Amnesty International has called upon the global community to counteract increasing assaults on gender justice, as reiterated in a statement released ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025. The organization emphasized the critical need for the recognition of “gender apartheid” as a crime against humanity under international law, a stance that marked a continuation of its ongoing endeavors in this domain. This declaration arrives on the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, a historic event where 189 countries endorsed the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, promising a myriad of legal advancements aimed at enhancing women’s rights.
This year’s statement was issued amid a backdrop of recent political developments in the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump. The administration’s policies have raised concerns about domestic censorship, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ discourse, and have involved the withdrawal of funds from global initiatives that safeguard women’s rights, as reported by official statements. These actions have notably impacted efforts in nations like Afghanistan and Ukraine, where international support is crucial in upholding women’s rights.
The Secretary-General of Amnesty International, Agnès Callamard, also highlighted the pivotal role of women human rights defenders in the struggle for sexual and reproductive rights. Advocacy for the recognition of gender apartheid has historical roots, particularly with Afghan women’s response to Taliban-led rights violations during the 1990s. The campaign has gained traction in light of recent developments in Afghanistan and has been applied to systematic gender discrimination in countries like Iran, as detailed by UN experts.
For further insights on Amnesty International’s statement and its implications within the sphere of international law and gender justice, you can consult the full article on JURIST.