Development of an HRIA instrument against domestic violence
Domestic violence is a problem that occurs in all cultures and countries. However, there is a great deal of variation from country to country, and from setting to setting. This highlights the fact that domestic violence is not inevitable and can be stopped. Aim for human rights and project participants of over 12 countries are committed to gap the bridge between what a country should do against domestic violence and what it does. At a 5 day meeting in October they will start developing a tool that strengthens the efforts of those that work against domestic violence.
“Women and children are often in great danger in the place where they should be safest: within their families. For many, ‘home’ is where they face a regime of terror and violence at the hands of somebody close to them – somebody they should be able to trust. Those victimized suffer physically and psychologically. They are unable to make their own decisions, voice their own opinions or protect themselves and their children for fear of further repercussions. Their human rights are denied and their lives are stolen from them by the ever-present threat of violence.” [1]
A Human Rights Compliance Instrument on domestic violence
Aim for human rights is committed to the struggle for women’s human rights and specializes in developing methods to gap the bridge between the international Human Rights Standards and the practice on the ground. We develop so-called Human Rights Compliance or Impact Assessment Instruments. Many organisations work hard to end domestic violence, but they find it difficult to use the existing Human Rights standards to strengthen their work and to hold their government accountable for the violations of the rights of the victims.
Aim for human rights has already developed one successful instrument to address violations of women’s rights. HeRWAI, the Health Rights of Women Assessment Instrument, is being used by many organisations worldwide to assess if women’s rights to health are upheld. Based on consultation with our partner organisations, Aim for human rights has now committed itself to developing a Human Rights Compliance Instrument on Domestic Violence.
A participatory process
Aim for human rights' experience has taught that for an instrument to be effective, it is crucial that a group of potential users are an integral part of the developing process. The development group includes experts on the development of Human Rights compliance instruments; on the international Human Rights standards on Domestic Violence; on service provision to victims of Domestic Violence (including shelter provision and legal representation) and advocacy and lobbying and will represent the different regions of the world.
In October 2008, the first 5 day meeting of the co-developers group will take place in the Netherlands. This meeting will serve to determine the main parameters for the instrument. Next a first version of the instrument will be drafted, and fine-tuned during a second meeting in the spring of 2009. After the drafting is finalized, the instrument will be tested in practice. The co-developing organisations will test the draft version of the instrument in their own country. After the testing phase, the instrument will be improved and will be finalized during a third meeting in the end of 2009 or beginning 2010.
The entire process leads to a practical and efficient Human Rights Compliance Instrument on Domestic Violence available for use worldwide. Using this instrument enables organisations to more easily compare results and to learn from each other. Aim for human rights will use its experience to develop a sustainable support system for the international roll out of the instrument.
Aim for human rights has to raise its own funds to realise its projects and is currently not in a position to compensate the other organisations involved in the development for their time and effort, beyond travel costs.
Impact
The development and use of the Human Rights Compliance Instrument on Domestic Violence will strengthen the global fight against domestic violence. Domestic violence is not inevitable. A targeted approach that stresses the Human Rights of the victims and the obligation of states to ending Domestic Violence will have a real impact on the lives of victims.
More information
Please contact Loeky Droesen via e-mail for more information.
The participants of the meeting will write a blog during the first meeting that is being held from 27 to 31 October. In it, the international experiences with the struggle against domestic violence and the process of the project itself will be central.
