ODIHR supports Ukrainian parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights in protecting and promoting women’s rights

Strategies for advancing women’s rights and gender equality in Ukraine were highlighted by experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) at a workshop for officials from the office of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, in Kyiv on 25 June 2013.

The workshop examined aspects of the Commissioner’s work related to the protection and promotion of women’s rights, co-operation with civil society in advancing gender equality, and gender mainstreaming within the Commissioner’s office.

ODIHR also presented its Handbook for National Human Rights Institutions on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, which offers a survey of trends, examples and recommendations to guide national human rights institutions (NHRIs) in strengthening their capacity and practical work in this field.

“NHRIs can facilitate women’s access to their services by having flexible opening hours and creating child corners in their offices,” said Ajla van Heel, Gender Officer at ODIHR. “These institutions can also simplify the process for filing complaints, so that they can be made in person, via a toll-free telephone line, or online. All this would make these structures more approachable and their work more effective.”

Aksana Filipishyna of the office of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights said: “Violations of women’s rights, gender-based discrimination and domestic violence are unacceptable, and we will continue our efforts to eliminate them. With the skills and knowledge gained at this workshop, we will work to protect and promote women’s rights more effectively.”

The workshop was held in line with an agreement on co-operation between the Commissioner for Human Rights’ office and ODIHR in February 2013. The provision of assistance and expertise to NHRIs in advancing women’s rights and gender equality is an important part of ODIHR’s work across the OSCE region.