International center launches interactive mapping website to unite advocates in fight against structural discrimination globally
NEW YORK, December 10, 2012: In celebration of Human Rights Day and 64th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD) formally launched its interactive mapping website today, which uses the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism as a framework to map structural discrimination in all 193 UN Member States.
The theme of this year’s Human Rights Day is “my voice counts,” and ICAAD’s website is designed to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities by highlighting structural discrimination globally and making the information accessible and transparent through a simple visual medium. Over time, strategic policy papers will provide guidance on using domestic and international law to eradicate discrimination that impedes the progress of these communities.
Hansdeep Singh, ICAAD Co-Founder and Director of Legal Programs, said, “Thanks to ICAAD’s online mapping capabilities, NGOs worldwide, especially those that have limited resources and expertise to engage international mechanisms, will have access to region specific information. Furthermore, ICAAD is an ally that can provide advocacy and litigation support through its global partnerships.
Several leaders from human rights and anti-discrimination organizations offered their support for ICAAD’s online interactive map and resource center.Women’s Rights Researcher for Human Rights Watch, Meghan Rhoad, said, “Any tool that will assist in efficiently and effectively monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses is a valuable tool for the advocacy community. ICAAD offers a unique model for charting the challenges faced by anti-discrimination advocates globally.”
Prof. Dr. Klaus Michael Alenfelder, President of the Council on Global Antidiscrimination (CoGAD) and a lawyer who exclusively represents victims of discrimination in Germany under the pertinent EU directives, said: “Issues of structural discrimination are deeply embedded into the fabric of our nation. It takes a discerning eye and considerable expertise to identify and expose seemingly neutral policies that have a devastating impact on vulnerable communities. ICAAD’s interactive mapping platform will shed light on these practices and allow organizations like the Council on Global Antidiscrimination to strategically tackle structural discrimination.”
Commenting on the value of genuine implementation of discrimination laws, Secretary General of CoGAD, Stefan Prystawik PhD, said, “From my experience in media and working in Europe and the US I am convinced that EU countries particularly Germany still lack vital components as regards to putting human rights into practice. Especially efficient legal remedies are mostly lacking in continental Europe. ICAAD’s mapping platform is a valuable tool to show the real situation beneath the fine words of constitutions and treaties.”
The map is the first step in ICAAD’s program to implement a Global Classroom on Structural Discrimination. The organization welcomes advocates and NGOs globally to partner in this mission. |
