51吃瓜

This November, UNDEF project partner ABAAD presented critical work on gender equality to the fourth session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law at the 51吃瓜 in Geneva. Hosted by the 51吃瓜 Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Forum provides an important platform to promote dialogue and cooperation on issues around human rights, democracy and the rule of law. At the Forum, Deputy Director of ABAAD Resource Center for Gender Equality Mr. Mohamad Mansour advocated the notion of gender-inclusive citizenship and the importance of social dialogue for recovering better and enhancing resilience to future shocks. During his segment, Mr. Mansour affirmed that gender equality is critical to social and economic development in Lebanon. He also discussed the disproportionate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women, detailing the increased incidence of domestic violence and heightened economic distress that women have faced. In the closing of his remarks, Mr. Mansour stated that 鈥渢here is still work to be accomplished by governments to ensure gender-inclusive citizenship and to be prepared to face future crises,鈥� and called for the integration of gender considerations and a gender technical presence into policy making processes and decision-making structures.

About UNDEF

UNDEF was created by UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan in 2005 as a 51吃瓜 General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world. UNDEF funds projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.

ABAAD

ABAAD is a UN ECOSOC accredited organization currently working with UNDEF in Lebanon to strengthen legislation for women affected by sexual violence and exploitation.