Gender Based Violence and Human Rights in the Midst of Covid-19

Bc. Elishka JOSIPOVIC, BA.

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis will be a demanding probe into the legal systems that are in place to protect individuals based on their gender. An in-depth exploration of how exactly these legal systems are being measured, modified, monitored and the overall effectiveness will be undertaken. There is a need for this research, since the process of gender equality has been proven to be dangerously slow and greatly affecting millions of people worldwide. Due to the current circumstances of the Covid19 pandemic there is also an incredible impending danger that indicates that Gender Based Violence has increased tenfold. Current statistics indicate that it will take up to 99 years to close the existing gender gap. This gap is directly tied to gender based violence because it is the most prominent immediate determinate of this issue. The disadvantages that are apparent to people based on their gender creates an unfair inequality that can be remedied to create an equal and just society. This thesis is proposing to attempt to find and negotiate ways of speeding up this process of gender equality and therefore the elimination of Gender Based Violence in an appropriate and compelling manner. It will be a stepping-stone in a lengthy and arduous process of improving the world. The method of achieving this goal is to critically examine the processes that are already in place to remedy the significant gaps. It must also be noted that since there is limited space and time unfortunately this thesis will not be looking into any form of intersectionality. Therefore, this paper will only delve into the current measures in place without any detailed acquisition of the different forms of feminism including trans, disabled, race, immigration status, sexual orientation and non-binary people (trans). It must be acknowledged that these issues are pivotal and part of the movement but cannot be discussed due to the limitations/constraints of the thesis. Ultimately this paper will address issues that will serve as a learning curve for the future of feminism and also the elimination of gender based violence with the purpose of counteracting intersectionality.

Abstract:

This thesis will be a demanding probe into the legal systems that are in place to protect individuals based on their gender. An in-depth exploration of how exactly these legal systems are being measured, modified, monitored and the overall effectiveness will be undertaken. There is a need for this research, since the process of gender equality has been proven to be dangerously slow and greatly affecting millions of people worldwide. Due to the current circumstances of the Covid19 pandemic there is also an incredible impending danger that indicates that Gender Based Violence has increased tenfold. Current statistics indicate that it will take up to 99 years to close the existing gender gap. This gap is directly tied to gender based violence because it is the most prominent immediate determinate of this issue. The disadvantages that are apparent to people based on their gender creates an unfair inequality that can be remedied to create an equal and just society. This thesis is proposing to attempt to find and negotiate ways of speeding up this process of gender equality and therefore the elimination of Gender Based Violence in an appropriate and compelling manner. It will be a stepping-stone in a lengthy and arduous process of improving the world. The method of achieving this goal is to critically examine the processes that are already in place to remedy the significant gaps. It must also be noted that since there is limited space and time unfortunately this thesis will not be looking into any form of intersectionality. Therefore, this paper will only delve into the current measures in place without any detailed acquisition of the different forms of feminism including trans, disabled, race, immigration status, sexual orientation and non-binary people (trans). It must be acknowledged that these issues are pivotal and part of the movement but cannot be discussed due to the limitations/constraints of the thesis. Ultimately this paper will address issues that will serve as a learning curve for the future of feminism and also the elimination of gender based violence with the purpose of counteracting intersectionality.

Keywords

United Nations, Gender Based Violence, violence against women and girls, Convention of Elimination Discrimination of Women and Girls, Istanbul Convention, European Court of Human Rights, Feminism, Human Rights, Covid-19, Patriarchy.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 17. 8. 2021

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 6. 9. 2021
• Supervisor: doc. JUDr. Ondřej Svaček, LL.M. Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Law

Master programme / field:
International and European Law / International and European Law