International Development Law Organization

Survivor-Centred Justice for Gender-Based Violence in Complex Situations

Side event organized by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Global Women’s Institute (GWI) with the support of the U.S. Department of State, the Government of the Netherlands, and the Government of the Philippines on the occasion of the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Monday, 13 March 2023
6:30 - 7:45 PM
Conference Room – B, UN Headquarters, New York

At a time of mounting crises across the humanitarian-development-peace and climate continuum, women and girls continue to face a myriad of challenges in pursuing justice for gender-based violence (GBV). Seventy per cent of women experience GBV in humanitarian or crisis contexts, more than double the global average. In the aftermath of some climate emergencies, a three-fold increase in domestic violence cases has been reported.

In these situations, GBV is exacerbated, and women and girls are less likely to receive justice due to the breakdown of institutions and a general culture of impunity.

Recent research on Survivor-Centred Justice for Gender-Based Violence in Complex Situations conducted by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Global Women's Institute (GWI) in six countries across the globe – Afghanistan, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Sudan and Tunisia – shows just how complex accessing justice can be for survivors of GBV in situations of conflict, organized crime, climate disasters and health emergencies – conditions that often intersect with contexts of legal pluralism and political transition.

This event will highlight approaches and practices to advance a comprehensive survivor-centred justice response in complex situations across the humanitarian-development-peace and climate continuum. More specifically, the event seeks to (a) urge greater action and investment on justice for survivors of GBV, in all their diversity; (b) provide a vital opportunity to share and interrogate new thinking on justice for GBV that centres survivors at all stages of the justice process; and (c) highlight research and practice-based recommendations to advance justice for survivors of GBV in complex situations.

Agenda

Moderator: Jan Beagle, Director-General, IDLO

Speakers:

  • Margarita Gutierrez, Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communication, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Government of the Philippines
  • Katrina Fotovat, Senior Official, Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, U.S. Department of State
  • Joanita Babirye, Co-founder of Girls for Climate Action, Uganda and Youth Leader at the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Feminist Action for Climate Justice
  • Melissa Upreti, Member, United Nations Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls
  • Dr. Chelsea Ullman, Research Scientist, Global Women’s Institute, George Washington University
  • Rita Aciro, Executive Director, Uganda Women's Network

Interactive Discussion

RSVP

Details

RSVP by Wednesday, March 8.
PLEASE NOTE: Seating is limited. For non-UN Pass holders, a Special Event Pass (SEP) is required to attend the event. Please request your SEP in your RSVP email.