Despite the fact that women only represent about 5% of all death row inmates, it is essential to take measures to guarantee that women do not face gender discrimination in the application of the death penalty.
While they may make up only part of a larger advocacy strategy, parliamentarians and the abolition of the death penalty go hand in hand. In many countries, parliamentarians are the bridge between citizens and policy and law-making.
Parliamentarians are key players in ending child, early and forced marriage, as they can lead the development of relevant legislation and policies, and set the political agenda as opinion leaders on ending the practice.
Every individual is guaranteed a right to a fair trial – which includes access to effective legal counsel - regardless of the offence they are accused of.
With increasing calls now for the adoption of a treaty on the prohibition of fully autonomous weapons, the global community has a unique opportunity 'this time round' to do things rather differently.
This was the first year of PGA’s 3-year strategic plan under the theme of “Mobilizing Legislators as Champions for Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace” and resulted in significant progress in the creation of a more equitable, safe, and democratic world.
The purpose of this Parliamentary Handbook is to highlight why and how Women Parliamentarians can make decisive contributions in pushing back against a threat that has never been more clear and present.