The Bangkok General Guidelines MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for The Bangkok General Guidelines - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The Bangkok General Guidelines for Judges on Applying a Gender Perspective in South East Asia emphasize that judges must actively identify, challenge, and avoid gender stereotypes in their judicial reasoning. Gender stereotypes—such as assumptions about the roles, behavior, or abilities of men and women—can lead to biased rulings and obstruct equal access to justice.
  • Option A (Reinforce traditional gender roles) contradicts the guidelines, as such roles often lead to discrimination and hinder fairness in legal proceedings.
  • Option C (Disregard gender considerations entirely) is problematic because neutrality does not mean ignoring gender-based discrimination. Instead, judges must recognize and address systemic inequalities.
  • Option D (Consult only male legal experts) promotes exclusion and fails to consider diverse perspectives, going against the principles of gender sensitivity and inclusivity.
• By ensuring that judicial decisions are free from bias and stereotypes, judges uphold fairness, impartiality, and equal protection under the law, aligning with international human rights standards.

The correct answer is Maldives

Key Points

•  The updated version of the Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) was discussed and launched at a regional judicial dialogue held in the Maldives on 27th and 28th May 2022. This dialogue was organized by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) as part of its efforts to expand the BGG’s relevance to the South Asian subregion.
• Judges from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka participated in this judicial dialogue. The purpose of the discussion was to review the amendments made to the original 2016 BGG, ensuring that it effectively addressed gender-related legal challenges within the South Asian judicial context.
• The Maldives was chosen as the venue for this high-level regional dialogue, reflecting the importance of collaboration among South Asian judiciaries in strengthening gender-sensitive judicial practices. The event provided a platform for judges to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss best practices in eliminating gender biases and discrimination in legal proceedings. 

The correct answer is To expand its applicability to the South Asian subregion

Key Points

• The Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) was initially developed in 2016 for judges in Southeast Asia to help them incorporate a gender perspective in judicial decision-making. However, recognizing the need for broader applicability, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) decided to update the BGG in 2021 to ensure that it also addressed the legal and judicial challenges specific to South Asia.
• To achieve this, ICJ convened a drafting panel and later invited a Working Group of six South Asian judges to review and refine the amendments. The revised guidance was then discussed and officially launched at a regional judicial dialogue held in the Maldives on 27th and 28th May 2022, with participation from judges representing Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• The purpose of this update was not to change or replace the core principles of the 2016 BGG, but rather to contextualize it for South Asia, ensuring that it remained relevant to the specific legal frameworks, cultural contexts, and gender-related challenges in the region.

The correct answer is Through Supreme Court Regulation No. 3 of 2017

Key Points

• After the adoption of the Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) in 2016, the Supreme Court of Indonesia took concrete steps to integrate its principles into the country’s judicial system.
• This was done through Supreme Court Regulation No. 3 of 2017, which formalized the application of a gender perspective in judicial decision-making.
• By incorporating the BGG into domestic legal practice, the Indonesian judiciary ensured that judges were guided by the principles of equality and non-discrimination, especially in cases involving gender-related issues.
• This regulation serves as a framework for judges to identify, address, and eliminate gender bias in the courtroom, thus promoting fairer and more equitable legal outcomes. 

The correct answer is Equality and non-discrimination

Key Points

• The 2022 Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) emphasizes that judges should ensure unhindered access to justice for women by adhering to the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
• This means that judicial decisions should be free from gender biases, stereotypes, or discriminatory practices that could prevent women from receiving fair treatment in legal proceedings.
• By upholding these principles, the judiciary can help eliminate systemic barriers that perpetuate gender inequality and ensure that women have the same legal protections and opportunities as men.
• The guidance also highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing structural discrimination to create a more just and inclusive legal system. 

The correct answer is Equality and non-discrimination

Key Points

• The 2022 Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) emphasizes that judges should ensure unhindered access to justice for women by adhering to the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
• This means that judicial decisions should be free from gender biases, stereotypes, or discriminatory practices that could prevent women from receiving fair treatment in legal proceedings.
• By upholding these principles, the judiciary can help eliminate systemic barriers that perpetuate gender inequality and ensure that women have the same legal protections and opportunities as men.
• The guidance also highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing structural discrimination to create a more just and inclusive legal system. 

The correct answer is 2016

Key Points

• The first edition of the Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) was adopted on 24th and 25th June 2016 during a judicial dialogue held in Bangkok, Thailand. This dialogue was organized by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and UN Women, and it brought together judges from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Timor Leste.
• The main objective of the 2016 BGG was to provide guidance to judges on applying a gender perspective in judicial decision-making, ensuring equality and non-discrimination in the administration of justice.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The Bangkok General Guidelines for Judges on Applying a Gender Perspective in South East Asia emphasize that judges must actively identify, challenge, and avoid gender stereotypes in their judicial reasoning. Gender stereotypes—such as assumptions about the roles, behavior, or abilities of men and women—can lead to biased rulings and obstruct equal access to justice.
  • Option A (Reinforce traditional gender roles) contradicts the guidelines, as such roles often lead to discrimination and hinder fairness in legal proceedings.
  • Option C (Disregard gender considerations entirely) is problematic because neutrality does not mean ignoring gender-based discrimination. Instead, judges must recognize and address systemic inequalities.
  • Option D (Consult only male legal experts) promotes exclusion and fails to consider diverse perspectives, going against the principles of gender sensitivity and inclusivity.
• By ensuring that judicial decisions are free from bias and stereotypes, judges uphold fairness, impartiality, and equal protection under the law, aligning with international human rights standards.

The correct answer is Maldives

Key Points

•  The updated version of the Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) was discussed and launched at a regional judicial dialogue held in the Maldives on 27th and 28th May 2022. This dialogue was organized by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) as part of its efforts to expand the BGG’s relevance to the South Asian subregion.
• Judges from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka participated in this judicial dialogue. The purpose of the discussion was to review the amendments made to the original 2016 BGG, ensuring that it effectively addressed gender-related legal challenges within the South Asian judicial context.
• The Maldives was chosen as the venue for this high-level regional dialogue, reflecting the importance of collaboration among South Asian judiciaries in strengthening gender-sensitive judicial practices. The event provided a platform for judges to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss best practices in eliminating gender biases and discrimination in legal proceedings. 

The correct answer is To expand its applicability to the South Asian subregion

Key Points

• The Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) was initially developed in 2016 for judges in Southeast Asia to help them incorporate a gender perspective in judicial decision-making. However, recognizing the need for broader applicability, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) decided to update the BGG in 2021 to ensure that it also addressed the legal and judicial challenges specific to South Asia.
• To achieve this, ICJ convened a drafting panel and later invited a Working Group of six South Asian judges to review and refine the amendments. The revised guidance was then discussed and officially launched at a regional judicial dialogue held in the Maldives on 27th and 28th May 2022, with participation from judges representing Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• The purpose of this update was not to change or replace the core principles of the 2016 BGG, but rather to contextualize it for South Asia, ensuring that it remained relevant to the specific legal frameworks, cultural contexts, and gender-related challenges in the region.

The correct answer is Through Supreme Court Regulation No. 3 of 2017

Key Points

• After the adoption of the Bangkok General Guidance (BGG) in 2016, the Supreme Court of Indonesia took concrete steps to integrate its principles into the country’s judicial system.
• This was done through Supreme Court Regulation No. 3 of 2017, which formalized the application of a gender perspective in judicial decision-making.
• By incorporating the BGG into domestic legal practice, the Indonesian judiciary ensured that judges were guided by the principles of equality and non-discrimination, especially in cases involving gender-related issues.
• This regulation serves as a framework for judges to identify, address, and eliminate gender bias in the courtroom, thus promoting fairer and more equitable legal outcomes. 

The correct answer is Malaysia

Key Points

• The 2016 judicial dialogue that led to the adoption of the Bangkok General Guidance was attended by judges from four Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Timor Leste.
• Malaysia is not listed among the countries involved in the dialogue, which focused on discussing the existing practices and challenges in the judicial systems of these specific countries. Therefore, Malaysia was not part of this particular dialogue.

The correct answer is 'To ensure physical safety and accessibility for all genders.'

Key Points

• Gender-friendly infrastructure in courts:
  • Gender-friendly infrastructure is essential to create an inclusive and accessible environment within courts for all genders.
  • This infrastructure includes separate waiting areas, child-care rooms, and sanitary facilities, ensuring that everyone feels safe and comfortable while accessing legal services.
  • Such measures are crucial to remove physical and psychological barriers that might deter people, especially women and other marginalized genders, from seeking justice.

Additional Information

• Encouraging women to file more cases:
  • While gender-friendly infrastructure can indirectly encourage women to file more cases by providing a safer and more accommodating environment, the primary goal is to ensure safety and accessibility for all genders.
• Segregating men and women in courtrooms:
  • Segregation is not the objective of gender-friendly infrastructure. The aim is to create inclusive spaces, not to separate individuals based on gender.
• Limiting women's participation in legal proceedings:
  • This is contrary to the goal of gender-friendly infrastructure, which seeks to enhance the participation of all genders by making courts more accessible and accommodating.

'Women are more emotional and unreliable as witnesses' is a harmful gender stereotype in legal proceedings.

Key Points

• Harmful Gender Stereotype:
  • This stereotype leads to the unjust dismissal of women's testimonies and reinforces gender bias in court rulings.
  • It undermines the credibility of women, affecting their ability to seek justice and fair treatment in legal proceedings.
  • This bias can result in courts giving less weight to the testimonies of women, impacting the outcomes of cases, particularly those involving gender-based violence or discrimination.
  • Such stereotypes perpetuate discrimination and hinder the progress towards gender equality in the legal system.

Additional Information

• Option 2: Laws should apply equally to all genders:
  • This is a principle of justice and fairness, ensuring that everyone is subject to the same laws and legal standards, regardless of gender.
  • It is not a stereotype but a fundamental legal principle aimed at promoting equality.
• Option 3: Courts must ensure fairness and impartiality:
  • This is a core duty of the judiciary to ensure that all individuals receive a fair trial and that legal decisions are made impartially.
  • It is not related to gender stereotypes but rather to the integrity of the legal process.
• Option 4: Judges should analyze gender-based barriers:
  • This is a progressive approach encouraging judges to recognize and address any gender-based obstacles that may affect the fairness of legal proceedings.
  • It is not a stereotype but a recommendation for improving gender sensitivity in the legal system.

The correct answer is 'These documents all support the necessity of gender-sensitive legal frameworks to ensure human rights'

Key Points

• These documents all support the necessity of gender-sensitive legal frameworks to ensure human rights:
  • The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) emphasizes the protection of civil and political rights without discrimination, including gender discrimination. It calls for equal treatment before the law and ensures that gender-sensitive judicial systems are necessary to uphold these rights.
  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) highlights the importance of equality and non-discrimination. Article 2 of the UDHR explicitly states that everyone is entitled to all rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, including gender.
  • The Bangkok General Guidance provides specific recommendations and guidance on creating judicial systems that are sensitive to gender issues, recognizing the unique challenges faced by women and other gender minorities in accessing justice.
  • All these documents collectively underscore the importance of gender-sensitive legal frameworks to ensure that human rights are protected and upheld for everyone, regardless of gender.

Additional Information

• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
  • Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, the ICCPR is a key international treaty that seeks to protect civil and political rights.
  • It obliges state parties to respect and ensure the rights of all individuals within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind.
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
  • Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the UDHR is a milestone document in the history of human rights, proclaiming the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being.
  • It sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected and has been translated into over 500 languages.
• The Bangkok General Guidance:
  • The Bangkok General Guidance on the Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) provides specific guidelines to ensure that judicial and legal systems are gender-sensitive and responsive to the needs of women.
  • It aims to address the gaps in the implementation of CEDAW and ensure that women's rights are effectively protected through gender-sensitive legal frameworks.