Equitas is pleased to announce the launch of a new publication designed to support the efforts of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to ensure that gender equality is in the forefront of efforts to promote and protect economic, social and cultural (ESC)  rights. The launch will take place on October 22nd during the upcoming 9th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions in Nairobi, Kenya.

Prepared by Equitas, with input from leading experts in the field, the Handbook argues that NHRIs have a crucial role to play in ensuring equal enjoyment of ESC rights.  However, a commitment to gender equality is not enough to ensure effective protection and promotion of women’s ESC rights.  NHRIs must also ensure that they have the capacity to:  understand and apply the appropriate legal frameworks; develop effective internal systems and procedures; and identify effective and appropriate strategies to remedy a particular solution.

Financial support for the Handbook was provided by the UNDP’s Asia-Pacific Gender Mainstreaming Programme and Asia Regional Governance Programme, the Canadian International Development Agency and the British Council.  We are also grateful to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the hosts of the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights for assisting in the organization of this launch event.