Now, the Consultative Group should adopt Gender Parity Guidelines at HRC44 to ensure gender parity at the Special Procedures .

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The upcoming 44th Human Rights Council (HRC) session presents an opportunity to reverse the historic absence of women in two important Rapporteurships: the Special Rapporteurship on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special Rapporteurship on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

GQUAL celebrates the decision by the Consultative Group of the Human Rights Council, the body in charge of evaluating and interviewing Special Procedures nominees, of recommending only female candidates for these positions to the Council President. Such measures have been requested by GQUAL in different opportunities and are necessary to overcome the under-representation of women in international bodies.

Gender parity however, must be a specific goal in selection procedures, along with independence, proven experience and knowledge on the matter, and adequate geographic representation. In order to achieve and sustain gender parity across the Special Procedures we once again urge the Human Rights Council Consultative Group to adopt and implement Gender Parity Guidelines.

You can read the full letter here.