FORUM: Human Rights Sub-Commission 2

QUESTION OF: Measures to eradicate domestic violence (femicide)

SUBMITTED BY: Côte D’Ivoire

CO-SUBMITTED BY: Antigua & Barbuda, Cuba, Georgia, Guyana, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kenya, League of Arab States, Mali, Mauritania, Norway, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, United Kingdom, Zambia

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION,

Recognising the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women which condemns domestic abuse and encourages the pursual of policies to eliminate violence against women,

Fully aware that violence against women and girls is a human rights violation (according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) that undermines gender equality, public health and social stability, there are also both immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences for women and girls,

Noting that domestic violence transcends all social, economic, cultural, religious and geographic boundaries, affecting millions of women, men, and children globally,

Deeply concerned by the underreporting of domestic violence cases, which is often due to fear of reprisal, lack of awareness of available resources, and social stigma, as well as the insufficient support systems available for survivors in many regions,

Noting with appreciation the efforts of various governments, non-governmental organisations, and civil society groups that have taken steps to raise awareness and provide support for victims, while recognising the need for stronger international cooperation to provide long-term solutions,

1. Calls for the creation of a United Nations (UN) Women sub-body called the United Nations Global Alliance to End Domestic Abuse (UNGAEDA), a dedicated sub-body that will coordinate global efforts to enforce female protection rights by working with governments to design and implement country-specific schemes to address the root causes of domestic violence by:

1. all nations implementing tailored national action plans to eradicate domestic violence, with particular attention to cultural, social, and economic factors contributing towards abuse by:

1. conducting biannual reviews randomly in which Member States present wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww detailed reports on their national databases for tracking cases and analysing trends to inform policies, these reviews will be overseen by UNGAEDA to ensure accountability and data transparency
2. ensuring that during times of conflict, when rates of domestic violence rise significantly, support and protection for victims will not be reduced and will remain a priority

2. adopting sanctions against other governments that fail to comply with international standards or neglect to implement or maintain schemes to combat domestic violence, sanctions may include trade restrictions, diplomatic pressure and suspension of voting rights in international forums until corrective measures are taken;

2. Proposes the adoption of legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to eradicate domestic violence, ensuring protection for survivors and accountability for perpetrators, including but not limited to:

1. establishing specialised training programs for law enforcement and judicial personnel on how to handle domestic violence cases with professionalism and sensitivity, these programs should emphasise timely and thorough investigations and responses by:

1. regularly monitoring police reports related to domestic violence to ensure investigations are completed on time and that victims’ rights are prioritised, monitoring should be conducted by UNGAEDA and reported publicly every six months
2. developing mandatory training programs for judges and prosecutors covering the psychological impact of abuse, the importance of victim-centred approaches, and challenges that victims face in accessing justice, ensuring fair and informed judicial proceedings

2. implementing concrete monitoring systems, to ensure compliance with protective orders and judicial decisions, tracked through a centralised database which can evaluate legislative progress, and recommend improvements on Gender Based Violence (GBV);

3. Encourages partnerships with local Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations, and community groups to deliver essential services to survivors, conduct research, and advocate for systemic policy changes, with these being based in specialised support centres across both urban and rural regions providing survivors with access to critical services including legal assistance, mental health counselling, medical care, and emergency shelter, which must be accessible to all survivors regardless of their background;

4. Requests for the establishment of readily available legal aid funds, allocated by the World Bank and the UNGAEDA, specifically designated to cover the costs of legal representation, court fees, and scholarship school programs, support victims of domestic violence, and ensure that no survivor is financially burdened by the pursuit of justice;

5. Implores the UNGAEDA to help launch campaigns to increase awareness aimed at educating all members of the public about the dangers of domestic abuse and promoting a culture of respect and equality, these campaigns should target all segments of society, with a special focus on:

1. mandating the integration of domestic violence education into school curricula and workplace training programs, ensuring that young people and adults alike understand the signs of abuse and the resources available to support victims by:

1. implementing in primary and secondary education age-appropriate lessons on respectful relationships, consent, and conflict resolution
2. establishing higher education courses on domestic violence prevention and the legal rights of victims as part of university and vocational training programs
3. increasing literacy rates for girls, as education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of violence, encouraging female school attendance, with particular attention to marginalised and rural communities where education access may be limited

2. training educators and school staff on recognising and responding to signs of domestic abuse among students, with mandatory professional development programs for teachers, counsellors and school administrators equipping them with the skills to identify and support and support at-risk students;

6. Asks for the creation of parental workshops provided by schools for accessibility purposes with a key focus on preventing domestic abuse through:

1. workshops providing non-violent communication strategies and positive discipline techniques
2. community outreach programs engaging parents in discussions about domestic violence prevention and providing resources for them to support their children if they disclose abuse;

7. Calls upon Member States to establish and strengthen witness protection mechanisms to ensure the safety and confidentiality of individuals, including health-care providers, teachers, and other professionals, who report cases of abuse, by:

1. creating legal frameworks that guarantee anonymity and protection for witnesses and whistleblowers to prevent retaliation
2. providing accessible and secure reporting channels that safeguard the identity of witnesses and ensure swift and confidential investigations,
3. establishing dedicated witness protection programs, including relocation, counseling, and legal support for individuals at risk of retaliation,
4. training law enforcement, judicial authorities, and relevant stakeholders on handling sensitive reports with confidentiality and respect for the safety of witnesses,
5. conducting public awareness campaigns to encourage the reporting of abuse by assuring witnesses of robust protection measures.