Northern Ireland Women and the

Northern Ireland Bill of Human Rights – Paper prepared by Northern Ireland Women’s European Platform

Background

1.    The universality of human rights was emphasised in the Declaration of the Vienna World Conference on human rights[1] and is now considered a core concept in international law.  It is reflected in the Convention for the elimination of all forms of discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as the United National Declaration on Violence against Women.

2.    At the United Nations 2005 World Summit in its first section on “Values and Principles” reaffirmed the link between development and human right and the importance of a human rights-based approach.  It recognises that “gender equality and the promotion and protection of the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all are essential to advance development and peace and security.”  An important paragraph recognises the need to “bring a gender and child protection perspective into the human rights agenda.”[2]

3. Adjusting legislation is a first step in creating a culture that is supportive of gender equality and zero tolerance for violence and discrimination, but it is the cultural reform which is important although more difficult to achieve as many of the barriers to equality are based in how women and girls are regarded within society.  It is important that it is recognised that at the 2005 World Summit it clearly records a consensus on the universality of human rights stating that “… While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, all States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, have the duty to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms.”[3]

Recommendations

International summits, treaties and conventions recognise that women and girls are marginalised and thus require specific key actions and recommendations to any human rights commitment.  The emphasis not only is for the betterment of women and girls but it is essential to advance development and peace and security.

Therefore the Bill of Human Rights for Northern Ireland should incorporate specific reference to women and girls.    Northern Ireland Women’s European Platform recommends:

§        Northern Ireland women shall have the right to affirmative action for the purpose of redressing the imbalances created by history, traditions or customs.

§        Northern Ireland shall ensure the elimination of every discrimination against women and also ensure the protection of the rights of the woman and the girl child as stipulated in European, international declarations and conventions.

§        Northern Ireland shall protect women from sexual violence and violence against women to ensure the right to dignity and life

§        Northern Ireland will ensure full socio-economic rights including providing the facilities and opportunities necessary to enhance the welfare of women to enable them to realise their full potential and advancement.

§        Northern Ireland women shall have the right to equal treatment with men and that right shall include equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities.