Scorecard of United Kingdom 2016-01-01 00:00:00

United Kingdom 2016
57.1

International Actions

34.1%
Security Council Actions

24.0%
Inclusion of WPS-sensitive Language in All Security Council Open Debates

Criteria100% of the statements made by a state during the Security Council open debates should include WPS-sensitive language.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom had 6 out of 25 Open Debates in 2016 where it made statements related to Women, Peace and Security.
Comment

WILPF/PeaceWomen themes covered:

General Women, Peace and Security: 3/25;

Conflict Prevention: 1/25;

Disarmament: 0/25;

Displacement and Humanitarian Response: 0/25;

Participation: 4/25;

Peace Processes: 2/25;

Peacekeeping: 1/25;

Protection: 5/25;

Reconstruction and Peacebuilding: 2/25;

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: 0/25;

Implementation: 1/24

Justice, Rule of Law, SSR: 0/25;

Human Rights: 2/25.   

S/PV.7658: "It is time to make history and bring about a historic moment that is long overdue. All things being equal, we hope that this will be the year that we appoint a woman to be Secretary-General for the first time. When asked ‘What was your role?’, she will be able to say that she was at the forefront of the United Nations action to prevent conflict and resolve crisis and represent the entire world, not just half of it."

MethodologyThe number of debates in which a state has used WPS-sensitive language at least once out of a total number of all Security Council open debates per year.

0.0%
Inclusion of WPS-sensitive Language in the Security Council Open Debates on the Threats Caused by Terrorist Acts

Criteria100% of the statements made by a state during the Security Council thematic open debates should include WPS-sensitive language.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom had 0 out of 2 Open Debates on the threats caused by terrorist acts in 2016 where it made statements related to Women, Peace and Security.
MethodologyThe number of debates in which a state has used WPS-sensitive language at least once out of a total number of Security Council open debates on the threats caused by terrorist acts.

0.0%
Inclusion of WPS-sensitive Language in the Security Council Open Debates on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security

Criteria100% of the statements made by a state during the Security Council thematic open debates should include WPS-sensitive language.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom had 0 out of 5 Open Debates on the maintenance of international peace and security in 2016 where it made statements related to Women, Peace and Security.
MethodologyThe number of debates in which a state has used WPS-sensitive language at least once out of a total number of Security Council open debates on the maintenance of international peace and security.

50.0%
Inclusion of WPS-sensitive Language in the Security Council Open Debates on the Protection of Civilians

Criteria100% of the statements made by a state during the Security Council thematic open debates should include WPS-sensitive language.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom had 1 out of 2 Open Debates on the Protection of Civilians in 2016 where it made statements related to Women, Peace and Security.
Comment

WILPF/PeaceWomen themes covered:

General Women, Peace and Security: 0/2;

Conflict Prevention: 0/2;

Disarmament: 0/2;

Displacement and Humanitarian Response: 0/2;

Participation: 0/2;

Peace Processes: 0/2;

Peacekeeping: 0/2;

Protection: 2/2;

Reconstruction and Peacebuilding: 0/2;

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: 1/2;

Implementation: 0/2;

Justice, Rule of Law, SSR: 0/2;

Human Rights: 0/2;

S/PV.7606: "We have seen the tragic continuation and worsening of several trends on the protection-of-civilians agenda. Barrel bombs continue to fall, and human rights and international humanitarian law continue to be violated and abused. Women and children continue to be abducted, trafficked or worse."

MethodologyThe number of debates in which a state has used WPS-sensitive language at least once out of a total number of Security Council open debates on the protection of civilians.

100.0%
The Use of Veto

CriteriaA state should not apply its veto right.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

The United Kingdom used its veto right 0 times out of 2 vetoed draft resolutions in 2016.

Methodology100% - No veto right was used;
75% - A state uses its veto right in less than (or equals to) 50% of vetoed draft resolutions (no gender-sensitive language);
50% - A state uses its veto right in more than 50% of vetoed draft resolutions (no gender-sensitive language);
25% - A state uses its veto right in less than (or equals to) 50% of vetoed draft resolutions (with gender-sensitive language);
0% - A state uses its veto right in more than 50% of vetoed draft resolutions (with gender-sensitive language).

30.8%
Commitments Intended to Strengthen the Implementation of the WPS Agenda

CriteriaAll WILPF/PeaceWomen themes should be covered in the WPS commitments.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisIn its statements made at the 2016 Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, the United Kingdom covered the following WILPF/PeaceWomen themes:
General Women, Peace and Security
Conflict Prevention
Disarmament
Participation
Peace Processes
Protection
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Peacekeeping
Displacement and Humanitarian Response
Human Rights
Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
Reconstruction and Peacebuilding
Implementation
Comment

The UK provided support to the UN in Yemen to get women a seat at the negotiating table, provided support to the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board and the Women’s Consultative Committee, and provided "diplomatic and financial" support to the Colombian Peace Process.

The UK is currently updating gender-sensitive training to forces deployed on peacekeeping missions. The UK also hosted the UN Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial Meeting in London and was the penholder on the London Communique to double the number of women participating in Peacekeeping operations by 2020.

MethodologyThe number of WILPF/PeaceWomen themes emphasised in a statement identifies the final percentage received by a state

0.0%
Women, Peace and Security Financing

0.0%
Balance Between UN Women Total Contribution and Arms Sales Revenue

CriteriaTotal contribution to UN Women should increase overtime while Arms Sales Revenue should decrease overtime.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Arms Transfer Revenue: $1,393,000,000
______________________________________
UN Women Government Total Contribution: $25,315,432

______________________________________

The United Kingdom receives 0% due to the high difference between the Arms Transfer Revenue and UN Women Total Contribution. Moreover, the amount of the Arms Transfer Revenue has increased, while the UN Women Contribution has decreased.

Comment

Arms Transfer Revenue in 2015: $1,214,000,000
__________________________________________
UN Women Government Total Contribution: $22,500,000

MethodologyA grade varies depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative consistency in spendings, ratio between the arms transfer revenue and the UN Women contribution, etc.):
UN Women Contribution increases; Arms Transfer Revenue decreases (90-100%);
UN Women Contribution increases; Arms Transfer Revenue does not change (79-89%);
UN Women Contribution does not change; Arms Transfer Revenue decreases (68-78%);
UN Women Contribution does not change; Arms Transfer Revenue does not change (57-67%);
UN Women Contribution decreases; Arms Transfer Revenue decreases (46-56%);
UN Women Contribution increases; Arms Transfer Revenue increases (35-45%);
UN Women Contribution decreases; Arms Transfer Revenue does not change (24-34%);
UN Women Contribution does not change; Arms Transfer Revenue increases (13-23%);
UN Women Contribution decreases; Arms Transfer Revenue increases (0-12%).

87.7%
International Gender and Human Rights Indicators

85.6%
Ranking via Gender Inequality Index (GII)

CriteriaA state should be ranked first in the Gender Inequality Index (GII).
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom was ranked 28 among 188 participating countries in 2016.
Comment

The United Kingdom was ranked 28th.

**Note: Data is available for 2015. The most recent data collection is underway. 

_________________________________

HDI (Human Development Index):
The United Kingdom was ranked 16.

The United Kingdom is included in the "Very High Human Development" category.

Methodology100% is received by a state that is ranked 1st; 0% is received by a state that is ranked last.

86.7%
Ranking via Global Gender Gap Index

CriteriaA state should be ranked first in the Gender Gap Index.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom was was ranked 20 among 144 participating countries in 2016.
Methodology100% is received by a state that is ranked 1st; 0% is received by a state that is ranked last.

90.9%
Ratification of International Human Rights Treaties

CriteriaA state ratifies all international human rights gender-sensitive treaties.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom has signed and possibly ratified the following International Human Rights Treaties in 2016:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights - signed
Universal Declaration of Human Rights - ratified
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - signed
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - ratified
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - signed
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - ratified
Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages - signed
Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages - ratified
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - signed
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - ratified
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women - signed
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women - ratified
Protocol to Prevent, Supress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to The Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime - signed
Protocol to Prevent, Supress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to The Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime - ratified
Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others - signed
Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others - ratified
Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War - signed
Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War - ratified
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II) - signed
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II) - ratified
Arms Trade Treaty - signed
Arms Trade Treaty - ratified
Methodology100% is received by a state that has signed and ratified all International Human Rights Treaties. Ratification of a treaty provides a state with a full point; a signature (without ratification) provides a state with half of a point.
11 - 99-100%;
10 - 90%;
9 - 81%;
8 - 72%;
7 - 63%;
6 - 54%;
5 - 45%;
4 - 36%;
3 - 27%;
2 - 18%;
1 - 9%;
0 - 0%

55.8%
Peacekeeping Operations

11.6%
Contribution of Troops, Police and Military Experts

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in peacekeeping.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom provided 21 women out of 361 peacekeepers in 2016.
Comment

The United Kingdom provided female peacekeepers to MINUSMA (0 women), MONUSCO (0 women), UNFICYP (16 women), UNMC (1 woman), UNMISS (3 women), UNSOM (0 women), UNSOS (1 woman).

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in peacekeeping, a state that ensures 50% of its personnel are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a score that depends on the percentage of female personnel contributed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.
Data is provided by the United Nations (Department of Peacekeeping Operations).

100.0%
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Allegedly Committed by Peacekeepers

CriteriaThere should be a "zero tolerance" policy with respect to sexual exploitation and abuse.
Note*: Information on SEA is gathered based on publicly available information. Official statistics are available starting from 2015.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Peacekeepers from the UK were involved in 0 out of 103 allegations against civilian, military, police and other peacekeeping personnel in 2016.
 

Comment

S/PV.7643: "This is not about collective punishment, nor about penalizing the many for the sick acts of the few. This is about taking serious action in the face of serious allegations, about acting decisively against any pattern of abuse in any part of the world".

MethodologyIn line with the UN "zero tolerance" policy, at least one allegation of sexual abuse provides a state with 0%.
states that have not been involved in the SEA allegations receives 100%.
National Actions

57.4%
Prevention

85.0%
Partnership Between Womens Civil Society Organisations and the Government

CriteriaThere should be a funded and governmentally-supported women's civil society landscape.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Governmental support for women's civil society:
- Engagement in joint government/NGO efforts: Yes
- Funding provided by the government: Yes

The United Kingdom receives 85% because:
Even though the government is engaged in collaboration with women's civil society and provides financial support to women's organisations, the number of projects on the WPS Agenda in existence is low, and mass-surveillance in accordance with national security and anti-terrorism efforts restrict civil society freedoms (i.e.: freedom of the press, freedom of public association).

Comment

Lobbying restrictions on UK CSOs were strengthened in May 2016, which bans grant funds from being used in lobbying efforts. This restriction modifies the 2014 Lobbying Act limiting the amounth of money CSOs can spend on campaigning and forces registration of groups which meet a certain threshold. CSOs in the UK as well as the UN Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai,  noted that the law allows well-funded corporate lobbying to continue, while limiting the advocacy of CSOs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Key women's organisation's (Women's Resource Centre) efforts in regard to gender issues include the following:

- Number of conferences: 20+;

- Number of publications: 10 (project reports);

- Social services provided: Support member women NGOs to be more effective and sustainable through training, and we lobby the government on their behalf on a range of women’s issues.

Types of social support provided: 

Education: Yes

Anti-violence: Yes

Women's empowerment: Yes

Gender-related training: Yes

Political participation: Yes

Anti-human trafficking: Yes

Women's health: Yes

Lobbying and policymaking: Yes

Fundraising: Yes

Number of officially registered NGO charities by year (2016): 167,109.

The Women's Resource Centre is the leading national umbrella body for women's charities, with over 500 members. The centre provides training, information, resources and one-to-one support on a range of organisational development issues while also lobbying decision makers on behalf of the women’s not-for-profit sector for improved representation and funding.

The UK's Department for International Development has committed 13% (£1.078 Billion) in aid to governmental and civil society organisations/projects. 

The UK hosted the following high-level events in 2016:

-More Women In Science and Technology- An Investment in the Future- March 14, 2016;                                                                         

-Young Women In the Global Economy March 14, 2016;                                                                                          

-The Gender Pay Gap: What is it, Why Does it Exist and How Do We Get Rid of It, March 15, 2016;                                        

-Financing Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: How to Make a Difference after the Commitments Taken in Addis Ababa. March 15, 2016;                  

-Achieving Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality within the 2030 Agenda: the Role of Innovative  Development Partnerships Between Country Governments and UN Agencies March 16, 2016;                                            

-Operationalising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for Women and Girls with Disabilities - March 18, 2016.

MethodologyWhen there is both financial support from the government and active collabouration between the government and civil society, a state receives from 80% to 100% depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative assessment; decrease/increase in the number of projects, etc.);

When there is either only financial support from the government or only active collabouration between the government and civil society, a state receives from 60% to 79% depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative assessment; decrease/increase in the number of projects, etc.);

When there is neither financial support from the government nor active collabouration between the government and civil society and where there are no restrictions applied on womens organisation, a state receives from 40% to 59% depending on circumstances (i.e.: kinds of services provided by civil society, etc.);

When there is neither both financial support from the government nor active collabouration between the government and civil society and when government provides services for women, a state receives from 20% to 39% depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative assessment; decrease/increase in the number of projects, etc.);

When there is neither financial support from the government nor active collabouration between the government and civil society and when there are several restrictions on civil society, a state receives from 0% to 19% depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative assessment; decrease/increase in the number of projects, etc.).

60.0%
Special Gender-Specific Training of Security and Law Enforcement Personnel

CriteriaSpecial gender-specific training for law enforcement and security sector should exist.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom implemented the following training standards in 2016:
Assessment of gender-sensitive training is present
Overall training objective is gender sensitive
Gender parity among trainers and trainees
Women's organisations or gender-related societal leaders are engaged to provide contextual perspective on gender within the security sector
Follow-up communication and gender-related knowledge dissemination methods are established
MethodologyThe criteria is determined in line with the UN Women guidelines (developed in partnership with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and the European Union).
5 - 100%
4 - 80%
3 - 60%
2 - 40%
1 - 20%
0 - 0%

84.6%
National Action Plan on the Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 bases on WPS Themes

CriteriaA state has implemented a 1325 National Action Plan. All WILPF/PeaceWomen themes should be covered.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom implements UNSC Resolution 1325 and covers following Peacewomen Themes 2016:
General Women, Peace and Security
Conflict Prevention
Disarmament
Participation
Peace Processes
Protection
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Peacekeeping
Displacement and Humanitarian Response
Human Rights
Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
Reconstruction and Peacebuilding
Implementation
Comment

The 2014 draft presents three principles and a four "outcomes" that match the main pillars of UNSCR 1325.

Principles:
Women’s participation is needed to make and build peace and prevent conflict breaking out;

Women and girls suffer specific forms of violence in conflict and emergencies;

In emergencies and conflict situations, women and girls have specific needs which need to be met.

Pillars:
Participation: Inclusion of women and girls' interests in decision-making processes related to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.

Protection: Women and girls' safety, physical and mental health and economic security are assured and their human rights upheld.

Prevention: Prevention of conflict and all forms of structural and physical violence against women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence.

Relief and Recovery: Women’s and girls’ specific needs are met in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Action:
There are no activities in the draft 2014 draught NAP, but the UK commits itself to include them in the final draft by the end of 2014.

Timeframe:
UK's draft 2014 NAP is for the period 2014-2017, but does not provide specific timeframes for the outcomes it describes.

NAP Budget:
There is no estimated or allocated budget in the 2014 draft NAP. In fact, the UK NAP explains their decision to keep a budget out of the NAP in order to prevent a budget from confining them to implement women, peace and security to one area when they believe it should be integrated into every sector.

The UK NAP does mention its intent to allocate a budget for monitoring and evaluation.

MethodologyThe grade is determined on the basis of a number of WILPF/PeaceWomen themes that are emphasized in a 1325 National Action Plan (NAP). A NAP that emphasizes all WILPF/PeaceWomen themes receives 100%.

0.0%
Balance between the 1325 National Action Plan (NAP) Budget and Military Expenditure.

CriteriaThe 1325 National Action Plan budget should increase overtime while military expenditure should decrease overtime.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Military Expenditure: $48,600,000,000
______
There is no estimated or allocated budget in the 2014 UK NAP.

Comment

Military Expenditure in 2015: $55,460,000,000
______
There is no estimated or allocated budget in the 2014 draft NAP. In fact, the UK NAP explains their decision to keep a budget out of the NAP in order to prevent a budget from confining them to implement women, peace and security to one area when they believe it should be integrated into every sector.

The UK NAP does mention its intent to allocate a budget for monitoring and evaluation.

MethodologyA grade varies depending on circumstances (i.e.: positive/negative consistency in spendings, ratio between the NAP budget and military expenditure, etc.):

NAP Budget increases; Military Expenditure decreases (90-100%)
NAP Budget increases; Military Expenditure does not change (79-89%)
NAP Budget does not change; Military Expenditure decreases (68-78%)
NAP Budget does not change; Military Expenditure does not change (57-67%)
NAP Budget decreases; Military Expenditure decreases (46-56%)
NAP Budget increases; Military Expenditure increases (35-45%)
NAP Budget decreases; Military Expenditure does not change (24-34%)
NAP Budget does not change; Military Expenditure increases (13-23%)
NAP Budget decreases; Military Expenditure increases (1-12%)
No NAP/No NAP Budget (0%)

64.1%
Participation

55.1%
Percentage of Women's Participation in Parliament

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in Parliament.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Women made up 27.55% of Parliament.

Comment

Lower: 29.6%;

Upper:25.5%.
 

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in Parliament, a state that ensures 50% of its parliamentarians are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a grade that depends on the percentage of female parliamentarians employed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.

58.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in Ministerial Positions

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in ministerial positions.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

29% of ministerial positions were held by women.

Comment

Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 0.29.

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in the ministerial positions, a state that ensures 50% of its ministers are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a grade that depends on the percentage of female ministers employed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.

57.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in Law Enforcement

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in law enforcement
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

28.5% of law enforcement positions were held by women.

Comment

Senior-ranked women chief inspectors: 19.5%;
Constable-ranked women officers: 25%.

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in law enforcement, a state that ensures 50% of its law enforcement agents are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a grade that depends on the percentage of female law enforcement agents employed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.
Resources

"Police Service Strength: 2016," Home Office Stastial Bulletin

56.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in the Judiciary

CriteriaThere should be equal participation of women and men in the judiciary.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

28% of judges in the United Kingdom were women.

Comment

• The percentage of female judges in courts increased from 25% in 2015 to 28% in 2016; in tribunals it remained stable at 45%.

• More than half of all court judges (51%) and tribunal judges (64%) aged under 40 are women.

• The percentage of court judges that identify as BAME is 5%, and 9% in the tribunals. This rises to 8% for courts and 14% for tribunals for judges aged under 40.

• A third of court judges (34%) are from non-barrister backgrounds, and two thirds of tribunal judges (65%). However this varies by jurisdiction for both courts and tribunals, with judges in lower courts being more likely to come from a non-barrister background.

MethodologyConsidering that there should be equal participation of men and women in the judiciary, a state that ensures 50% of its judges are females receives 100%. Otherwise, a state earns a grade that depends on the percentage of female judges employed by a state on the basis of the expected ratio.
Resources

"Annual diversity statistics 2016," Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

71.0%
Percentage of Women's Participation in the Labour Force

CriteriaWomen should have equal access to employment opportunities.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Women's labour participation rate was 71%.
 

Comment

Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 0.84

Unemployment rate (percentage of female/male labour force):
Female: 4.8
Male: 4.6

Estimated earned income (PPP US$):
Female: 28,237
Male: 52,575
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 0.54

Legislators, senior officials, and managers (%):
Female: 35, Male: 65
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 0.55

Professional and technical workers (%):
Female: 49, Male: 51
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 0.97

MethodologyData collected from the Gender Gap Index (GGI) on the basis of its methodology.

87.7%
Access to Education

CriteriaThere should be equal access to all levels of education.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis

Enrollment in primary education: 100%

Enrollment in secondary education: 99%

Enrollment in tertiary education: 64%
 

Comment

The enrollment difference between males and females is provided below (The theoretical maximum value is 100%. Increasing trends are considered a reflection of improving coverage at the specified level of education):

Literacy rate (%):
Female: 99
Male: 99
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1

Enrollment in primary education
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1

Enrollment in secondary education
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1.01

Enrollment in tertiary education
Ratio (0 = Inequality, 1 = Equality): 1.35

MethodologyData collected from the Gender Gap Index (GGI) and UNESCO, developed on the basis of their respective methodologies.

84.5%
Protection

66.7%
Presence of Gendered Perspective in Legal Framework

CriteriaGender should be mainstreamed throughout legal framework in accordance with the international law.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis Legal framework in the United Kingdom includes the following gender-sensitive laws and constitutional provisions in 2016:
Women and men are guaranteed the rights to vote, to hold public office, and to exercise public functions
Gender perspective incorporated into the constitution
Women and men are guaranteed the right to non-discrimination in education, employment and economic, and social activities
Women and men are guaranteed full equality in civil and business matters
Women and men are guaranteed equal rights and obligations with regard to choice of spouse, parenthood, personal rights, and command over property
Women and men are guaranteed reproductive rights
Women and men are guaranteed equal pay for equal work
Women and men are guaranteed the right to live lives free from violence
Gender sensitive laws and constitutional previsions
Comment

Unlike many other nations, the United Kingdom has no single constitutional document, and is instead the sum of laws and principles that make up the ""unwritten"" constitution of the United Kingdom.

 

The Constitution guarantees equal treatment based on gender, while additionally including provisions for potential positive action based on gender.

 

Presence of gender perspective in the UK Constitution:

- European Communities Act (1972);

- Human Rights Act (1998).

 

Presence of gender perspective in the UK Legal framework:

- Equal Pay Act (1970);

- Sex Discrimination Act (1975);

- Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (2003);

- UK Equality Act (2006);

- UK Gender Equality Duty (2007);

- UK Equality Act (2007);

- The Maternity and Parental Leave etc. and the Paternity and Adoption Leave (Amendment) Regulations (2006);

- UK Equality Act 2010;

- UK Equality Strategy – Building a Fairer Britain (2006 –2016);

- UK Strategy “Think, Act, Report” (Gender Equality in the Workplace); 

- Equal Pay Act (1970);

- Sex Discrimination Act (1975);

- Maternity Leave and Pay Regulations (1975);

- Paternity Leave and Pay Regulations (2003);

- Flexible Working Regulations (2003);

- Equality Act (2010);

- The UK Government has established a new Inter-Ministerial Group on Equalities to develop and oversee implementation of a strategy to deliver the Government's equality commitments (2011);

- Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation (2016);

- Strategy to end violence against women and girls: 2016 to 2020.

Methodology8 - 100%
7 - 87.5%
6 - 75%
5 - 62.5%
4 - 50%
3 - 37.5%
2 - 25%
1 - 12.5%
0 - 0%

Necessary legal framework is determined in accordance with the principles of the core human rights treaties (i.e.: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)).

71.4%
Access to Justice

CriteriaWomen's unrestricted access to justice exists.
Analysis/Comments
Analysis The following protections are guaranteed by the United Kingdom in 2016:
Equal access to formal legal dispute systems and the right to legal representation
Non-discrimination law
Existence of courts and judicial bodies
Financial affordability of access to legal proceedings and/or legal aid
Free access to an interpreter during legal proceedings
Victim protection
Existence of gender units within justice institutions
MethodologyThe necessary protections represent the CEDAW standard on women's access to justice.
7 - 100%
6 - 85%
5 - 70%
4 - 55%
3 - 40%
2 - 25%
1 - 10%
0 - 0%"

100.0%
Protections Against Human Trafficking

CriteriaA state should be in compliance with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom in 2016 is in:
Complete compliance with the minimum standards
Partial compliance with the minimum standards
Non-compliance with the minimum standards
Comment

The Government of the United Kingdom fully complies with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. In 2014, the government issued its first modern slavery strategy, reviewed and made recommendations to improve its victim identification mechanism, and launched a pilot programme to strengthen protections for child trafficking victims. The government prosecuted and convicted an increased number of traffickers, appointed an anti- slavery commissioner to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts, and passed the Modern Slavery Act in March 2015. While authorities continued to identify a large number of potential trafficking victims, the victim identification and referral system failed to assist many victims of trafficking, particularly children. Government funding for specialised services remained limited. Some victims were detained and prosecuted for crimes committed as a result of being subjected to trafficking. 

MethodologyAdherence is measured in accordance with the “Palermo Protocols” and grading system developed by the US state Department’s annual report on trafficking in persons.
Full compliance: 100%
Partial Compliance: 50%
Non-Compliance: 0%

Resources

"Traffciking in Persons Report: 2016," U.S. Department of State

100.0%
Protections Against Sexual Violence.

CriteriaA state should be in compliance with minimum standards for the elimination of sexual violence.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom in 2016 has the following services in place:
Existence of a law against sexual violence
Governmental efforts to eliminate sexual violence nationally
Existence of a national crisis hotline
Existence of women's shelters
Existence of women's rape crisis centres
Comment

In March 2016, the British Home Secretary published the UK National Strategy on Violence Against Women for the period of 2016-2020. This strategy includes 80 million GBP in funding, to support rape crisis centres, shelters, and local prevention programmes. The main goals of the strategy are to increase reporting, reform the justice system's response to sexual and gender based violence, support local commissioners, address trafficking in persons and overall improve intervention and the prevention of abuse.

MethodologyThe standard is derived from the CEDAW and Istanbul Convention.
5 - 100%
4 - 80%
3 - 60%
2 - 40%
1 - 20%
0 - 0%

73.0%
Recovery Support

80.0%
Implementation of Dedicated Programmes Serving the Needs of Veterans

CriteriaDedicated programmes for female veterans should be in place.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom in 2016 provides the following services:
Female veterans affairs offices exist in urban and rural areas
Economic benefits (i.e. disability, housing) exist
Health service benefits (i.e. free veterans health insurance, gender-sensitive PTSD care) exist
Educational benefits exist
Employment services exist
Comment

Since 1921, the British Royal Legion provided practical support to serving men and women, veterans (ex-Service of all ages) and their families.

MethodologyThe standard is determined in line with the international concept of the responsibility to protect. A state receives a full point only when it is in full compliance with the determined obligation.
5 - 100%
4 - 80%
3 - 60%
2 - 40%
1 - 20%
0 - 0%

83.3%
Implementation of Dedicated Programmes to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence

CriteriaDedicated programmes for survivors of sexual violence should be in place.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom in 2016 provides the following services:
National crisis hotline
Women's shelters
Women's rape crisis centres
Counseling services
National sex-offender list or website
Support groups for victims/survivors
Comment

While specialised services to support victims/survivors of sexual violence exist, the service quality, resource provision, geographic availability, adequate service availability based on national demand, and the functionality of national mechanism is not fully effective. 

England:
1 national 24 hour free women’s helpline.

Wales:
1 national 24 hour free women’s helpline.

Northern Ireland:
1 national 24 hour free women’s helpline.

Scotland:
1 national 24 hour free women’s helpline.

MethodologyThe standard is determined in line with the CEDAW, Istanbul Convention and Beijing Platform for Action. A state receives a full point only when it is in full compliance with the determined obligation.
6 - 100%
5 - 83%
4 - 66%
3 - 49%
2 - 32%
1 - 15%
0 - 0%.

85.7%
Implementation of Dedicated Programmes to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking

CriteriaDedicated programmes for urvivors of human trafficking should be in place.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom in 2016 provides the following services:
Human trafficking hotline
Human trafficking shelter
Basic necessities (food, clothing, housing, etc.)
Health services
Legal services
Job training programmes
Educational services
Comment

While specialised services to support victims/survivors of human trafficking exist, the service quality, resource provision, geographic availability, adequate service availability based on national demand, and the functionality of national mechanism are not fully effective.

In the United Kingdom, assessments of individuals who are survivors of violence or torture are conducted as part of the normal process. It is important that RRFs ( Rapid Response Facility)  are as explicit as possible in respect of the refugees’ mental health issues as a result of violence and / or torture, so that preparations for potential treatment can be made.

The UK, as part of its integration programme offers an initial counselling session to all arrivals under the Gateway Protection Programme. This can be followed up with further sessions if necessary.

Mandate: no special arrangements, aside from the usual mainstream social services and those provided by the voluntary sector available to all refugees in the UK.

MethodologyThe standard is determined in line with Palermo Protocol and Beijing Platform for Action. A state receives a full point only when it is in full compliance with the determined obligation.
7 - 100%
6 - 85%
5 - 70%
4 - 55%
3 - 40%
2 - 25%
1 - 10%
0 - 0%

42.9%
Implementation Dedicated Programmes to Support Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

CriteriaDedicated programmes for refugees, asylum seekers, and IDPs should be in place.
Analysis/Comments
AnalysisThe United Kingdom in 2016 provides the following services:
State refugee/IDP strategy exists
Basic necessities (food, clothing, housing, etc.) are provided
Health services are available
Legal services are available
Job training programmes are available
Educational services are available
Community engagement/integration programmes are available
Comment

Asylum applications in the UK from main applicants decreased by 7% to 30,603 in the year 2016, the first annual fall in asylum applications since 2010 (17,916). Numbers of asylum applications in the last two quarters of 2016 (7,146 in July to September and 7,419 in October to December) were considerably lower than in the same two quarters of 2015 (10,231 in July to September and 10,196 in October to December).

In 2016, the largest number of applications for asylum came from nationals of Iran (4,192), followed by Pakistan (2,857), Iraq (2,666), Afghanistan (2,341), Bangladesh (1,939), Albania (1,488), and India (1,488).

There were 3,175 asylum applications from unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) in 2016, a small (2%) decrease compared to 2015 (3,253). Overall, UASC applications represented 10% of all main applications for asylum.

Of the 24,984 initial decisions on asylum applications from main applicants, 34% were grants of asylum or an alternative form of protection, compared to 40% in the previous year. A separate Home Office analysis shows that for the years 2012 to 2014, on average 36% of decisions were granted initially, but this proportion rose to 49% after appeal.

There were 1,591 grants of asylum or an alternative form of protection to Syrian main applicants at initial decision in 2016.

Including dependants, the UK had the sixth highest number (39,000) of asylum applications within the EU in 2016. Germany (692,000), Italy (117,000) and France (83,000) were the 3 EU countries that received the highest number of asylum applications, together accounting for 75% of asylum applications in the EU in that period.

  1. Resettlement schemes

In addition to those asylum seekers who apply in the UK, resettlement schemes are offered to those who have been referred to the Home Office by The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Refugees can be resettled to the UK via (1) the Gateway Protection Programme and (2) the Mandate Scheme or (3) the Syrian Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). 

  1. The Gateway Protection Programme (GPP): The GPP is operated by Home Office (HO), which receives referrals from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It offers a legal route for a specific number of particularly vulnerable refugees to settle in the United Kingdom (UK) each year. The annual quota is currently 750 persons. In 2016, 804 people were resettled under the GPP.
  2. The Mandate Scheme (MRS): The MRS is applicable to mandate refugees only, that is individuals who have been granted refugee status by UNHCR.  It allows refugees from around the world with close family ties with the UK to be resettled. In 2016, 4 people under the Mandate Scheme.
  3. The Syrian Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement Scheme (VPRS): On 7 September 2015, an expansion to the existing Syrian VPRS was announced. Through this expansion, it was proposed that 20,000 Syrians in need of protection be resettled in the UK by 2020. A total of 5,706 people have been granted humanitarian protection under the Syrian VPRS since the scheme began, and in 2016, 4,369 people were resettled under the Syrian VPRS across 206 different local authorities. Half (50%) of those resettled under the Syrian VPRS were under 18 years old (2,180), and around half (47%) were female (2,072).


*** While the State meets all assessed criteria, the UK asylum system is strictly controlled and complex, which may impact rights and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers.

MethodologyThe standard is determined in line with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recommendations. A state receives a full point only when it is in full compliance with the determined obligation.
7 - 100%
6 - 85%
5 - 70%
4 - 55%
3 - 40%
2 - 25%
1 - 10%
0 - 0%