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Topic 1: Intimate Partner Violence

As one of the eight indicators of violence against women, intimate partner violence represents a critical form of violence against women in the context of an intimate relationship. Through a series of terrorizing acts, abuse, and/or economic depravity, a family member or partner maintains considerable control and power over the victim. Intimate partner violence impacts numerous women in both developed and developing countries. Throughout the last two decades, CSW has addressed violence against women and intimate partner violence numerous times in an effort to tackle the issue in a clear and comprehensive manner. However, unlike more context-specific forms of violence, intimate partner violence is a universal phenomenon incorporating physical violence, sexual assault, emotional trauma, economic depravity, and spiritual harm.

One of the major emerging issues related to the topic of intimate partner violence is the emerging framework for domestic violence legislation and legal reform. In the past, domestic violence has been viewed as exclusively a private matter among families, but the social consequences of domestic violence and increasing interest in human rights has brought the issue into the public sphere. In 2009 the CSW adopted a proposal for addressing the issue of domestic violence legislations, which proposed that countries define domestic violence, develop prevention programs, and engage both criminal and civil courts in the matter. The commission wishes to provide suggestions and points of improvement for all nations even those that may culturally oppress women. While being culturally sensitive the CSW aims to ensure a high quality of life for all women throughout the world.

A major component of developing comprehensive domestic violence legislation hinges upon a state’s ability to accurately collect data and determine high-risk stakeholders. For legislation to be effective, it must identify women with the greatest rates of intimate partner violence and adapt to cater to their needs. Because intimate partner violence is so universally pervasive, this endeavor proves to be quite a challenge. The evidence-based approach to tackling domestic violence will rely on better surveying abilities. In addition, the CSW aims to coordinate the effort to end intimate partner violence on a regional, national, and international level through the engagement of governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Integrating and collaborating with other UN bodies, such as the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) and others, is also essential. The committee should consider how better to collect data related to intimate partner violence, and how to better guide international and regional legislation about domestic violence.

Topic 2: Women and Girls in Afghanistan

Women and girls in Afghanistan face immense social stigma and considerable hardships. As conflict and an absence of security mount in the wake of the Taliban’s removal from power, the country’s economic resources continue to dwindle. Women represent a particularly vulnerable population as the social and economic security of the country continues to crumble. With little traditional social standing and a lack of independence, Afghani women are major targets for physical and economic violence. Islamic fundamentalism often views women as sub-humans attacking women’s human rights through the patriarchal tribal structure and the adherence to medieval Shariah law. Women are currently experiencing grave violations of their human rights and their ability to experience protection under such declarations as the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is greatly limited. This committee must work to ensure that the human rights of women are defended with great cultural and religious sensitivity. Throughout the Afghanistan conflict, the CSW has consistently released recommendations for the Afghani government, NGOs, and private actors in the region to aid in the recognition of women’s human rights. Yet, the renewed level of conflict in the region has greatly exacerbated the situation and perpetuated the state of poverty within the rural areas. In some regions women are still unable to find work outside the home, are not allowed to leave the home unaccompanied by a man, and are still unable to studying at schools, university, and other educational institutions.

Women continue to be particularly vulnerable to the results of the conflict, especially as the incidences of daily violence continue to rise or stay static. As the ideological beliefs of the region stay fixed, women will continue to experience discrimination and violence unless solutions are realized that take a comprehensive approach to addressing the legislations and traditional restrictions. The status of women and girls in Afghanistan highlights numerous issues like education, access to health care, and security that impact women across the globe. The commission should continue to work towards combating the hostility towards women within the region. The commission must analyze and differentiate between fundamentalists’ crimes against women and the old traditional beliefs that hold women as second-class citizens. In order to gain support and aid from actors around the world and within the region, it is imperative that the CSW explore more rigorous measures to end Taliban-like laws and customs within the new government.