Global Framework for Eliminating Gender-Based Violence Act

Preamble

WHEREAS gender-based violence constitutes a grave violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms;
WHEREAS such violence undermines the dignity, security, and equality of all individuals, impeding sustainable development and peace;
WHEREAS existing international instruments affirm the right to live free from violence and discrimination;
WHEREAS a comprehensive and coordinated global effort is indispensable for the effective prevention, protection, and eradication of gender-based violence;
THE WORLD PARLIAMENT HEREBY ENACTS:

Part I: General Provisions

Article 1: Objectives

This Act establishes a global framework for the prevention, protection, and elimination of all forms of gender-based violence, ensuring accountability and support for victims/survivors.

Article 2: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:
1. "Gender-Based Violence" refers to any harmful act perpetrated against a person's will that is directed against a person because of their gender, or that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. It encompasses, but is not limited to, physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking in persons, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and honour-based violence.
2. "Victim/Survivor" refers to any person who has suffered harm, including physical or mental injury, emotional suffering, economic loss, or substantial impairment of their fundamental rights, through acts or omissions that constitute gender-based violence.
3. "State Party" refers to any Member State of the World Parliament that has ratified or acceded to this Act.

Article 3: Core Principles

State Parties shall be guided by the following principles:
1. Non-discrimination: All persons, without distinction of any kind, are entitled to equal protection from gender-based violence.
2. Victim-centered approach: Policies, programmes, and interventions shall prioritize the safety, dignity, and empowerment of victims/survivors.
3. Due diligence: State Parties shall exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate, prosecute, and punish acts of gender-based violence, and to provide redress to victims/survivors.
4. Gender equality: Efforts to eliminate gender-based violence shall be integrated with broader strategies for achieving substantive gender equality.

Part II: Obligations of State Parties

Article 4: Prevention

State Parties shall take all necessary legislative, administrative, social, educational, and other measures to prevent gender-based violence, including:
1. Promoting education and public awareness campaigns on gender equality and non-violence.
2. Challenging harmful gender stereotypes, social norms, and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence.
3. Implementing comprehensive sexuality education that promotes respectful relationships and consent.

Article 5: Protection and Support

State Parties shall ensure the provision of comprehensive protection and support services for victims/survivors, including:
1. Access to immediate safety and emergency shelters.
2. Medical and psychological support, including trauma-informed care.
3. Legal aid and assistance to navigate judicial and administrative procedures.
4. Measures to ensure the safety and privacy of victims/survivors throughout legal processes.

Article 6: Prosecution and Punishment

State Parties shall ensure that acts of gender-based violence are criminalized and effectively prosecuted, including:
1. Enacting and enforcing laws that define and prohibit all forms of gender-based violence.
2. Ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable through fair and impartial judicial processes, with penalties proportionate to the gravity of the offence.
3. Training for law enforcement, judicial, and public service personnel on gender-based violence and victim/survivor rights.
4. Establishing mechanisms for prompt and thorough investigation of all reported incidents.

Article 7: Data Collection and Research

State Parties shall collect disaggregated data on the prevalence, causes, and consequences of gender-based violence, and support research to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.

Article 8: International Cooperation

State Parties shall cooperate internationally to facilitate the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and punishment of gender-based violence, including through:
1. Extradition and mutual legal assistance.
2. Sharing of best practices and technical assistance.
3. Coordinated efforts to address cross-border forms of gender-based violence, such as trafficking.

Part III: Monitoring and Implementation

Article 9: World Parliament Committee on Gender Equality

1. A standing committee, henceforth referred to as the "Committee," shall be established within the World Parliament to monitor the implementation of this Act.
2. The Committee shall comprise independent experts of high moral standing and recognized competence in the field of human rights and gender equality, serving in their personal capacity.

Article 10: Reporting by State Parties

1. Each State Party shall submit a comprehensive report to the Committee on the measures it has taken to give effect to the provisions of this Act, within one year of its entry into force for that State Party, and thereafter every four years or whenever the Committee so requests.
2. The reports shall detail progress made, challenges encountered, and plans for future action.

Article 11: Review and Amendments

1. This Act shall be subject to review by the World Parliament every ten years to assess its effectiveness and propose necessary amendments.
2. Amendments to this Act may be proposed by any State Party and shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the World Parliament.

Part IV: Final Provisions

Article 12: Entry into Force

This Act shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after the deposit of the twentieth instrument of ratification or accession with the Secretariat of the World Parliament.

Article 13: Reservations

1. No reservations incompatible with the object and purpose of this Act shall be permitted.
2. A State Party may withdraw a reservation at any time by written notification addressed to the Secretariat of the World Parliament.