Framework for submissions to the UN SRVAW thematic report on rape as a grave and systematic human rights violation and gender-based violence against women

Following the call for submissions by the UN Special   Rapporteur   on   violence   against women, its cause and consequences (SRVAW), to her thematic report on rape as a grave and systematic human rights violation and gender-based violence against women, CREA, RESURJ,  Global  Health Justice Partnership of Yale Law School, and Amnesty International, have developed a guiding framework to support allies submitting their responses.

The SRVAW is preparing a thematic report to be presented to the   UN   Human   Rights   Council   in   June   2021.   The   report   will   address “States’ responsibility to criminalize and prosecute rape as a grave and systematic human rights violation and a manifestation of gender-based violence against women, in line with international human rights standards and provide recommendations to States and other stakeholders on key international human rights standards that should be integrated in national criminal justice responses in order to harmonize them with accepted international standards; to provide access to justice and support for victims of rape; to break the cycle of impunity; and to prosecute perpetrators, ensuring that they are not protected by hidden domestic norms that are still part of criminal law or criminal procedure.”

The call for submissions, is an opportunity for civil society to engage with the   SRVAW   on   laws   and   policies   on   gender-based   violence, including sexual violence and state accountability.  

In   response   to   the   call   for   submissions   by   the   UN   Special   Rapporteur   on violence against women, its causes and consequences (SRVAW), CREA, Amnesty International,   RESURJ,   IWRAW   Asia   Pacific   and   the   Global   Health   Justice Partnership of Yale Law School and the Yale School of Public Health, submitted this memorandum for consideration in the upcoming thematic report.

Our guiding framework outlines   a   set   of   key   considerations   that   offer   a critical perspective on the role and use of the criminal law as the primary tool to address gender-based violence, including sexual violence. 

We   hope   these   considerations   will   be   helpful   in   supporting   organizations   and activists in their submissions to the call by the SRVAW. Please note that we have intentionally   provided   broad   principles   which   can   be   used   in   full   or   in   part   in individual/organizational   submissions.    

You can find the Call for Submissions here:

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Women/SRWomen/Pages/SRVAW.aspx

 Deadlines and contact e-mail for submitting:

All submissions should be sent to vaw@ohchr.org by 31 December 2020

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