The UIA supports the Equality Now research project on rape laws

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to bring to your attention an important effort already underway by Equality Now, a legal advocacy organization that uses the law and legal processes to protect and promote the rights of women and girls around the world. We hope you had the opportunity to read the article by Equality Now, Rule of Law is the Foundation Stone of Girl Empowerment, in the most recent issue of the Juriste International.

Equality Now is seeking the UIA’s help with an important global research project that will provide a database on how different countries define their rape laws.  For example, is rape in marriage illegal in a particular country?  Does the law forgive the rapist if he marries the victim?  Are rape laws implemented?

To get a realistic and accurate picture of the issue, Equality Now needs the assistance of local bar associations and councils.  As the world’s oldest international association of Bars, Bar Associations and Law Societies, the UIA and its Collective Members are particularly well-placed to assist in this effort.  The UIA membership, as well, should prove to be an excellent resource to help complete the database.  I hope you have time to help.  Equality Now has already engaged with the International Bar Association on this project, which has contributed information for numerous jurisdictions.[1]  There remain many countries where there is still little or no information, including many countries on the African continent, and Equality Now needs our expertise and assistance to expand the reach of this research.

The survey, in English and French, is attached.  Both surveys, as well as additional information, are accessible on the Equality Now website (www.equalitynow.org/UIA).  We will also shortly have an additional link on the UIA’s website.  Please forward completed surveys to Jacqui Hunt, Director of Equality Now’s Discrimination in Law program: jhunt@equalitynow.org.  Equality Now is compiling the database on a rolling basis, but it would be enormously helpful to receive any replies by the end of January 2015.  All UIA Collective and Individual Members who participate in the survey will have their names and affiliations mentioned in the final report as contributors.

Equality Now has underscored its interest in pursuing future opportunities for discussion and engagement with both the UIA and its Collective Members in identifying and addressing discriminatory laws and policies, including a particular focus on adolescent girls.

I thank you for your kind interest in this important initiative.

With kind regards,

Steven A. Hammond

Past President, UIA