The Core Group of Friends — the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Sierra Leone, and Antigua and Barbuda — alongside Every Woman Treaty co-hosted a vital dialogue at the United Nations in Geneva on the need for stronger global action to end violence against women and girls.
The panel discussion was part of our ongoing engagement with nations supportive of a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW and nations interested in learning more about how this new international treaty dedicated to eradicating violence against women and girls can lower rates of violence and lead to stronger, more vibrant nations and communities.
The high-level panel for this hybrid meeting emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation and advance efforts to promote a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW.
It was composed of:
- H.E. Mr. Paul Empole Losoko Efambe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the UNOG;
- H.E.Me Chantal Chambu Mwavita, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
- Mrs. Chantal Yelu Mulop, Special advisor on youth, the fight against violence against women and human trafficking;
- H.E. Ms. Reem Alsalem, United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences;
- H.E. Mr. Lansana Gberie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the UNOG;
- Mrs. Joy-Dee Davis, Representative of Antigua and Barbuda (online)
- Ms. Patricia Elias, Chief of the Global Diplomatic Campaign of Every Woman Treaty.
High-level keynote addresses highlighted the urgency of action, calling on the international community to take decisive action and for supportive nations to champion the cause.
Outcomes:
- One nation formally announced its intention to join the Core Group of Friends, reinforcing the coalition of supportive states.
- One African nation publicly announced its support for the call for a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW, emphasizing solidarity in promoting gender equality.
- Participating nations pledged to increase efforts to promote a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW and encourage wider adoption by engaging diplomatically with other states.
The meeting concluded with renewed determination to advance women’s rights and a collective commitment to mobilize more nations supporting a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW.
We are deeply grateful to the Core Group of Friends for their unwavering commitment to advancing human rights and justice.
Special thanks for the powerful and insightful speech of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls Ms. Reem Alsalem and her dedication and expertise.
Together, we can end violence against women and girls.
