Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

When stoning is men's business

By Jocelynne Scutt - posted Friday, 13 July 2012


Is stoning men's business?

On 11 July 2012, Iran media announced that the Guardian Council, comprising mullahs responsible for ensuring conformity of state laws with Islamic law, had approved changes to laws governing executions. Reportedly, 'legal' executions of minors would be ended, and stoning would cease as a method of execution. The changes must be signed into law by the President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Yet even prior to his endorsement, doubts are expressed as to the scope and application of these changes, long demanded by humanitarians and human rights activists.

On 11 December 2010 women – together with some men – marched on the streets of New York, their protest directed toward the United Nations (UN) in a call for a resolution requiring all members to criminalise stoning, rather than standing by whilst governments endorse this state-sponsored violence targeting women. Marchers demanded that the UN remove from all its 'equal rights for women' bodies those nation states allowing, promoting or sanctifying through law this inhuman and inhumane punishment. Iran was at the top of the list.

Advertisement

On 19 December 2011, consequential upon women's organisations consistent lobbying, a resolution with 89 votes 'for', 30 'against' and 64 abstentions was passed by the UN 'expressing deep concern at reports of human rights violations in Iran' and 'pervasive gender inequality and violence against women'. 'Deep concern' was also expressed at prisoners continuing to face sentences of execution by stoning' even though there has been a national directive against it'.

On 14 January 2012 in London, women joined together in a resolution denouncing stoning and demanding an end to femicide in all its forms. Roj Women's Association, the International Free Women Foundation and the Organisation for Women's Freedom in Iraq called for all concerned to ensure the safety and security of women worldwide to:

'1. Raise awareness about these crimes and to encourage and support struggles against them in Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere where states legitimise women's slaughter.

'2. Work in partnership with other campaigns bringing awareness about stoning and execution of women.

'3. Continue efforts for recognition of femicide as crime against humanity like genocide is in international Law and to form an alternative women judicial system against femicide.

'4. Denounce these crimes and mobilise our societies to take stands against these medieval practices.

Advertisement

'5. Raise awareness among men and help them to engage in the struggle for women's equality and freedom.

'6. Reform laws and create new laws against all forms of violence and establish Constitutions recognising full equality between women and men.

'7. Highlight Kurdish women's struggles and oppose all forms of violence against them.'

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. All

An earlier version was published in February 2007 on the website Stop Stoning Forever Campaign



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

63 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Dr Jocelynne A. Scutt is a Barrister and Human Rights Lawyer in Mellbourne and Sydney. Her web site is here. She is also chair of Women Worldwide Advancing Freedom and Dignity.

She is also Visiting Fellow, Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Jocelynne Scutt

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 63 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy