No Compromises on Women's Rights

No Compromises on Women’s Rights


4/23/2019 by Akila Radhakrishnan and Global Justice Center

The UN Security Council just adopted its 9th resolution on Women, Peace, and Security. The resolution was intended to address the needs of victims of sexual violence in conflict—but thanks to the Trump administration, the ideology of few were put above the lives of thousands of women and girls. The resolution was revised to include weak and ineffective language on sexual and reproductive rights, solely to gain the U.S.’ approval.



Global Justice Center activists at the 2018 Women’s March. (Global Justice Center)

This language is not enough, and women will suffer from it.

Just two months ago, I briefed the UN Security Council on accountability for conflict-related sexual violence and emphasized that justice must include access to the full spectrum of necessary medical care, including abortion services. Refusing the language surrounding sexual and reproductive health within the resolution is just another one of the Trump administration’s blatant attacks on women’s lives.

Despite this, the Trump administration alone cannot roll back the years of progress by the UN and groups like us to protect women’s rights under the law. We will not allow it. GJC has been, and will remain, at the forefront of the fight for sexual and reproductive rights for girls and women raped in war, including at the Security Council.

This is why our work matters. It’s why international law matters. This is why human rights matter. This is why we will continue to work to firmly embed women’s rights in law.

https://msmagazine.com/2019/04/23/no-compromises-on-womens-rights/