The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty undertook significant advocacy efforts during both the 90th session of the CEDAW Committee in Geneva and its 92nd pre-session. Focusing primarily on gender-based discrimination relating to the death penalty, discussions unfolded around the experiences of women facing capital punishment in Sri Lanka, Iraq, Kenya, and Qatar. Reports from various organisations raised awareness about the persistent injustices against women involved in capital cases, emphasising gender biases and the need for reform.
During the pivotal 90th session, reports from the Freedom Collective Trust and the Anti Death Penalty Asia Network outlined how, despite a de facto moratorium on the death penalty in Sri Lanka, women continue to receive such sentences often for crimes that do not qualify as ‘most serious’ under international law. Furthermore, it was noted that judicial proceedings inadequately considered gender-based factors, highlighting a significant disparity in access to justice for women.
CEDAW’s engagement with Sri Lanka led to probing questions regarding judicial policies and the collection of disaggregated data, which should include gender and histories of violence. Following this dialogue, the Committee recommended the abolition of the death penalty in Sri Lanka while advocating for systemic recognition of gender-related mitigating factors, such as economic hardship and histories of gender-based violence
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The 92nd pre-session saw the World Coalition, along with representatives from organisations like Reprieve and ICJ Kenya, reaffirm the focus on Iraq, Kenya, and Qatar. Reports underscored the need for transparency around the death penalty’s application and the critical consideration of gender issues in judicial processes.
The latest sessions underscored the interconnectedness of CEDAW principles and the abolition of the death penalty. The insights and recommendations from these proceedings serve as crucial leverage for advancing abolitionist goals, showcasing the ongoing commitment to improve women’s rights within the justice system.
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty engaged in significant advocacy during the 90th and 92nd sessions of the CEDAW Committee, highlighting gender biases in the application of the death penalty in Sri Lanka, Iraq, Kenya, and Qatar. Reports underscored the need for judicial reform and recommended the abolition of the death penalty while ensuring gender-based mitigating factors are acknowledged. These efforts are critical in linking CEDAW principles with abolitionist goals.
In summary, the involvement of the World Coalition in both the 90th session and the 92nd pre-session of CEDAW has shone a light on the gender biases surrounding the death penalty. With compelling reports and critical recommendations for reform, the advocacy has highlighted the urgent need to consider gender-related issues and to ultimately abolish the death penalty. These efforts reinforce the importance of aligning women’s rights with the abolitionist movement, and the outcomes of these sessions provide vital tools for future advocacy.
Original Source: worldcoalition.org
