Geneva, 25 July 2025
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) and Nazra for Feminist Studies welcome the adoption of Resolution A/HRC/59/L.18/Rev.1 by the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) during its 59th session in Geneva. Adopted without a vote, the resolution renews the mandate of the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls for three years and incorporates several of the organizations’ recommendations aimed at enhancing the Working Group’s capacity to respond to evolving gender-based threats.
CFJ and Nazra jointly submitted a technical note highlighting gaps in the draft resolution and proposing targeted language, several of which were later reflected in the adopted text.
This adoption marks a positive development in advancing substantive equality, protecting marginalized groups, and addressing emerging challenges such as digital gender-based violence, shrinking civic space, and the vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in conflict and repressive contexts.
CFJ–Nazra proposals reflected in the resolution
Recognition of digital gender-based violence
The organizations urged recognition of online harassment, privacy violations, and algorithmic harms. The resolution acknowledges:
“…recognizing that girls are often at greater risk of being exposed to and experiencing discrimination, including that which occurs through or is amplified by the use of digital technologies…” (PP8)
Focus on intersectionality and the rights of girls
The joint submission called for attention to overlapping and multiple forms of discrimination. The resolution provides:
“…requests the Working Group to continue to… mainstream across all its work, age and disability perspectives… and to examine the specific forms of discrimination that girls face.” (OP2)
Commitment to geographic inclusivity and civic space
The organizations emphasized participation of underrepresented regions and protection of women’s rights groups. The resolution affirms:
“…to continue to facilitate the meaningful participation of women and girls from all geographic regions in its work…” (OP3)
“…invites… civil society actors, including women’s and girls’ rights organizations… to cooperate fully with the Working Group…” (OP5)
Strengthened mandate for state cooperation and engagement
CFJ and Nazra pressed for stronger state accountability. The resolution states:
“Calls upon all States to cooperate with and assist the Working Group… and to give serious consideration to responding favorably to its requests to visit their country…” (OP4)
Outstanding concerns
While the resolution represents meaningful progress, several CFJ–Nazra proposals were not fully addressed:
- The resolution does not reference the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda or integrate UNSC Resolution 1325, despite calls to reflect conflict-specific risks.
- No monitoring mechanism was established for States’ implementation of the Working Group’s recommendations.
- The text lacks a provision addressing persistent non-cooperation or consequences thereof.
- No new operational paragraph was added on documenting good practices or joint engagement with other special procedures.
CFJ and Nazra consider the adoption of Resolution A/HRC/59/L.18/Rev.1 a significant step toward ensuring the continued relevance and responsiveness of the Working Group. The inclusion of digital threats, intersectional discrimination, and civil society participation strengthens its ability to address both longstanding and emerging forms of inequality. While further steps are needed, the adoption of this resolution underscores the Human Rights Council’s recognition of the urgent need to protect women and girls in all their diversity.
The two organizations will continue to support the mandate holder, monitor implementation, and advocate for stronger accountability and protection mechanisms.
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