HRC59 - Iceland GC - A/HRC/59/L.18: Working group on discrimination against women and girls

Human Rights Council – 59th session
Adoptions: General Comment delivered by Iceland on resolution A/HRC/59/L.18
Working group on discrimination against women and girls

Mr. President,

Every day, women and girls continue to face discrimination and inequality. Substantive equality has not been reached in any country.

There have been many legal and policy reforms to integrate the human rights of women and girls fully into national laws over the years. Yet progress remains insufficient. Women and girls everywhere are still subject to significant disadvantages due to discriminatory laws and practices.

Discrimination against women and girls persists in both public and private spheres—in times of conflict and in peace. It transcends national, cultural and religious boundaries. It is often fueled by patriarchal stereotyping and power imbalances which are mirrored in laws, policies and practices.

In this context, the working group has contributed to intensifying efforts globally to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls, by raising its expert voice, providing advice to member states and identifying good practices. Its mandate remains as relevant as ever.

For these reasons, Iceland joins consensus on L.18/Rev.1 and encourages other members to do the same.