United Nations Radio

There's been a call for all States and stakeholders to focus on the promotion and protection of the human rights of women.

The call comes from High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanathem Pillay in a statement during a panel discussion in the Human Rights Council.

Ms. Pillay says attention to the human rights of women and ensuring that a gender perspective is integrated into the work of the human rights system represent a key priority for her office:

"...no efforts should be spared to persuade countries to repeal laws and discourage customs, practices and prejudices that negate or undermine the achievement of equality between women and men. That is an indispensable starting point for the creation of a level playing field for women and girls required for the achievement of substantive equality."

Judge Pillay spoke about her experience of fighting gender discrimination in South Africa and at the International Tribunal for Rwanda, where she was a judge saying that through her experience, "she had learned that equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex were also essential for the achievement of human rights for all."

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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