In this Resolution, the EESC reaffirms its long-standing commitment to gender equality, women’s rights and the rule of law as core foundations of democracy, social justice and inclusive growth, the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, and the full and effective participation of women in economic, political and social life. As to the specific focus of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, it stresses that access to justice is both a fundamental human right in itself and a precondition for the implementation of other human rights such as gender equality. Ensuring it requires, among others: eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, strengthening gender-responsive justice systems, accessible, affordable and quality legal aid and representation, protection, safety and confidentiality for survivors of violence; digital access to legislation; removing socio-economic barriers.

In response to the successful European Citizens' Initiative, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted an own-initiative opinion calling on the European Commission to introduce a legally binding EU-wide ban on conversion practices by including such practices as 'EU crimes' and recognising them as hate crimes. The EESC strongly condemns any practices aimed at changing, suppressing or erasing a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, considering them incompatible with human dignity and in breach of the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment. The EESC calls for a comprehensive and precisely defined ban covering both children and adults, all public and private actors, and the advertisement of such practices. It recommends that the prohibition explicitly includes sex characteristics, in order to protect intersex individuals from non-consensual and non-therapeutic interventions.