Australia Urged to Prioritize Gender Equality as Key to National Security
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — Following International Women’s Day, Human Rights Watch is calling on the Australian government to strengthen its commitment to gender equality, framing it not just as a human rights issue, but as essential to global peace, security, and economic stability.
The call comes as concerns rise globally regarding attacks on women human rights defenders and attempts to erode established gender rights. Australia, according to the organization, has a crucial role to play in defending the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Human Rights Watch recently submitted a detailed report to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade, outlining the far-reaching impacts of conflict, crisis, and climate change on women and girls. The submission highlighted the erosion of principles enshrined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which addresses women’s inclusion in peace and security efforts.
“International Women’s Day is a key opportunity for the Australian government to be thinking about gender equality, both domestically and abroad,” said Daniela Gavshon, Australia director at Human Rights Watch. “Undermining gender equality violates international human rights law, fuels instability, and weakens countries’ resilience to crises.”
The organization is urging Australia to support the development of an international treaty addressing crimes against humanity, specifically emphasizing the need to strengthen protections for women and girls, including the potential recognition of gender apartheid as a crime. Expanding asylum pathways for women and girls facing persecution is also a key recommendation.
Human Rights Watch points to Australia’s existing resources – including a foreign minister committed to gender equality and a dedicated ambassador for gender equality – as tools to become a global leader in advancing women’s rights. The organization advocates for a feminist foreign policy that prioritizes the rights of women and girls in all foreign policy, defense, and national security decisions.
