Closing the justice gap for women post COVID-19: The Elders launch new policy paper
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated gaps in justice systems globally and has had a particular impact on the lives and rights of women.
In their new policy paper Access to Justice for Women and the Rule of Law the Elders note that women will continue to be denied their rights unless we begin to see reform and progress in 2022.
Read the foreword from Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders:
“The great Irish poet Seamus Heaney once wrote of the promise that ‘a longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up’ and deliver freedom and equality for all. The experience of the last two years however has shown that COVID-19 has compounded injustice, particularly for women who were already in vulnerable situations.
The rule of law remains an essential bulwark against abuse and discrimination but much more needs to be done to make it more robust, respected, and accessible. The Elders are deeply concerned that women will continue to be denied their rights as we move into the next stage of the pandemic unless leaders, legislators and lawyers take proactive steps to strengthen justice systems and make them more responsive to women’s specific needs.
We hope this paper will catalyse conversations and help set a clear agenda for reform and progress in 2022.”
Download the Access to Justice for Women and the Rule of Law policy paper.
