UN experts push for advancement of women's rights

New York, US (PANA) - A group of independent UN experts has called for urgent actions to advance women’s human rights during political transitions, stressing that their equal participation is critical for any democratic and lasting change.

PANA reports that the call was made in a statement issued in New York Tuesday by the UN Working Group on discrimination against women in law and in practice.

The statement quoted the experts as saying political transitions offer unprecedented
opportunities for progress on women’s human rights, despite there being a risk of regression
and new forms of discrimination.

''Good practice is evidenced where states take advantage of the opportunities to advance women’s human rights and avoid any kind of regression,'' the group said, expressing
concern at reports that women who have been active in the fight for democracy and justice find themselves excluded from decision-making in new state-building processes.

''Countries in transition need to effectively take advantage of the ongoing legal, policy and
institutional reforms to guarantee strong participation of women in all spheres of political
and public life, especially at decision-making levels, and include them as equal partners
in shaping the future of their country,'' they noted.

The statement also quoted Ms. Kamal Chandrakirana, who currently heads the group, as
saying women’s full and equal participation in ongoing political transitions in many
regions of the world is a prerequisite for any democratic and lasting change, and is critical
to sustainable development, peace, and progress.

''There is a window of opportunity to consolidate women’s involvement in politics as many have participated in and driven the civil movements in their countries and are poised to make further progressive contributions to their societies,'' she said.

PANA learnt that the group presented its first annual report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday.

The UN Human Rights Council, which is currently holding its 20th session, appoints experts to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme.

The experts work in an independent and unpaid capacity.
-0-  PANA AA/SEG 3July2012