Featured News
- Customary Law Must Evolve With Society to Maintain Legitimacy
Article by Muna Ndulo, Professor of Law, Cornell Law School and Director, Institute for African Development, Cornell University
- Featured Comment: Community Organizations as Gap Fillers in Meeting the Needs of Sexual Violence Survivors in India
Guest Comment by Aanchal Kapur, Founder and Leader of Kriti Team, a community based development organization in India focused on women's empowerment.
- Featured Judicial Decision: Addressing the Plight of Child Domestic Workers in Bangladesh
- Featured Comment: Addressing Sexual Violence Against Girls in School in Zambia
Guest Comment by Matrine Chuulu, Regional Coordinator of Women in the Law in Southern Africa. - Judging Our Future: Supreme Women Move Up
Women have gone from zero percent representation during the U.S. Supreme Court's first 191 years to 33 percent in the past 30 years. Women still have a long way to go to achieve equitable representation in the judiciary, but the progress they have made so far is heartening. - The Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act: How You Can Help Stop the Criminal Justice System's Unjust Response to Survivor-Defendants in New York
Guest Comment by Tamar Kraft-Stolar, Women in Prison Project Director and Jaya Vasandani, Women in Prison Project Associate Director, Correctional Association of New York on the DV Survivors Justice Act, a proposed bill to allow more judicial discretion when sentencing DV survivors convicted of crimes directly related to an abuser's violence. - Tunisian women hold tight to rights after revolution
Tunisian women are wary that the uprising that ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali may unravel women's rights bolstered by his secular regime in a predominantly Muslim country. The women who supported the uprisings in favor of democracy must now mobilize to protect the gains in womens rights that Tunisia had achieved. TrustLaw, April 27, 2011. - Women wary of new Egypt constitution
After playing an instrumental role in the revolution, Egyptian women fear their rights may not be fully protected in the new Egyptian constitution and the new democratic process. Euronews, March 2, 2011. - Saudi's Surprise Renegades
A women's movement may be growing in Saudi Arabia, as small pockets of female protestors call for the release of their imprisoned relatives. Newsweek, May 1, 2011. - SUDAN: North Darfur water project helps protect women from sexual violence
A water project supported by the UN-African Union peacekeeping force in North Darfur will not only facilitate residents' access to water but also help to reduce sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the region by providing women with a less exposed means to get water. IRIN News, April 27, 2011. - What About American Girls Sold on the Streets?
Trafficking of women in the U.S. is often ignored or misunderstood, and is therefore one of the country's biggest human rights problems. NY Times, April 23, 2011. - Women as Environmental Change Agents
Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues, U.S. State Dept., notes that women have an important role to play as agents of environmental change, and are developing and effecting innovative solutions to critical environmental problems. Huffington Post, April 22, 2011. - Pakistan Supreme Court acquits five in Mukhtar Mai rape case
The Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the Lahore High Court's decision to acquit five of the six suspects in the Mukhtar Mai gang-rape case which caught global attention as an instance of a tribal council ordering the rape of a woman to atone for an alleged crime committed by her brother. The Hindu, April 21, 2011. - South Africa Judicial Service Commission wants more black female judges
The Judicial Service Commission calls for more women and black candidates to apply to become judges, citing the Constitution's requirement that the judiciary reflect broadly the racial and gender composition of South Africa when making judicial appointments. Times Live, April 20, 2011. - Activists: Women beaten in Yemeni protests
At least four women were beaten and eight men arrested for marching together to protest Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime. UPI.com, April 18, 2011. - Special from Yemen: Female demonstrators lash out at defamation campaign
Yemeni women activists are responding combatively to the media war waged by state outlets this week aimed at denouncing female participation in protests sweeping the nation. AlMasryAlYoum, April 19, 2011. - UN envoy stresses need to prevent conflict-related sexual violence before it begins
Margot Wallstrom, the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, stressed that it is critical to prevent conflict-related sexual violence before it happens. She urged the Security Council to use its influence to ensure that any ceasefire agreement reached in relation to Libya or Côte d'Ivoire entrails the cessation of sexual violence as a tactic of war. UN News Centre, April 14, 2011. - Egyptian women protesters forced to take 'virginity tests'
Amnesty International calls for investigations of serious allegations of torture, including forced 'virginity tests', inflicted by the army on women protesters arrested in Tahrir Square, Egypt, earlier this month. Amnesty International, March 23, 2011. - El Salvador: Women in parliament unite on new law against violence
The El Salvadorean parliament approved The First Comprehensive Law for a Life Free of Violence against Women, a significant development in El Salvador to halt the rampant impunity for violent crimes against women. El Salvador is the Central American country with the world's highest rates for murder of women. UNDP News Room, March 21, 2011. - Liberia: Ivorian women struggle to survive in crowded refugee camps
Amidst negotiations to end Gbagbo's attempt to hang on to the Presidency of Cote d'Ivoire, thousands of Ivorians struggle to survive in refugee camps. Genderlinks, April 5, 2011. - Women Tackle Nepal's Flawed Justice System
In Nepal, a groundbreaking community-based initiative aims to empower women to protect their rights. Through basic legal training on issues ranging from trafficking and sexual harassment to property laws and the rights of divorced women, the program aims to ensure that victims of violence and other crimes seek justice. Mysinchew.com, March 23, 2011. - Libyan Woman Struggles to Tell Media About Her Rape
A gripping account of a woman's desperate plea to media, and her description of abduction, gang rape, and other humiliation and torture over the course of 2 days by Qaddafi's militiamen. NY Times, March 26, 2011. - In Mideast revolts, women emerge as driving force
The key role of women in the political revolutions and protests in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen and Bahrain may signify a social revolution as well. France24, March 7, 2011. - Branded witch, these women are scarred forever
Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights to submit testimonies of poor and "low-caste" women who have been branded as witches for property grabbing reasons and subjected to physical torture and social humiliation in rural India to the National Human Rights Commission. Times of India, March 17, 2011. - Women revolutionaries hope for greater say in post-Mubarak Egypt
As Egyptians begin to outline a "New Egypt" women fear their rights may not be fully provided for, but hope that a new government will give them full equality. Al Masry Al Youm, Feb. 15, 2011. - Women Join Uprising in Conservative Libya
Libyan women make important contributions in the uprising sweeping through the country. Middle East News, Feb. 28, 2011. - UN celebrates birth of powerful new agency for women and girls
The UN officially launched UN Women (the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women) during the 55th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. UN News Centre, Feb. 24, 2011. - Taiwanese arrested over surrogate mums
Thai police rescued women from an illegal surrogacy ring in Bangkok. A Thai draft law targeting illegal surrogacy awaits parliamentary approval. Bangkok Post, Feb. 25, 2011. - Egypt to reveal constitutional reforms, women not included
Egypt's newly appointed constitutional committee, which is to announce constitutional reforms on February 27, has been criticized for not including any female experts. Bikya Masr, Feb. 19, 2011. - Afghan Proposal Would Clamp Down on Women's Shelters
Proposed laws may make it difficult for victims of domestic violence in Afghanistan to access shelters. Women fear compromises on human rights issues in Afghanistan. NY Times, Feb. 10, 2011. - Over 6,000 communities across Africa abandon female genital mutilation/cutting
The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM/C works with practicing communities to voluntarily end female genital mutilation and has seen some success in nine African countries. The Point, Feb. 9, 2011. - UN: Violence, rape spread across Ivory Coast
Nearly two dozen women have been raped in the past week in western Ivory Coast in the rising wave of violence following President Gbagbo's refusal to relinquish power to president-elect Alassane Ouattara. The Associated Press, Jan. 20, 2011. - U.N. Expert On Violence Against Women Begins U.S. Fact-Finding Mission
UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Rashida Manjoo, begins an official fact-finding mission on U.S. policies concerning domestic violence, sexual assault in the military and treatment of women in detention. ACLU, Jan. 24, 2011. - OPT: Little recourse for victims of gender-based violence
The Palestinian Authority women's affairs ministry has launched a national plan to combat violence against women in response to high rates of gender-based violence and poor access to justice for victims. IRIN News, Jan. 27, 2011. - Egyptian Women Lay Claim to Revolutionary Role
Egyptian women join in the protests and demonstrations in the hope that a new democracy will bring more freedoms for women in Egypt. Women's eNews, Feb. 3, 2011. - South Sudan: Women Dream of Freedom
Women in South Sudan, who have suffered from high rates of sexual and other gender-based violence, hope that women's rights will receive more attention and protection in an independent South Sudan. IPS News, Jan 13, 2011. - DR Congo soldiers arrested for rape
The UN Mission stated that at least eight government soldiers have been arrested on suspicion of raping about 30 women and looting the town of Fizi in South Kivu Province on New Year's Day. BBC News, Jan. 13 2011. - Haiti: Women Wonder if They'll Ever Feel Safe Again
A year after the earthquake, women and girls continue to face sexual violence in displaced persons camps in Haiti. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has recently issued unprecedented binding recommendations to the Haitian government to address the sexual violence prevalent in displacement camps. IPS News, Jan. 6, 2011. - Sudan: Arrest of Women's Rights Activists, Flogging of Woman Violate Basic Rights
More than 60 Sudanese women's rights activists have been arrested for peacefully protesting the lashing of a woman by Sudanese police for wearing trousers in public and thus violating a broad law prohibiting "indecent and moral acts." AllAfrica.com, Dec. 15, 2010. - New UN Resolution 1960 steps up fight against sexual violence in conflict
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution voicing concern at the slow progress in combating sexual violence in situations of armed conflict and stressing the need to end impunity for perpetrators. The resolution calls for the yearly publication of a list of armed groups that target women for sexual abuse. UN News Center, Dec. 16, 2010. - Army fingered in rape orgy
A new report alleges that Zimbabwean soldiers and police officers participated in politically motivated rape in Harare, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces in Zimbabwe between 2001-2008. ZimOnline, Dec. 14, 2010. - KENYA: Experts welcome counter-trafficking law
The Counter Trafficking in Persons Act 2010 is the first such law in Kenya to legally define and recognize trafficking in persons as a crime. IRIN, Dec. 8, 2010. - IRAQ: Displaced women still struggle for survival
A majority of displaced Iraqi female-headed families who have returned to Baghdad struggle to secure adequate nutrition and livelihoods for their families. IRIN, Dec. 7, 2010. - Gambia: Women's Act 2010 Launched
The Women's Act 2010 will implement the National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women and Girls and the United Nations and African Union instruments for eliminating discrimination against women to which Gambia is a member. AllAfrica.com, Dec. 1, 2010. - Ghanaian woman burned to death for being a 'witch'
A 72-year-old woman in Ghana was allegedly tortured, made to confess she was a "witch" and was burned to death. Ghana's Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice has called the perpetrators' actions "barbaric." The Guardian, Nov. 29, 2010. - 16 days of activism
To mark the official opening of the 16 Days of Activism campaign to end violence against women and girls, 400 women will march through Suva, Fiji, on Nov. 24, 2010. This is one of several events around the world to commemorate the beginning of the 16 days campaign, which will last from Nov. 25 - Dec. 10. Fiji Times, Nov. 23, 2010. - UN campaign to protect Delhi women from violence
New Delhi, India has become one of five cities in the UN's "Safe Cities" program aimed at finding and implementing strategies to reduce violence against women and girls in cities around the world. Sify News, Nov. 22, 2010. - Asma Jahangir awarded UN prize for human rights
Leading Pakistani human rights activist, Asma Jahangir, was named this year's winner of the Bilbao Prize for the Promotion of a Culture of Human Rights in recognition of her work on behalf of women, children and religious minorities in Pakistan's Supreme Court. Dawn, Nov. 17, 2010. - Suu Kyi free, for now, in Myanmar
Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace laureate and Myanmar's best-known prisoner of conscience, has been released after seven years of house arrest. Asia Times, Nov. 16, 2010. - Iran detains 3 women lawyers representing activists
Iranian authorities have arrested three female lawyers on their return home from abroad, local media reported Sunday. The three lawyers were among signatories of a letter calling for the release of prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and signatories to a statement opposing a draft law that would ease restrictions on polygamy. Associated Press, Nov. 14, 2010. - Iran candidacy for UN Women panel opposed by rights advocates
Human rights advocates have opposed Iran's nomination to the new United Nations board that will coordinate a new agency, UN Women, overseeing women's issues. Saudi News Today, Nov. 9, 2010. - Afghan women's suicides on rise amid desperate search for justice
The number of women's suicides in Afghanistan grows in response to the lack of access to courts and to justice. RT, Nov. 2, 2010. - Jailed Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh on hunger strike
Ms. Nasrin Sotoudeh, an Iranian human rights lawyer who has represented opposition activists, politicians and Iranian Nobel peace prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, commenced a hunger strike to protest her mis-treatment in jail. BBC News, Nov. 4, 2010. - Female aboriginal victims of violence get support
The Canadian federal government announced a new $10 million initiative to address the high numbers of missing and murdered aboriginal women. The Province, Oct. 31, 2010. - Six UN Agencies Advocate for Change on Anti-Trafficking policies in the European Union
On the eve of an EU conference on trafficking, six UN agencies (UNODC, OHCHR, UNHCR, UNICEF, ILO, UNIFEM/UN Women) have shared their views and suggestions to ensure that the rights of victims of trafficking are effectively addressed. OHCHR Press release, Oct. 19, 2010. - Congo-Kinshasa: Army Raping And Killing, Says UN Envoy
New reports of DR Congo government troops raping and killing women in remote villages in the Walikale region where hundreds were the victims of mass rapes by non-governmental militias in July and August. allAfrica.com, Oct. 15, 2010. - CEDAW Adopts Conclusions on Periodic Reports of Burkina Faso, Czech Republic, Malta, Tunisia and Uganda and on an Exceptional Report by India
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women concluded its forty-seventh session, adopting concluding observations and recommendations on periodic reports and a general recommendation on the rights of older women. UN OHCHR, Oct. 22, 2010. - Africa: Women and Children the Focus of Achieving MDGs
At the Millennium Development Goals Summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon announced the launch of a $40 billion global campaign to improve maternal and infant mortality rates, recognizing the necessity of renewed multilateral efforts to improve the lives of women and children. AllAfrica.com, Sept. 24, 2010. - Africa: Countries Vow to Fight Gender Based Violence
African countries that participated in the International Conference on the Role of Security Organs in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls affirmed their commitment to fighting gender-based violence by harmonizing and standardizing legal frameworks pertaining to violence against women and girls. AllAfrica.com, Oct. 28, 2010. - The ICC Appeals Chamber dismisses Mr Bemba's appeal against the admissibility of his case
Congolese opposition figure Jean-Pierre Bemba will be prosecuted in the International Criminal Court. Mr Bemba is alleged to be criminally responsible for crimes against humanity (murder and rape) and war crimes (murder, rape and pillaging). ICC Press Release, Oct. 19, 2010. - Chechen clerics condemn bride-snatching
Muslim clerics in the Chechen Republic condemned the practice of bride-snatching and threatened punishment to clerics who pressure the woman's family to accept such a marriage. Bride-snatching can now lead to a $35,000 fine for the prospective groom and his family in addition to criminal penalties. RT, Oct. 6, 2010. - Callixte Mbarushimana arrested in France for crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, French authorities arrested Mbarushimana, suspected of crimes against humanity (murder, torture, rape, inhumane acts and persecution) and of war crimes (attacks against the civilian population, destruction of property, murder, torture, rape and inhuman treatment). ICC Press Release, Oct. 11, 2010. - Human Rights Court: Mexico responsible for rapes
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights condemned Mexico for failing to guarantee the rights to personal integrity, dignity and legal protection of two indigenous women who were raped by soldiers in 2002. The Washington Post, Oct. 4, 2010. - Africa's women demand end to bias
The African Women's Decade Conference in Nairobi brings together delegates from all over the world to renew calls to African governments to eliminate discrimination against women. The conference marks the beginning of an African Union campaign to empower grassroots initiatives by women. Capital News, Oct. 11, 2010. - Frenzy of Rape in Congo Reveals U.N. Weakness
In Luvungi, a village 11 miles away from a UN peacekeeping base, gang rapes of at least 200 women over three days is a gruesome example of the sexual violence that is part of the Congo's wars and that continues in part due to absentee police and ineffective protection by the UN peacekeeping forces. NY Times, Oct. 3, 2010. - Efforts to increase number of female police bearing fruit, says top UN Cop
The UN Global Effort to increase the number of women police officers deployed on peacekeeping missions has met with success and positive responses. A larger number of women police officers is useful for tackling gender-based violence and can increase public confidence in the police. Modern Ghana, Sept. 29, 2010. - PHILIPPINES: Superstition undermines maternal health
"Superstitious practices" of medically untrained TBAs reportedly increase health risks during delivery. The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and the Dept. of Health are working to improve maternal health by promoting hospital delivery and working relationships between trained midwives and traditional birth attendants (TBAs). IRIN News, Sept. 20, 2010. - Rwanda: New Gel to Protect Women From HIV/Aids
Project Ubuzima, a local organization in Rwanda that carries out clinical research on microbicides, announced that Tenofovir, a new vaginal gel microbicide set to be released next year, could be one of the key ways to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS among women. AllAfrica.com, Sept. 20, 2010. - Former Chilean president to head new high-profile UN women's agency
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon named Michelle Bachelet to head UN Women, a newly created entity which merges UNIFEM, DAW, the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and the UN International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women. UN News Centre, Sept. 14, 2010. - Rape: Rights Group Calls Test to Determine Sexual Activity a 'Second Assault' in India
Human Rights Watch urges India to ban a "degrading and unscientific" test commonly performed on rape victims to see if they have previous sexual experience. NYTIMES, Sept. 13, 2010. - Tunisia citizenship law to boost women's rights
A draft law allows Tunisian women to pass Tunisian citizenship to their children regardless of the father's nationality or of where the children are born. Al Arabiya News Channel, Sept. 13, 2010. - SRI LANKA: Women take over as breadwinners in north
In the aftermath of civil war and the deaths or disappearances of male breadwinners, women in the north of Sri Lanka are becoming the primary source of income for many households. IRIN Asia, Sept. 9, 2010. - Iran woman's stoning suspended after global outcry
After weeks of condemnation from around the world, Iranian authorities have suspended the execution by stoning of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Reuters, Sept. 8, 2010. - Bangladesh War's Toll on Women Still Undiscussed
Violence against women in Bangladesh's war for independence almost 40 years ago starts to gain acknowledgment. - ICC seeks African Women Counsel
The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Bar Association (IBA) jointly launched a 6-month campaign in May to increase the number of women lawyers authorized to represent defendants or victims at the International Criminal Court (ICC). - Tribal Law and Order Act Clears Congress
The U.S. House has approved a bill that gives American Indian tribes more authority to combat crime on their reservations, Associated Press, July 22, 2010. - African leaders seek solution to maternal and infant mortality
African leaders and health experts meet today at the 15th African Union Summit in Kampala amid reports that maternal and child health indicators are still poor. Daily Monitor, July 19, 2010. - Yemen: Child care scheme helps refugee women become breadwinners
Child care centers created by the Society for Humanitarian Solidarity allow Somali women refugees in Yemen to support their families. IRIN, June 30, 2010. - Getting away with rape.
Rape victims in the DRC face barriers to accessing justice. The Mobile Court Project, by setting up temporary tribunals in communities without access to formal judicial systems, provides a forum to try sexual violence cases in the countryside. July 12, 2010. - Federal court opens door for Guatemalan asylum claim
A U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruling Monday created the possibility that Guatemalan women could qualify for political asylum in the U.S. because of the high female murder rate in the Central American country. The Associated Press, July 13, 2010. - Defamation case against Cambodian opposition politician sparks UN concern.
Mu Sochua, a member of Parliament and prominent women's rights defender, was convicted of defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen for stating he would sue him for derogatory sexual comments he made about her. UN News Centre, July 13, 2010. - Mexico's Distressed-Migrant Visas Reach Few Women
Central American women are victims-survivors of gender-based violence as a result of their migration north. Few are able to access justice or receive humanitarian visas in response to the violence committed against them. Women's E-News, July 6, 2010. - Women political participation: NCSW unveils recommendations; Parties, CSOs & experts back suggestions with inputs
International The News, Peshawar, Pakistan, July 8, 2010. - Activists campaign against domestic violence.
A group of women in Southern Sudan have staged a campaign against domestic violence targeting women and called for ending it. Sudan Tribune, July 4, 2010. - Ugandan child mothers pick up the pieces
Formerly abducted women who were raped and had children in captivity rebuild their lives. CTV News, June 30, 2010. - The Afghan women jailed for 'bad character'
About half of Afghanistan's women prisoners are detained for "moral crimes." BBC News, June 29, 2010. - Sexual Assaults Add to Miseries of Haiti's Ruins
Violence against women is on the rise in Haiti. The New York Times, June 23, 2010. - India court seeks 'honour killing' response
Indian Supreme Court demands federal and state government explanation of steps taken to prevent "honor killings." BBC News, June 21, 2010. - Indian community torn apart by 'honour killings'
On the outskirts of New Delhi, family members brutally beat and killed daughter and her lover because he was from a "lower" caste. BBC News, June 16, 2010. - Bangladesh 'Eve teasing' craze takes a terrible toll
Bangladesh designates June 13 as "Eve Teasing Protection Day" to draw attention to the increasing number of women and girls committing suicide to escape "Eve Teasing" or sexual harassment. BBC News, June 11, 2010. - Swaziland: Women's rights take one step forward, two steps back
Swaziland Supreme Court reverses High Court judgment granting married women the right to register property in their own names. IRIN, June 16, 2010. - Marital rape in Africa: The right to say no
Human rights lawyers work to criminalize marital rape in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi using Canada's reform of sexual assault laws as a model. The Globe and Mail, June 11, 2010. - After success at home with UN, Sierra Leonean police officer helps women in Darfur
After seeing the success of female peacekeepers in her own country, Sierra Leone's highest-ranking female police officer is working with the UN to implement the use of female peacekeepers in Darfur. UN News, June 9, 2010. - Supreme Court for women's rights education
Nepal's Supreme Court directs the government to include human rights education in school and college curricula to combat discrimination and violence against women. The Himalayan Times, June 11, 2010. - Women become targets in police patrols in Chhattisgarh
Intensified military action against Maoist rebels in central India is increasing attacks against women by security forces; soldiers are being accused of rape. Local police deny any knowledge of the increased violence against women. The Hindu, June 8, 2010 - Angola's Mendes Urges Making Wife Beating a Crime
Susana Mendes, the first female editor in chief of Angola's leading investigative weekly, is making a personal effort to pass a bill to treat domestic violence, for the first time, as a crime. Women's E-news, May 26, 2010. - Dispelling acid attack myths
Detailed survey of victims highlights info ranging from motives to geography. Phnom Penh Post, May 21, 2010. - Inter-American Commission concerned about using the punitive power of the state to silence opponents, including judges, in Venezuela.
Press Release, 2010. Judge María Lourdes Afiuni Mora imprisoned after ordering release of a person deprived of liberty for more than two years, the maximum period for preventive detention contemplated under Venezuelan law. - 80 Afghan schoolgirls sick in week; poison feared.
The Associated Press, April 25, 2010. - Congo report shows rape is widespread
Oxfam study finds rape has risen 17-fold in past few years and become more pervasive in civilian life. Guardian, April 15, 2010. - Activists seek aid for acid victims
NGOs and others discuss ways to aid and secure justice for victims-survivors of acid attacks in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh Post, March 24, 2010. - Gender Stereotypes Continue to Limit Women's Progress, Migrio Says
United Nations News Centre, March 29, 2010. - Acid attacks could earn life in prison in Cambodia
The Phnom Penh Post, February 16, 2010. - First sentence handed down in Queens under new anti-trafficking statute.
February 9, 2010. - CEDAW Committee considers report from United Arab Emirates
United Nations Press Release, January 26, 2010. - Curbing Human Trafficking in South-East Asia Focus at UN-Backed Meeting
January 20, 2010. Officials from the six countries of South-East Asia's Mekong region, UN observers and other stakeholders opened a two-day meeting in Myanmar to step up the war on human trafficking, including sexual slavery and labor exploitation. - Presidential Proclamation: National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
President Obama releases proclamation in support of slavery and human trafficking prevention month. January 4, 2010. - Despite Law, Few Trafficking Arrests
Despite a New York State law in 2007 enacting tough penalties for sex or labor trafficking, few people have been prosecuted since its passage. New York Times, December 3, 2009. - UN commemorates 10th anniversary of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Nov. 24, 2009. - CEDAW at 30
30th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. October 29, 2009. - New Initiative to Address Sexual Violence Against Girls
launched at Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in New York. September 25, 2009. - UN to Consider New Structure for Women: "Making Change Matter"
Global Post, September 7, 2009. - UN warns that economic crisis is exacerbating violence against women
Global violence against women has worsened as the global economic downturn deepens. September 9, 2009. - Pakistan Moves to Outlaw Domestic Violence
Lawmakers approved bill punishing those found guilty of beating women or children with jail terms and fines. - Joint UN-Timorese police operation breaks up human trafficking ring in capital
July 6, 2009. Police forces arrested 10 people suspected of trafficking women and girls for sexual exploitation. - UN experts tackle the 'conspiracy of silence' over sexual violence as a war crime.
Women's rights activists, military leaders and UN officials met in New York to discuss how to involve women in the peace process and stop rape as a weapon of war. - Women Raped during Attempted Prison Break in DRC
UN calls for urgent reform after about 20 female prisoners were raped or assaulted in Goma prison. - Poland becoming transit, destination country for human trafficking
UN Press Release, May 29, 2009 - Growing Number of Women Report Falling Victim to Rape in DR Congo
UN urges action to protect civilians, especially women and girls, May 20, 2009 - Celebrated Artist to be named UN Goodwill Ambassador for human trafficking
UN names Ross Bleckner "Goodwill Ambassador to Combat Human Trafficking" at exhibition of paintings by former child soldiers and abducted girls from Uganda. - Saudi Arabian court rules that marriage of an 8 year-old girl is legally binding
UNICEF voices concern. April 13, 2009 - Obstacles & Successes on Implementing India's Domestic Violence Act
Tuesday, March 24, 1:15 p.m., Room 276
Asmita Basu, Consultant, Lawyers Collective, New Delhi - New Afghan law violates human rights of women and girls
April 2, 2009 - Karzai to review new Afghan law that discriminates against women
NY Times, April 4, 2009 - Is Rape Serious?
New York Times Op-Ed columnist reports backlog of thousands of rape kits in Los Angeles, CA alone. - International Women's Day, March 8, 2009
Read more about the history and significance of this day for women. - Global Forum for Women and Justice, March 2-4, 2009
The International Association of Women Judges to host Global Forum on Women and Justice.