The 57th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is grappling with significant disagreements about its 2013 report, due in a few days.
The session, made up of representatives from 45 countries, is focused on eliminating violence against women and better sharing of care-giving responsibilities. Issues have been raised by Russia, the Vatican, Iran and Egypt, making general agreement on the final report difficult.
A senior UN diplomat told Reuters: “There’s this sort of unholy alliance … coming together to oppose language on sexual health, reproductive rights and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights. It’s tough going, but progress is being made.”
Egypt has sought to include consideration of a country’s sovereign rights in the report, essentially allowing signatory states to ignore elements of the declaration that conflict with their religious values.
A statement by the Egyptian Brotherhood, Egypt’s ruling party, declares the draft document as “deceitful”, arguing that it threatens Islamic family values. Their issues which centre around access to contraception and abortion as well as LGBT rights, are backed by a range of African and religious nations.
Similar issues around national sovereignty, gay rights and sexual/reproductive rights marred the 56th session, which was unable to agree on the theme of empowering rural women. “People recognise that if there’s a failure again this year to get an outcome document, then the whole future of the Status of Women commission is at risk,” said Reuters’ anonymous senior UN diplomat.
Despite these concerns about the report, there is some good news. Six African nations, most of which are currently working on a draft gender bill, have agreed to collaborate and consult with one another to ensure their current bills pass. Cote d’Ivoirie, the Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and South Africa intend to share expertise to achieve their gender equality goals, especially those around violence against women.
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is part of the UN Economic and Social Council. It was launched in 1946 and has yearly summits for member states to set global gender equality policies and track progress.
The session concludes March 15.