Zonta joins discussion on gender and firearms at UNTOC COP12

The Twelfth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC COP12), held in Vienna from 14-18 October, focused on advancing measures to combat transnational organized crime. Zonta International’s UN Vienna team observed the conference and hosted a side event. Zonta member Ingeborg Geyer moderated the panel, featuring H.E. Mrs. Verónica García Gutiérrez, Minister Counsellor and Consul General of the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Costa Rica in Vienna; an affiliate expert from KENNIS; the Chief of Diplomatic Campaign for Every Woman Treaty; a representative from Small Arms Survey; and a representative from the Firearms Trafficking Section (FTS) at UNODC. Zonta International President-Elect Fernanda Gallo Freschi delivered closing remarks, reinforcing Zonta’s support for the conference’s goals.

Panelists emphasized the connections between international agreements such as the Firearms Protocol, Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Discussions centered on the need to:

  • Mainstream gender in the prevention of misuse of firearms and armed violence
  • Learn to use gender-sensitive language to highlight impacts on men, women and children
  • Align firearm regulations with diplomatic initiatives to address gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW)
  • Promote the New Optional Protocol to CEDAW to provide binding protections against discrimination and GBV for the 75% of women currently without such safeguards

    • The Firearms Protocol, panelists noted, is essential in bridging specialized legislation and ensuring its effective implementation. However, they stressed that its success depends on stronger connections among initiatives and spaces for experience and knowledge exchange, recognizing that half of humanity is disproportionately affected by firearm misuse.

    Watch the conference here and view the invitation here. 

    30 October 2024