A/HRC/47/38
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
28 April 2021
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Forty-seventh session
21 June–9 July 2021
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development
Women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights in
crisis
Report of the Working Group on discrimination against women
and girls
Summary
In the present report, the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls
calls for a radical shift in how situations of crisis are identified and addressed, by drawing
attention to the non-enjoyment by women and girls of their basic sexual and reproductive
health rights as a significant impediment to gender equality, resulting from the persistent
failure of States to adequately respect, protect and fulfil those rights. The Working Group
examines a number of threats and risks posed to the sexual and reproductive health and
autonomy of women and girls, before and during crisis-related events, which are underpinned
and exacerbated by various forms of systemic disadvantages and discrimination. It notes
promising practices and makes recommendations to address crucial gaps, which will require
a radical shift in how crises are managed and addressed from the perspective of women and
girls in accordance with their human rights.
GE.21-05607(E)