We work with international & regional human rights mechanisms

Our insights and expertise drive systemic change

Global progress on gender equality is only possible when human rights bodies are informed by the legal and lived realities of women and girls.

Equality Now actively contributes to the work of international and regional human rights mechanisms – including but not limited to the  United Nations, the African Union, the Council of Europe, and the Inter-American System – by providing expert legal submissions, evidence-based recommendations, and survivor-informed insights.

We use our legal expertise, as well as national and regional partnerships, to help shape global standards, support state accountability, and amplify underrepresented voices in key forums.

How we engage with human rights organisations

Legal submissions

Legal submissions to international and regional treaty bodies informed our global network of local partners

Multilateral engagement

Multilateral engagement in moments like the UN General Assembly 

 

Technical inputs

Technical inputs to shape emerging human rights frameworks like the Global Digital Compact

 

Delivering legal reform through global influence

From the UN Commission on the Status of Women to international and regional treaty body reviews, our inputs help shape legal frameworks that hold countries accountable.

In 2024, we made 78 legal submissions covering 38 countries to UN, regional, and national bodies and authorities. So far, over half have directly shaped official recommendations.

We engage with:

  • Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
  • Treaty body reviews (CEDAW, HRC, CRC, CAT, etc.)
  • Special Rapporteurs on violence against women, digital rights, and trafficking
  • Regional mechanisms, including:
    • African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
    • Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

 

Learn.

Use our women’s rights around the world resource to explore legal gaps 

Connect.

Explore.

Browse our Legal Submissions & Recommendations

Explore more resources

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Intervention on the Occasion of the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Equality Now celebrates the Central African Republic’s ratification of the Maputo Protocol and urges its full implementation. We also call for the withdrawal of reservations by nine AU Member States and the swift enactment of Ghana’s Spousal Property Rights Bill to advance women’s rights across Africa.

Legal gaps and enduring harm: Analysing the persistence of child marriage in the United States

Child marriage remains legal across most of the US, leaving minors vulnerable. Equality Now and Unchained At Last’s report exposes legal gaps, consequences, and provides clear recommendations to address this harmful practice nationwide.

Medicalisation of female genital mutilation/cutting in South and South East Asia

Equality Now’s policy brief with partners highlights the rise of medicalised FGM/C in South and South East Asia and calls for urgent government and health sector action to end the practice.

Latest News & Insights

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17th October 2025

14 mins

Statement By Equality Now on the Occasion of the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights

News and Insights

15th October 2025

6 mins

The 2025 Equality Now Make Equality Reality Gala celebrates joy as resistance, honoring Malala Yousafzai and the Pelicot family

Press Releases

15th October 2025

6 mins

Equality Now welcomes Chief Justice of India’s acknowledgment of female genital mutilation in India

Press Releases

8th October 2025

8 mins

New report highlights legal loopholes that permit child marriage in 34 US states

Press Releases

7th October 2025

9 mins

The Paradox of progress and pushback: What UNGA 2025 tells us about the future of the rights of women and girls

News and Insights

6th October 2025

11 mins

Equality Now and Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan oppose reinstatement of the death penalty

News and Insights

6th October 2025

8 mins

Landmark ruling finally brings justice for survivors of wartime sexual violence in DRC

Press Releases

6th October 2025

12 mins

Experts warn of rise in medical professionals performing female genital mutilation/cutting in Asia

Press Releases

3rd October 2025

10 mins

Safe abortion is life-saving healthcare: A call to action

News and Insights

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