44th session of the Human Rights Council - Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women (Panel 1: Accountability for women and girls in humanitarian settings). Statement delivered by Ambassador Nazhat Shameem (Fiji).
Madame President,
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the core group for the forthcoming resolution on Accountability for ensuring women's and girls' full enjoyment of human rights in humanitarian settings: Canada, Georgia, Sweden, Uruguay and my own country Fiji.
Conflicts and disasters affect more and more people around the world. When crisis strikes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-existing gender inequalities are often exacerbated and further impede women's and girls' full enjoyment of human rights.
In humanitarian settings, the breakdown, or lack, of institutions and infrastructure, along with pre-existing gender-based violence and discrimination, often prevent women and girls from accessing justice and remedies. Absence of accountability fuels impunity. In addressing these challenges, it is important to recognize women's and girls' agency, as well as the need for men and boys to engage.
Ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses is central to fulfilling States' obligations under international human rights law. We therefore welcome today's panel discussion, on a comprehensive and holistic approach that encompasses and also goes beyond judicial accountability to include principles of participation, transparency, non-discrimination, empowerment, sustainability, international cooperation and that places victims and survivors at the center of all interventions.
Building on today's important panel discussion, the core group will present a resolution at HRC45 on accountability for ensuring women's and girls' full enjoyment of human rights in humanitarian settings. We look forward to continuing this conversation, and working with all stakeholders on this initiative.
I thank you.