As members of the United Nations, countries of the Southern Caucasus are supposed to protect human rights as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As members of the Council of Europe, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia have ratified the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. All three South Caucasus countries have ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and also United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and have therefore, committed to comply with the terms of these, in particular to guarantee the protection of women’s rights and freedoms. However, legislation regarding gender and GBV issues varies considerably from country to country. In the context of the Project, an assessment of existing legislation has been carried out in three countries.
Furthermore, there is lack of national policies, particularly concerning consensus on governmental policies to deal with GBV. Consequently, there is a general lack of national plans of action in the region. The existing ones also need amendments and improvements. This constitutes a major hindrance to creating a coordinated and integrated approach to the struggle against GBV. Therefore, the Project aims to contribute to the Governments to develop and implement national action plans and strategies to combat GBV.
Enabling Environment in Armenia
Enabling Environment in Azerbaijan
Enabling Environment in Georgia
