Universal-Womens-accesss-to-justice-Publications-Practitioners-Guide-Series-2016-ENG

14 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE No. 12
sought justice around the world, for example by demanding
adherence to international law relating to violations of the right
to life, the right not to be ill-treated and the right to equality. It
is important to show that all States, regardless of whether
developed or developing, have a great deal to do in eradicating
violence against women.
Advocates and practitioners can show that women’s rights can
be implemented through taking best practice recommendations
from the international and regional levels. This involves not
only seeking justice after violence has been committed but also
promoting methods of preventing violence, for example by
ensuring that all children and young people receive education
on equality between men and women, non-violent conflict
resolution and age appropriate comprehensive sexuality
education. 16
Building cultures of rule of law and equality across all
State agencies
The use of the justice system by legal advocates is critical in
upholding the rule of law as the basis for accountability in the
16
The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating
violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention)
of 11 May 2011, Article 14(1) provides for: “equality between women
and men, non-stereotyped gender roles, mutual respect, non-violent
conflict resolution in interpersonal relationships, gender-based
violence against women and the right to personal integrity”. See also
Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and
Eradication of Violence against Women (Belém do Pará) of 9 June
1994, Article 8(b) under which: “States Parties [undertake to] modify
social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, including
the development of formal and informal educational programs
appropriate to every level of the educational process, to counteract
prejudices, customs and all other practices which are based on the
idea of inferiority or superiority of either of the sexes or on the
stereotyped roles for men and women which legitimize or exacerbate
violence against women”. Regarding sexual education, see also
CEDAW Committee, General Recommendation No 24, “Women and
Health”, UN Doc A/54/38 at 5 (1999).