CSW62 side event: Applying CEDAW general recommendation 37 on gender-related dimensions of disaster risk reduction in the context of climate change
Date: Thursday, 15 March 2018, 3–4.15pm EDT
Location: Ex-Press Bar, General Assembly Building, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017. Enter through the Visitors’ Entrance on 1st Avenue and 46th Street.
On 7 March 2018, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women is expected to adopt the first general recommendation by a human rights treaty-body that is focused on the issue of disaster risk reduction and climate change. General recommendations are considered soft law, an authoritative interpretation of the treaty norms they reflect upon. They may be cited by courts and used by governments seeking to ensure their policies and actions comply with their treaty obligations.
This event will bring together experts and practitioners to discuss the content of general recommendation 37 and its application. Representatives of CEDAW, UN Women, OHCHR, Fiji and civil society will participate in a panel introducing the general recommendation that will be followed by an interactive dialogue. Participants will be asked to reflect on practical applications of the general recommendation and next steps for implementation including the ongoing monitoring role of CEDAW and relevant entry points in national and international laws and policies.
Moderator: Ms. Mary Robinson, President, Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice
Opening remarks: H.E. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Republic of Fiji
Introduction to CEDAW general recommendation 37:
- Dalia Leinarte, Chair, Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
- Joanna Bourke Martignoni, Research Fellow, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and Gender Centre, Graduate Institute for International and Development Studies
Discussants:
- Yannick Glemarec, Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programme, UN Women
- Craig Mokhiber, Chief, Development, Economic and Social Issues Branch, OHCHR
- Civil Society Representative (TBC)