Strengthening women’s access to justice to take centre stage at upcoming Session of UN General Assembly

Press Release 220/2012
24 September 2012

The first high-level meeting of the General Assembly dedicated solely to the rule of law is taking place during the 67the UN General Assembly next Monday. World leaders will focus on strengthening the rule of law, underlining its role in securing international peace and security, furthering development and in the achievement of universal human rights. The meeting will bring together governments and civil society to review progress made and challenges that exist at the national and international level to strengthen the rule of law.

On 24th September, on the occasion of the High Level Meeting on the Rule of Law, the Governments of Finland and South Africa, along with UN Women, will host a high level event focusing on women’s access to justice. Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, the President of Finland, Mr Sauli Niinistö and the President of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma, Executive Director of UN Women, Ms Michelle Bachelet and Nobel Laureate, Ms Shirin Ebadi are among speakers.

Today, the rule of law often rules women out. Obstacles persist which prevent women from accessing legal protection for their rights, resulting in discrimination and inequality that hamper women’s ability to live free of violence and to contribute as full and equal citizens. These obstacles can be overcome through dedicated action by all. Ahead of the meeting, Governments of Finland and South Africa and UN Women are calling on governments to show strong commitment, and accelerate actions and policies to increase women’s access to justice and foster a responsive justice system that advances women’s equal rights.

At the event, governments will be invited to make concrete commitments to policy actions and highlight initiatives to advance women’s access to justice.

The event will be webcasted live at http://webtv.un.org (on Monday 24 September, at 20.00-21.45 current local time in Finland)

For additional information please contact: Head of Unit Satu Suikkari-Kleven, satu.suikkari-kleven(a)formin.fi, tel. +358 40 760 3578, Counsellor Liisa Valjento, liisa.valjento(a)formin.fi, tel. +358 40 350 6148, Press Secretary Pirjo-Liisa Heikkilä, The Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN, pirjo-liisa.heikkila(a)formin.fi, tel. +1 917 294 3915

Source: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland