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Gender Proofing of Policies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Questions (84)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

84. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the results of the 57th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women held earlier this month; the actions and best practices outlined in the agreed conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15430/13]

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Written answers

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global policy-making body on issues relating to gender equality and advancement of women. The 57th session of the Commission on the Status of Women took place in New York from 4 to 15 March 2013. The priority theme for the session was the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. The outcome aimed for in this regard was a set of Agreed Conclusions, which are negotiated by all states and, in accordance with normal practice, adopted on the basis of consensus.

Ireland’s official delegation to the CSW was led by Ms Kathleen Lynch T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and the Department of Justice and Equality with responsibility for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People. It included officials from the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In addition, representatives from civil society organisations were part of the delegation.

The EU was represented in the negotiations on the Agreed Conclusions by the EU Delegation, supported by the Irish Presidency. Following extensive negotiations, consensus on the Agreed Conclusions was reached on 15 March 2013. Ireland, working closely with EU and other likeminded partners, contributed actively to what has been widely received as a positive outcome. Previously identified national priorities are clearly reflected in the Agreed Conclusions, including a strong condemnation all forms of violence against women and girls; recognition of the linkages with gender inequality and discrimination; a commitment to end impunity; and references to women, peace and security, women human rights defenders, and the need for coordinated, multisectoral services. New elements incorporated into the Agreed Conclusions include the role of men and boys in addressing the issue, and the role which victims and survivors can play as agents for change.

The Agreed Conclusions (currently in unedited format) are available on the website of the 57th Session of the CSW.

In addition to the negotiations on the agreed conclusions, the Minister of State chaired a number of side events. The first of these, entitled “Mobilising communities to prevent and respond to violence against women – lessons learnt from Uganda”, looked at Irish Aid’s work in Uganda. The second, entitled “Addressing Gender Based Violence in post conflict and fragile states – a case study of Sierra Leone”, presented the results of research carried out by the Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence. The Minister of State also participated in a European Union event, at which she outlined the National Strategy developed by Cosc, and a side event organised by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Additionally, the Minister of State participated in a high-level consultation on “Accelerating Zero-Tolerance to Gender Based Violence through the HIV response” which was organised by UN Women and UNAIDS and co-sponsored by Ireland. Her programme also included a series of bilateral contacts with a number of other Ministers and officials.

Ireland also co-sponsored an event with Amnesty International and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights which focused on the risks faced by women human rights defenders and at which our Permanent Representative in New York was a panellist. We co-sponsored a further event organised by the Uganda-based NGO, Raising Voices, which looked at implementing an evidence-based approach in addressing violence against women and girls. An event supported by Australia, South Africa and Ireland explored the potential of new media in supporting survivors of violence against women. The range of side events contributed to raising awareness around these issues among those attending CSW while also showcasing Ireland’s engagement in efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls both domestically and internationally.

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