LAHORE: Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) and Shirkat Gah Women’s Resource Centre organised a workshop titled “State Accountability, Due Diligence and Role of Civil Society in Eliminating Violence against Women”.
This workshop aimed to enhance understanding of international legal principle of state accountability to exercise diligence through the “5Ps” -Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Punishment and Provide Redress.
According to a spokesman of PCSW, the discourse was led by international legal expert and trainer Zarizana Abdul Aziz and co-facilitated by Punjab Police DSP Aftab Ahmed.
While giving opening remarks, PCSW Project Manager Transitional Housing for Women Zainab Jafri stated that PCSW is a strong proponent of ‘due diligence’, which holds state institutions accountable for human rights abuses committed not only by the state or state actors but also by non-state actors. “The due diligence principle is a critical component for formulation of accountability mechanisms”.
This workshop highlighted the factors through which government and civil society organisations can work together in eliminating violence against women.
DSP Aftab Ahmed also provided his valuable input on process of investigation and prosecution when handling sensitive cases of violence against women.
Participants included civil society organisations and representatives of Punjab Commission on the Status of Women, Women Development Department, Social Welfare and Bait ul Maal, Population Welfare Department, Health Department, Prosecution Department, Punjab Women Parliamentary Caucus, National Commission for Human Rights and Punjab Forensic Science Agency.
