Integrating a gender perspective into human rights investigations

Human rights investigations are a central aspect of the response provided by the UN to human rights violations and a first step towards accountability, reparations, truth and non-recurrence. Since 2009, Gender Advisers are deployed to International Commissions of Inquiry, Fact Finding Missions and other UN investigative bodies, thanks to the partnership of OHCHR, UN Women and Justice Rapid Response, to support the integration of a gender perspective into the investigations, including in
the documentation of sexual and gender-based violence. This event will explore the most recent developments in terms of guidance and practice in this area. OHCHR is pleased to launch a new, practical tool providing expert advice on how to integrate a gender perspective in human rights investigations.

Opening remarks by the moderator: Veronica Birga, OHCHR Chief of Women’s Human Rights and Gender Section
Introduction on JRR/UNWomen/OHCHR partnership: Nina Suomalainen, Justice Rapid Response Executive Director

Presentation of Integrating a gender perspective into human rights investigations: guidance and practice
Victoria Kuhn, OHCHR Human Rights Officer, Women’s Human Rights and Gender Section

Discussion on gender integration into human rights investigations, including in relation to sexual and gender-based violence and other serious human rights violations - Experience of Commissions of Inquiry and Fact-Finding Missions
Antonia Mulvey, Gender Advisor and SGBV Investigator, Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar
Uta Simon, Gender Advisor and SGBV Investigator, Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
Jan Hessbruegge, former Legal Advisor, Commission of Inquiry on DPRK