📅 Today is the International Day of Democracy Democracy is more than a system of governance — it is the foundation of peace, justice, and human rights. It gives people a voice, builds trust in institutions, and prevents conflict by ensuring accountability. This #DemocracyDay, we reaffirm that defending democracy means defending human rights, peace, and the rule of law. 📘📅 Part of UNA-OC’s Monthly Theme: SDG 16 — Peace, justice and strong institutions. 👥 By Dr. Sara Balkh & Ariana Amiri | UNA-OC Human Rights Internship Program 📘 Reference: United Nations / OHCHR 📸 Photo: UN / OHCHR #DemocracyDay #HumanRights #Peace #Justice #StrongInstitutions #UNAOCCHonorsIntlDays #SaraBalkhHRAmbassador (fb)

🌍✨ Series 7: Human Rights for the Most Vulnerable – Part 3: Advancing Women’s Rights ✨🌍 📢 Welcome to Part 3! Today, we explore how international law safeguards women’s rights and addresses gender inequality. 🔹 Women’s Rights Framework 📜 The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979) is often called the “Bill of Rights for Women.” ⚖️ It affirms women’s rights to equality in political, economic, social, and cultural life. 🌍 The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) remains a global roadmap for women’s empowerment. 🔹 Core Protections under CEDAW 📌 Equality before the law and in family relations. 📌 Equal rights in education, work, and political participation. 📌 Protection from gender-based violence, trafficking, and exploitation. 🔹 Persistent Challenges 🚫 Women still face pay gaps, political underrepresentation, and violence in many societies. 📊 Nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence. ⚖️ In some regions, discriminatory laws restrict women’s access to property, healthcare, and education. 🔹 UN & OHCHR Actions 🌟 The CEDAW Committee monitors states and issues recommendations to strengthen protections. 🤝 UN Women promotes gender equality and combats gender-based violence. 📅 The SDGs (5 & 10) place gender equality at the heart of sustainable development. 📅 Join us every Wednesday for #UNAOCCHumanRightsWednesdays with #SaraBalkhHRAmbassador. 🔖 #UNAOCC #HumanRightsWednesday #WomensRights #GenderEquality #CEDAW #LeaveNoOneBehind (fb)