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Reply to Recommendation | Doc. 12821 | 17 January 2012

Promoting the most favourable gender equality laws in Europe

Author(s): Committee of Ministers

Origin - Adopted at the 1130th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (11 January 2012). 2012 - First part-session

Reply to Recommendation: Recommendation 1949 (2010)

1. The Committee of Ministers has considered Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1949 (2010) on “Promoting the most favourable gender equality laws in Europe” and has brought it to the attention of governments of member States.
2. It wishes to inform the Assembly that it has decided to set up, as from January 2012, a Gender Equality Commission (GEC). This commission will function under the supervision of the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) and will conduct the intergovernmental work in the field of gender equality assigned to it by the Committee of Ministers.
3. The commission will be instructed in particular to conduct needs’ assessments and advise on the development of standards, co-operation and monitoring activities within its field of competence. It will be called to provide expertise to member States on the development of legislation, policies, practice, training schemes and awareness material at national level to support implementation of internationally agreed gender equality standards. Furthermore, it will ensure that a gender perspective is maintained in the activities of the bodies and committees of the Organisation. In this connection, it should be mentioned that henceforth all steering and ad hoc committees are invited to designate among their members a rapporteur on gender equality, who will act as an intermediary with the GEC.
4. The relevant bodies of the Parliamentary Assembly and the other institutional partners will be involved in the work of this new structure with a view to promoting the implementation of existing standards in member States.