against women and girls.
We’re pleased to share that during the regular session of the Human Rights Council, 10 new nations publicly expressed their interest in exploring the possibility of a new binding mechanism to address violence against women and girls.
Amazing!
This is a crucial step forward in the process of realizing a global treaty to end violence against women and girls. We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this news with you.
The nations show extraordinary diversity and regional representation, with countries in Africa, Asia, the Arab Region and Latin America and the Caribbean.
At the session, the Honorable Ambassador Shara Duncan Villalobos of Costa Rica read a joint statement on behalf of the nations, noting that they firmly believe the international community can do more to ensure women’s safety.
“Therefore, it is with a great sense of urgency that we are committed to continue to embark in informal discussions and exchanges on exploring the possibility of adopting a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW dedicated to eradicating violence against women and girls, with the Committee’s jurisprudence as a basis. The most widespread human rights violation needs to be halted. Let’s join our efforts and spearhead change.”
Special thanks to the Permanent Missions of Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone for your exemplary leadership and to all nations for prioritizing the safety and security of women and girls.
Together, we end violence against women and girls.