khadija moalla sahar shawa stein hansen. an experience from kuwait undp’s added value and...
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CEDAW State Party Commitments Implementation:
Insights on the UN comparative advantages
Khadija MoallaSahar Shawa Stein Hansen
An Experience From KuwaitUNDP’s added value and
comparative advantage can be easily demonstrated
Support to the implementation of the CEDAW Committee recommendations
1.The Why: Technical Reporting Challenges Governments often overwhelmed by too
many ratified international instruments. Regular reports required (2 per year on
average). The State party government staff
members:1. Might lack the capacity to write the
jargon laden reports.2. Getting the right data, checking facts…3. Thorough knowledge of international law
and human rights principles.
I. The Why: Challenges in front of Governments
Government Task Force created for the purpose.
TF already burdened by many hindrances and limitations.
No proper coordination between the Executive and the Legislative powers
Focal points from different ministries under the leadership of different Ministries.
Most of the recommendations would call for modifying the legislation.
I. The Why: Doubts about CEDAW Task Force members have Lack of
understanding of CEDAW Committee recommendations
Conversation going on in the back of their mind:
1. CEDAW is foreign to their culture2. Undermine their native moral
values, beliefs and even religion.
II. The What: Equipped Focal Points:Governments seek the support of UNDP/UNGFP lacks a proper understanding:1. International law2. CEDAW convention itself 3. Human Rights approach at large. Bringing in an international consultant:
Missing out on the national sensitivities and intricacies.
A well equipped GFP is a MUST.
II. The What: New Project Documents and/or Mainstreaming:CEDAW lists of recommendations
1. Mainstreaming CEDAW aspects into:a. Ongoing project documents b. UNDPs governance or gender portfolios.2. New project documents (or new initiatives)c. Capacity building for CSOs, Media, RLs…d. Capacity building for Government staff…Governments may well be interested in funding
III. The How: Build TrustBe genuine in our will to support countries we
serve Host conversations with respect, empathy and
willingness to achieve transformation Tackle and transform the negative publicity:
Media, Religious & Government Leaders
III. The How: Continuous capacity building:
A valuable chance to have minds and hearts open up to new perceptions and even allow for an evolvement of a new world view in the minds of all partners.
III. The How: Be the Convener of a conversation between Government and Civil Society
Facilitate a true partnership between Government and CSOs.
Team creation & leadership methodologies.The need to shadow reports will not go away
but this approach will help build a synthesis between CSOs reporting and government’s one.
Media as allies in the advocacy.Technical assistance for the UNCT to jointly
support the three State powers.
III. The How: One UNA unique opportunity to the Gender Theme Group
and the UNCT to work together to implement CEDAW Recommendations:
e.g.: UNCT, UNGTG, bi and multilateral partnerships…
e.g. Addressing the needs of women refugees or implementing ILOs work place related conventions such as UNWomen, UNHCR, OHCHR…
Conclusion: a unique opportunityTo open the community conversation for more
social accountabilityTo provide a practical assessment of the true
needs To provide a much needed technical assistance
to the government To manifest the UN real added value