UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ELECTS WOMEN TO INTERNATIONAL LAW COMMISSION FOR FIRST
TIME IN 55-YEAR HISTORY

UNITED NATIONS, New York -- On Wednesday, November 7, Professor Paula
Escarameia of Portugal and Ms. Xue Hanqin of China became the first women
ever elected by the United Nations General Assembly to serve on the
55-year-old International Law Commission.

The Commission was established by the General Assembly in 1947 to "promote
the progressive development of international law and its codification".
While less visible than other UN offices or programmes, the Commission
plays a highly influential role in the interpretation and codification of
international law. The Commission often serves as an important guide for
General Assembly and Economic and Social Council actions and policy-making.

Prior to Wednesday's election, women's groups drew attention to the total
gender imbalance throughout the Commission's history.

"That women have never served on the ILC in its 55 years is appalling in
and of itself, but especially so given all the mandates about mainstreaming
gender in the UN system," said Professor Rhonda Copelon, Legal Advisor to
the Women's Caucus for Gender Justice, a global advocacy network which
focuses on accountability for violence against women in international law.
"We applaud this historic development but still recognize that the election
of two women to a 34-member commission is still an inadequate gender
representation."

"Women such as Professor Escarameia will bring not only a finely-honed
international legal expertise to the work of the ILC, but a much needed
gender perspective to the commission's work," Copelon said.

Also, on Wednesday, the ILC Chairman presented the Commission's report of
its 53rd Session to the General Assembly. Topics discussed related to
Diplomatic Protection, Unilateral Acts of States and issues relating to
treaty reservations.

# # #

For more information, contact: Indai Sajor, convenor of the Women's Caucus,
or Pam Spees, 718-626-2681

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