Women's Access to Justice in Europe and Central Asia

Access to justice is a key human right and essential for the enjoyment of all other human rights. In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Member States pledged to guarantee equal access to justice for all and to establish legal frameworks that promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination.

Access to justice is a right guaranteed under international law and reflected in national legislation in the region. When women and girls can claim their rights and hold institutions accountable, they are better equipped to live free from discrimination and violence and to play an active role in public life.

This study has been prepared by UN Women Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) to contribute to the priority theme of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) "Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers."