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*PRESS RELEASE *
8 November 2001
UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ELECTS
WOMEN TO INTERNATIONAL LAW COMMISSION FOR FIRST
TIME IN 55-YEAR HISTORY
UNITED NATIONS, New York - On Wednesday, November 7,
Professor Paula Escarameia of Portugal and Ms. Xue Hanqin of China became the
first women ever elected by the United Nations General Assembly to serve on
the 55-year-old International Law Commission.
The Commission was established by the General Assembly
in 1947 to "promote the progressive development of international law and
its codification". While less visible than other UN offices or programmes,
the Commission plays a highly influential role in the interpretation and
codification of international law. The Commission often serves as an important
guide for General Assembly and Economic and Social Council actions and
policy-making.
Prior to Wednesday's election, women's groups drew
attention to the total gender imbalance throughout the Commission's history.
"That women have never served on the ILC in its 55
years is appalling in and of itself, but especially so given all the mandates
about mainstreaming gender in the UN system," said Professor Rhonda
Copelon, Legal Advisor to the Women's Caucus for Gender Justice, a global
advocacy network which focuses on accountability for violence against women in
international law. "We applaud this historic development but still
recognize that the election of two women to a 34-member commission is still an
inadequate gender representation."
"Women such as Professor Escarameia will bring not
only a finely-honed international legal expertise to the work of the ILC, but
a much needed gender perspective to the commission's work," Copelon said.
Also, on Wednesday, the ILC Chairman presented the
Commission's report of its 53rd Session to the General Assembly. Topics
discussed related to Diplomatic Protection, Unilateral Acts of States and
issues relating to treaty reservations.
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For more information, contact: Indai Sajor, convenor of
the Women's Caucus, or Pam Spees, 718-626-2681
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