Domestic Violence conference opens - 01 December 2003

United Nations, Bangkok – The importance of domestic violence legislation that is ‘woman-friendly’ and respects human rights was the focus of the first day of discussion at the UNIFEM regional workshop, Domestic Violence Legislation: Moving Towards Regional Networking and Strategies.

The three-day conference being held in Bangkok on 1-3 December 2003 is the final stage of the UNIFEM Regional Programme on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW). The goal of the conference is for participants from 14 Asian countries to exchange lessons on drafting domestic violence legislation, as well as plan for a regional network to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence in each country.

The morning session saw presentations aimed at introducing participants to the concepts that will shape discussion of each country’s specific situation.

Dr. Kornvipa Boonsue, UNIFEM Bangkok programme manager, talked about domestic violence as a development issue and a key component of ‘human security’ – identified by the United Nations as a necessary foundation for development. Looking at domestic violence as a human rights and development problem is key to understanding the issue and finding suitable solutions.

Professor Tatusya Ota followed with an outline of the legal framework options for tackling domestic violence. Prof. Ota described the integrated judicial process to tackling domestic violence, as adopted in Taiwan. This consists of a comprehensive law providing civil, criminal, and administrative measures to prevent the recurrence of domestic violence as well as to protect victims. 

Another model is the restorative justice approach, as adopted in Korea, with the aim not only to protect domestic violence victims temporarily, but also to restore the peace and stability of the family and form sound families. 

Dr. Dagmar Oberlies challenged participants to address the fundamental human rights issues involved in domestic violence, and the need to stop looking upon women as victims. Dr. Oberlies views violence as a social problem, not primarily a legal problem, which means that changing harmful cultural practices is fundamental to the taks of combating domestic violence.

The final presenter, Dr. Kittipong Kitiyarak, also outlined the restorative judicial approach, with reference to his experience in Thailand.

The afternoon session involved a review of the five countries in the region that already have domestic violence legislation enacted. Presenters from Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore all outlined the ‘best practices’ in their countries, as well as highlighting the strong and weak points of domestic violence legislation.

Please check back soon to download copies of the conference papers, and the kit ‘A Life Free of Violence:  It’s Our Right!’

The UNIFEM Regional Programme on Eliminating Violence Against Women works in seven countries to raise awareness, strengthen legislation, build capacity and support innovative pilot models to stop gender-based violence. For more please see the EVAW programme page.

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