FIJI ON WORLD STAGE TO HELP EMPOWER WOMEN AND GIRLS
Fiji is at the forefront in calling for comprehensive approach towards building an inclusive and empowering society for women and girls.
This has been conveyed through demonstration of Fiji’s strong leadership at the recent high level discussions on “human rights of women,” held at the margins of 44th session of the Human Rights Council.
Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Nazhat Shameem delivered a joint 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 Fiji.
Ms Khan stated that, “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 preexisting 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 recognise women’s and girls’ agency, as well as the need for men and boys to engage,” Ms Khan said. She said that continued dialogue and multisectoral co-operation is important in advancing the human rights and empowerment of women and girls.