This annual event is one of the largest gatherings of UN entities, global leaders, the private sector, and women’s rights advocates to focus on the rights and empowerment of women and girls. The ABA Panels at the Virtual NGO CSW65 Forum are organized by the ABA Representatives and Observers to the United Nations, ABA Rule of Law Initiative, ABA Center for Human Rights, and ABA Commission on Women in the Profession.
The inherent right of each person to dignity is affirmed in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights treaties, and more than 160 constitutions worldwide. Our fundamental right to individual dignity forms the core foundations of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies governed by the rule of law.
Opening Remarks:
Patricia Lee Refo, ABA President
Moderator:
Judge Bernice B. Donald, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit and Chair of the Dignity Rights Initiative of the ABA Center for Human Rights
Panelists:
Closing Remarks:
Karen Mathis, ABA Representative to the United Nations
Investors increasingly understand that gender equality, women’s rights, and women’s empowerment through meaningful participation and inclusion as decision-making leaders are crucial to realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Opening Remarks:
Patricia Lee Refo, ABA President
Moderator:
Hilarie Bass, Founder of the Bass Institute for Diversity and Inclusion and Bass Foundation, and former President of the American Bar Association
Panelists:
Closing Remarks:
Karen Mathis, ABA Representative to the United Nations
The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women and juveniles, creating new barriers to access to justice and increasing the dangers of domestic violence, sexual assaults, and sex trafficking. What are some strategies for courts, justice sector actors, and civil society organizations to meet the challenges?
Opening Remarks:
Patricia Lee Refo, ABA President
Moderator:
Karen Mathis, ABA Representative to the United Nations
Panelists
Closing Remarks:
Karen Mathis, ABA Representative to the United Nations
Recent trends demonstrate erosion to democratic systems of governance at national levels, exacerbated by social inequalities brought about by the pandemic and a decline in the rule of law. Learn about the role of lawyers, bar associations, and the judiciary in reversing rule of law breakdowns and the shrinking political space for women's rights defenders.
Opening Remarks:
Patricia Lee Refo, ABA President
Moderator:
Mary Smith, ABA Representatives and Observers to the United Nations
Panelists:
Closing Remarks:
Karen Mathis, ABA Representative to the United Nations