The present policy brief discusses ESCWA States members’ obligations to protect, protect and fulfil the human rights of women. It examines the various forms of institutional mechanisms and how they address accountability and gender discrimination in Arab countries. It considers how some institutions in the Arab region are working towards ensuring that those violating women’s rights are held accountable. It also reviews obstacles facing these institutions, and the various forms of collaboration and coordination used to ensure their effectiveness. The present policy brief argues that the limited or weak accountability of institutions in the Arab region hinders the achievement of gender justice. Slow progress on gender justice is reflected in low women’s participation rates in the labour market and in civic and political affairs, and in the widespread legal discrimination women face that further curtails their rights and potential.