@governmentreport {480586, title = {Status of signatures and ratifications to Belem do Para}, journal = {Organization of American States}, year = {2015}, abstract = {https://www.oas.org/en/mesecvi/convention.asp The Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women, known as the Convention of Bel{\'e}m do Par{\'a} (where it was adopted in 1994), defines violence against women, establishes that women have the right to live a life free of violence and that violence against women constitutes a violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.\  It calls for the first time for the establishment of mechanisms for protecting and defending women{\textquoteright}s rights as essential to combating the phenomenon of violence against women{\textquoteright}s physical, sexual, and psychological integrity, whether in the public or the private sphere, and for asserting those rights within society.}, url = {https://www.oas.org/en/mesecvi/convention.asp} } @governmentreport {469216, title = {European Court {\textendash} Rules of Court}, journal = {European Court of Human Rights}, year = {2015}, abstract = {http://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=basictexts/rules\&c=$\#$n1347875693676_pointer The Rules of Court outline the policies and procedures of the European Court of Human Rights. The document explains the organization, proceedings, judgments, and overall working of the Court.\ }, url = {http://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=basictexts/rules\&c=$\#$n1347875693676_pointer} } @governmentreport {477366, title = {Women{\textquoteright}s Lives and Challenges: Equality and Empowerment since 2000}, journal = {United States Agency for International Development}, year = {2014}, abstract = {http://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/mar-7-2014-usaid-release-womens-lives-and-challenges-report This report, among the most extensive recent assessments of women{\textquoteright}s status, looks at women{\textquoteright}s progress in four continents and more than 45 countries. \ Women{\textquoteright}s Lives and Challenges\ evaluates trends in women{\textquoteright}s employment, domestic decision-making, exposure to violence, and access to education and health care.\ }, url = {http://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/mar-7-2014-usaid-release-womens-lives-and-challenges-report} } @governmentreport {495201, title = {Factsheet: Violence Against Women}, journal = {European Court of Human Rights}, year = {2013}, abstract = { http://www.echr.coe.int/sites/search_eng/pages/search.aspx$\#${"fulltext":["factsheet: Violence against women"],"subcategory":["factsheets"]} Document summaries the court{\textquoteright}s case law in relation to domestic violence, genital mutilations, rape, violence and social exclusion, violence at the hands of state authorities and violence in public places. 12 cases dealing with domestic violence refer to the violation of different articles of the European Convention of human rights, namely of the article 2 on the right to life, article 13 on the right to an effective remedy, article 8 on the right to respect for family life, prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment and article 14 on prohibition of discrimination. Both cases relating genital mutilation against Austria and Ireland were declared inadmissible for the reasons of insufficient protection of the young Nigerian girls that should be provided by their parents. 5 cases dealing with rape reaffirmed the violation of articles 3 on the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, article 8 and artcile 13 mentioned above. The case of violence and social exclusion confirmed violation of the article 3 whereas the violence at the hands of state authorities brought forward violation of the article 3, artcile 14 and article 11 on freedom of assembly. The last case presented in the factsheet deals with the violence in public places giving declaring the violation of the article 3 and article 8. }, url = {http://www.echr.coe.int/sites/search_eng/pages/search.aspx$\#${"fulltext":["factsheet: Violence against women"],"subcategory":["factsheets"]}} } @governmentreport {484186, title = {A Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict}, journal = {United Nations}, year = {2013}, abstract = {https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-declaration-of-commitment-to-end-sexual-violence-in-conflict The Declaration contains a set of practical and political commitments to end the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war, which terrorises and destroys communities during conflict. The Declaration sends an important message to the victims of these crimes that the international community has not forgotten them, and to the perpetrators of rape that they will be held to account. The Declaration was launched in New York on 24 September 2013 during the United Nations General Assembly, by Foreign Secretary William Hague and UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Bangura.}, url = {https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-declaration-of-commitment-to-end-sexual-violence-in-conflict} } @governmentreport {482656, title = {2013 Department of State Trafficking in Persons Country Narratives}, journal = {US Department of State}, year = {2013}, abstract = {http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2013/index.htm Remarks from John Kerry on the release of the report:\ Governments bear primary responsibility for responding to this crime, and this annual\ Report\ is the gold standard in assessing how well governments{\textemdash}including our own{\textemdash}are meeting that responsibility. This year, 188 countries and territories are included, and we have taken a hard look at one of the biggest problems we face in combating modern slavery: the challenge of accurate, effective victim identification. Only through vigorous victim identification can we ensure that trafficking survivors get the services they need, can participate in legal proceedings, and can have their voices heard.}, url = {http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2013/index.htm} } @governmentreport {480571, title = {Declaration Of The Committee Of Experts Of The MESECVI On The Celebration Of The Twentieth Anniversary Of The Adoption Of The Bel{\'e}m Do Par{\'a} Convention}, journal = {Organization of American States}, year = {2013}, abstract = {http://www.oas.org/en/mesecvi/meetingofexperts.asp Can be found under "Key Results" from the Tenth Meeting of the Committee of Experts CONSIDERING that the year 2014 will mark twenty years since the adoption of the Bel{\'e}m do Par{\'a} Convention and ten years since the creation of the MESECVI by the General Assembly of the OAS and that this historic moment warrants broad reflection on the impact of the Convention for the States Party and the women of the hemisphere reiterates its commitment to support the efforts of OAS Member States and civil society to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Bel{\'e}m do Par{\'a} Convention and the tenth anniversary of the creation of the MESECVI, which will include national and sub-regional forums and meetings for progress reports on implementation of the Bel{\'e}m do Par{\'a} Convention.\ }, url = {http://www.oas.org/en/mesecvi/meetingofexperts.asp} } @governmentreport {472486, title = {CEDAW General Recommendation No. 29 - 2013 - Marriage \& Family Relations}, journal = {C/GC/29 }, year = {2013}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx Article 16 of the Convention provides for the elimination of discrimination against women at the inception of marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution by divorce or death. In 1994 the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women adopted general recommendation No. 21, which elaborated upon many aspects of article 16 as well as its relationship to articles 9 and 15. General recommendation No. 21 notes that article 16 (1) (h) specifically refers to the economic dimensions of marriage and its dissolution. This new general recommendation builds upon principles articulated in general recommendation No. 21, other relevant general recommendations such as No. 27, and the Committee"s jurisprudence. It invokes the definition of discrimination contained in article 1 of the Convention and calls upon States parties to take legal and policy measures as required under article 2 of the Convention and general recommendation No. 28. It also integrates social and legal developments that took place since the adoption of GR 21, such as the adoption by some State parties of laws on registered partnerships and/or de facto unions, as well as the increase in the number of couples living in such relationships.\  }, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx}, author = {CEDAW} } @governmentreport {465526, title = {AHRD Book Launch Remarks {\textendash} Chair of the AICHR}, journal = {Association of Southeast Asian Nations}, year = {2013}, abstract = {http://aichr.org/documents/ It is indeed an honor for me as Chair of the ASEAN\ Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to officiate\ this important occasion as we gather to celebrate the launch of the book\ on the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration and the Phnom Penh\ Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD in the national languages of\ ASEAN Member States and to introduce the AHRD to all of you during\ the 46th Anniversary of ASEAN. The ASEAN Human Rights Declaration\ is a landmark document and milestone journey for our region\ demonstrating the commitment and support of ASEAN to promote and\ protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.}, url = {http://aichr.org/documents/} } @governmentreport {465501, title = {ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection}, journal = {Association of South East Asian Nations}, year = {2013}, abstract = {http://aichr.org/documents/ We, the Heads of State/Government of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (hereinafter referred to as {\textquotedblleft}ASEAN{\textquotedblright}), namely Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People{\textquoteright}s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on the occasion of the 23rd ASEAN Summit in Brunei Darussalam.}, url = {http://aichr.org/documents/} } @governmentreport {465516, title = { The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Elimination of Violence Against Children in ASEAN}, journal = {Association of Southeast Asian Nations}, year = {2013}, abstract = {http://aichr.org/documents/ WE, the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (hereinafter referred to as {\textquotedblleft}ASEAN{\textquotedblright}), namely Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People{\textquoteright}s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on the occasion of the 23rd ASEAN Summit; \ UPHOLDING the goals, purposes and principles of ASEAN as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter and Cha-am Hua Hin Declaration on the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community (2009-2015);\  REAFFIRMING the goals and commitments of ASEAN to eliminating violence against women and monitor their progress as reflected in the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in the ASEAN Region adopted at the 37th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) on 30 June 2004; \ FURTHER REAFFIRMING the importance and general principles of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD adopted at the 21st ASEAN Summit on 18 November 2012; and the commitments of ASEAN as reflected in the ASEAN Leaders{\textquoteright} Joint Statement in Enhancing Cooperation Against Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Asia adopted at the 18th ASEAN Summit on 8 May 2011; the Ha Noi Declaration on the Enhancement of Welfare and Development of ASEAN Women and Children adopted at the 17th ASEAN Summit on 28 October 2010; the ASEAN Declaration Against Trafficking in Persons Particularly Women and Children adopted at the 10th ASEAN Summit on 29 November 2004; the Declaration on the Commitments for Children in ASEAN adopted at the 4th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Social Welfare (AMRSW) on 2 August 2001; the Resolution on the ASEAN Plan of Action for Children adopted at the 3rd AMRSW Meeting on 2 December 1993; and the Declaration on the Advancement}, url = {http://aichr.org/documents/} } @governmentreport {465911, title = {Tackling discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity}, year = {2013}, abstract = {http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/Xref-DocDetails-EN.asp?fileid=19779\&lang=EN\&search=U2V4dWFsIG9yaWVudGF0aW9ufHR5cGVfc3RyX2VuOlJlcG9ydA== Since 2010, when both the Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee of Ministers adopted far-reaching texts on how to tackle discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, important positive developments have occurred in some Council of Europe member States, including the introduction of specific legislative measures, action plans and strategies. Despite this progress, however, prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (LGBTs) is widespread in society. Discrimination against LGBTs remains a serious problem, as indicated by repeated infringements of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and the authorities{\textquoteright} failure to provide protection against homophobic and transphobic violence. The introduction of legislation or draft legislation on the prohibition of so-called homosexual propaganda in countries such as Lithuania, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation and Ukraine is at variance with these countries{\textquoteright} legal obligations. It would also legitimise the prejudice against LGBTs which all too often is fuelled by inconsiderate discourse by politicians and other authoritative figures. Council of Europe member States should take measures to prevent discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, promote equality and tackle homophobia and transphobia. The Republic of Moldova, Poland and the Russian Federation should give full execution to the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. The Committee of Ministers should continue to strengthen its activities in this area with a view to ensuring the full implementation of its Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5.}, url = {http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/Xref-DocDetails-EN.asp?fileid=19779\&lang=EN\&search=U2V4dWFsIG9yaWVudGF0aW9ufHR5cGVfc3RyX2VuOlJlcG9ydA==}, author = {H{\r a}kon Haugli} } @governmentreport {482651, title = {2012 Department of State Trafficking in Persons Country Narratives}, journal = {US Department of State}, year = {2012}, abstract = {http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2012/index.htm Remarks from Hillary Clinton on the release of the report:\ In this year{\textquoteright}s report, we are especially focused on that third P, victim protection. And in these pages, you{\textquoteright}ll find a lot of proven practices and innovative approaches to protecting victims. This is a useful and specific guide for governments looking to scale up their own efforts. What kind of psychological support might a victim need? How should immigration laws work to protect migrant victims? How can labor inspectors learn to recognize the warning signs of traffickers? And what can you and all of us do to try to help?}, url = {http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2012/index.htm} } @governmentreport {480881, title = { The Role of Faith Based Organisations in a Strategy to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls}, year = {2012}, abstract = {http://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/previous-sessions/csw57-2013/preparations/expert-group-meeting This presentation does not reflect a formal position of the World Council of Churches. It does not have any ambitions to be a scientific contribution to the discussion of the expert group. Instead, my paper is basically a reflection of my own experience of working for thirty-five years in the intersection of faith and politics, both out of Sweden and in the global arena. It is a scandal that violence against women is still an everyday reality in the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and girls all over the world. The scandal is aggravated by the fact that, more often than not, victims are accused of bringing the violence upon themselves {\textendash} for being disobedient wives or for dressing in a provocative way, or for any number of reasons, all of which aim at pushing the responsibility from the perpetrator to the victim. The magnitude of the on-going violence against women, in homes, in public spaces, and in wars and conflicts, is well-known and carefully documented. Scientific studies and testimonies from abused women have been presented over the years at conferences, in reports, in media, and in courts of law. No one can say: We did not know.}, url = {http://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/previous-sessions/csw57-2013/preparations/expert-group-meeting}, author = {Margareta Grape} } @governmentreport {469136, title = {European Court {\textendash} New Admissibility Criterion}, journal = {European Court of Human Rights}, year = {2012}, abstract = {http://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=caselaw/analysis\&c=$\#$n1347459030234_pointer The purpose of the current overview is to set out the case-law principles for the new admissibility criterion under Article 35 {\textsection} 3 (b), as developed by the Court during the first two years of its operation. It is to be recalled that application of the criterion was reserved exclusively to Chambers and the Grand Chamber1 from 1 June 2010 until 31 May 2012. In accordance with Article 20 of Protocol No. 14, the new provision began to apply to all applications pending before the Court, except those declared admissible. \  }, url = {http://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=caselaw/analysis\&c=$\#$n1347459030234_pointer} } @governmentreport {469196, title = {European Court {\textendash} References to Inter-American Court Case Law}, journal = {European Court of Human Rights}, year = {2012}, abstract = {http://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=caselaw/analysis\&c=$\#$n1347459030234_pointer This document contains a table listing references that have been made in the judgments of the European Court to judgments of the Inter- American Court of Human Rights or the American Convention on Human Rights up to August 2012. The table covers references made in any part of the Court{\textquoteright}s judgments (facts and law), including separate opinions of Judges. There are a total of 25 cases.\ }, url = {http://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=caselaw/analysis\&c=$\#$n1347459030234_pointer} } @governmentreport {465511, title = {AICHR: What You Need To Know}, journal = {Association of South East Asian Nations}, year = {2012}, abstract = {http://aichr.org/documents/For over four decades since its establishment, ASEAN as an intergovernmental organization has always endeavored towards improving the lives of the peoples in the region, particularly in the economic, political security and socio-cultural aspects. To further ensure the wellbeing of the ASEAN people, ASEAN decided to have its own regional human rights body, which reflects ASEAN{\textquoteright}s strong commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.Human rights are an integral part of the ASEAN Community and are reflected in both the ASEAN Charter (Article 1.7, 2.2.i, and 14), and the ASEAN Political-Security Blueprint (Section A. 1.5). The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) were established in 2009 and 2010 respectively. The establishment of the AICHR presents to the region and the global community ASEAN{\textquoteright}s strong commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The AICHR will set the tone for cooperation in human rights promotion and protection in ASEAN. The AICHR is the overarching body with a cross-cutting mandate that handles matters related to human rights cooperation with other ASEAN Bodies, external partners and stakeholders.\ \ Yet how many people within the ASEAN region know of the AICHR{\textquoteright}s existence? And how many are aware of how the AICHR came about and what mandate it holds? This booklet is intended to provide quick facts regarding the AICHR and the development of human rights in the ASEAN region.\ }, url = {http://aichr.org/documents/} } @governmentreport {465506, title = {ASEAN Human Rights Declaration}, journal = {Association of Southeast Asian Nations}, year = {2012}, abstract = {http://aichr.org/documents/ The ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection was adopted at the 23rd\ ASEAN Summit in 2013. The ASEAN Member States had\ declared to enforce\ adequate social protection measures, expand social insurance to the informal sector and social assistance to the unemployed and vulnerable groups.}, url = {http://aichr.org/documents/} } @governmentreport {465521, title = {Guidelines on the Operations of AICHR}, journal = {Association of Southeast Asian Nations}, year = {2012}, abstract = {http://aichr.org/documents/ As the overarching institution responsible for the promotion and protection of\ Human Rights in ASEAN, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on\ Human Rights (hereinafter shall be referred to as {\textquotedblleft}the AICHR{\textquotedblright}) will discharge\ its duties pursuant to Article 14 of the ASEAN Charter and the AICHR{\textquoteright}s\ Terms of Reference (TOR). The operations of the AICHR shall be conducted\ in accordance to the following Guidelines:}, url = {http://aichr.org/documents/} } @governmentreport {465611, title = {Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD)}, journal = {Association of Southeast Asian Nations}, year = {2012}, abstract = {http://asean.org/2012/11/?cat=21\ WE, the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on the occasion of the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia;REAFFIRMING ASEAN{\textquoteright}s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the purposes and the principles as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, including the principles of democracy, rule of law and good governance;REITERATING ASEAN and its Member States{\textquoteright} commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and other international human rights instruments, to which ASEAN Member States are parties as well as to relevant ASEAN declarations and instruments pertaining to human rights;}, url = {http://asean.org/2012/11/?cat=21} } @governmentreport {482646, title = {2011 Department of State Trafficking in Persons Country Narratives}, journal = {US Department of State}, year = {2011}, abstract = {http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2011/index.htm Remarks from Hillary Clinton on the release of the report: Every year, we come together to release this report, to take stock of our progress, to make suggestions, and to refine our methods. Today, we are releasing a new report that ranks 184 countries, including our own. One of the innovations when I became Secretary was we were going to also analyze and rank ourselves, because I don{\textquoteright}t think it{\textquoteright}s fair for us to rank others if we don{\textquoteright}t look hard at who we are and what we{\textquoteright}re doing. This report is the product of a collaborative process that involves ambassadors and embassies and NGOs as well as our team here in Washington. And it really does give us a snapshot about what{\textquoteright}s happening. It shows us where political will and political leadership are making a difference.}, url = {http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2011/index.htm} } @governmentreport {465906, title = {Legal protection of children from sexual exploitation: The {\textquotedblleft}Lanzarote Convention{\textquotedblright} and the One in Five campaign}, year = {2011}, abstract = { http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/knowledge/law_reform It is estimated that one in five children fall victim to sexual violence {\textendash} a\ serious human rights violation the Council of Europe has decided to combat\ through:\ 1. legislative harmonization -\ The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against\ Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention) is the most\ advanced and complete standard in this field\ 2. awareness-raising and political action {\textendash} The Council of Europe campaign ONE in FIVE to stop sexual violence\ against children and its parliamentary dimension aims to raise awareness of\ the full extent of sexual violence against children in our societies and\ promote appropriate policies to stop this violence}, url = {http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/knowledge/law_reform}, author = {Tanja Kleinsorge} } @governmentreport {472476, title = {CEDAW General Recommendation No. 27 - 2010 - On Older women and protection of their human rights}, journal = {C/GC/27 }, year = {2010}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx1. The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (hereinafter referred to as {\textquotedblleft}the Committee{\textquotedblright}), concerned about the multiple forms of discrimination experienced by older women and that older women{\textquoteright}s rights are not systematically addressed in States parties{\textquoteright} reports, at its forty-second session, pursuant to article 21 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (hereinafter referred to as {\textquotedblleft}the Convention{\textquotedblright}), decided to adopt a general recommendation on older women and protection of their human rights.2. In its decision 26/III, the Committee recognized that the Convention {\textquotedblleft}is an important tool for addressing the specific issue of the human rights of older women{\textquotedblright}. General Recommendation No. 25, on article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention on temporary special measures (see E/CN.6/2004/CRP.3, annex I) also recognises that age is one of the grounds on which women suffer multiple forms of discrimination. In particular, the Committee recognized the need for statistical data disaggregated by age and sex as a way to better assess the situation of older women.\ }, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx}, author = {CEDAW} } @governmentreport {472506, title = {CEDAW General Recommendation No. 28 - 2010 - The Core Obligations of State Parties under Article 2 of CEDAW}, journal = {CEDAW}, year = {2010}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx Through this general recommendation, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women ({\textquotedblleft}the Committee{\textquotedblright}) aims to clarify the scope and meaning of article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women ({\textquotedblleft}the Convention{\textquotedblright}), which provides ways for States parties to implement domestically the substantive provisions of the Convention. The Committee encourages States parties to translate this general recommendation into national and local languages and to disseminate it widely to all branches of Government, civil society, including the media, academia and human rights and women{\textquoteright}s organizations and institutions. 2. The Convention is a dynamic instrument that accommodates the development of international law. Since its first session in 1982, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and other actors at the national and international levels have contributed to the clarification and understanding of the substantive content of the Convention{\textquoteright}s articles, the specific nature of discrimination against women and the various instruments required for combating such discrimination.\ }, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx} } @governmentreport {469606, title = {Family Violence - A National Legal Response (ALRC 114 Summary)}, journal = {Australian Law Reform Commission}, year = {2010}, abstract = {http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/family-violence-national-legal-response-alrc-114-summary This 76-page Summary Report provides an accessible overview of the policy framework and recommendations in the two-volume Final Report,\ Family Violence - A National Legal Response\ (ALRC Report 114). It offers a consideration of the framework for the reform, including a description of the development of the key principles underpinning the 187 final recommendations. The recommendations are then considered as an expression of two principal themes{\textemdash}improving legal frameworks and improving practice, concluding with a summary of the net effect of the recommendations.}, url = {http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/family-violence-national-legal-response-alrc-114-summary} } @governmentreport {465486, title = {AICHR Five-Year Work Plan 2010-2015}, journal = {ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights}, year = {2010}, abstract = { http://aichr.org/documents/ Pursuant to the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the AICHR, this five-year Work Plan for the period of 2010 {\textendash} 2015 includes\ programmes and activities of the AICHR with indicative budget to be approved by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting,\ upon the recommendation of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN. AICHR is guided by the ASEAN Charter, the TOR of AICHR and the purposes and principles contained therein. AICHR\ desires that the ASEAN community shall be free from fear, war, aggression and poverty. The peoples of ASEAN shall\ enjoy the right to live in peace, dignity and prosperity. There shall be a balance between rights, duties and responsibilities\ of individuals in the context of the ASEAN Community. The Member States of ASEAN and all sectors of their respective\ societies have the shared responsibility to ensure the promotion and protection of these rights and duties. The objective of the AICHR Work Plan 2010-2015 is to give reality to the Terms of Reference of AICHR. To that end, the\ Work Plan is aimed at realizing the aspiration of the people of ASEAN on human rights, strengthening AICHR, promoting\ awareness on human rights in ASEAN and enhancing cooperation with external partners, as well as to implement\ AICHR{\textquoteright}s overarching mandate on human rights, thereby contributing to the successful building of an ASEAN Community\ by 2015.}, url = {http://aichr.org/documents/} } @governmentreport {494646, title = {Submission to the Council of Europe Ad Hoc Committee on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence}, journal = {International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association}, year = {2009}, abstract = {http://www.ilga-europe.org/resources/policy-papers/submission-coe-ad-hoc-committee-preventing-and-combating-violence-against Lesbian, bisexual and transgender ({\textquotedblleft}LBT{\textquotedblright}) women experience gender-based violence both on account of their gender and because of the way their sexual orientation or gender identity challenges patriarchal concepts of gender and gender roles. This double exposure to causes of gender-based violence puts them at particular risk. A recent survey by London{\textquoteright}s Metropolitan Police of more than 1100 LBT women found that approximately twice as many had experienced violence or abuse on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity as on all other grounds, despite the fact that nearly half of respondents changed their behaviour or appearance to avoid homophobic or transphobic abuse. This double exposure also means that violence against them can only be addressed effectively by the Convention if the part played by homophobia and transphobia is acknowledged and specific counter-measures identified. However, there is a further reason to acknowledge explicitly violence against LBT women. Regrettably, as the Committee of Ministers has stressed, homophobia and transphobia are widespread in Europe.2 Without specific references in the Convention it remains all too possible that its measures will not be used to combat violence against LBT women. Inclusion of such references would be an effective response to the invitation of the Committee of Ministers to all intergovernmental committees to make proposals to strengthen, in law and in practice, the equal rights and dignity of LGBT persons and to combat discriminatory attitudes against them. This submission therefore recommends that the Convention identify groups of women who are especially vulnerable to violence, including specifically LBT women, and suggests areas where particular measures are required to address violence against them, such as awareness-raising, education, improving confidence by LBT women in law enforcement agencies, increasing the level of incidents reported to the police, and specific training for agencies involved in victim support. It also recommends that the non-discrimination clause of the Convention makes explicit reference to sexual orientation and gender identity.}, url = {http://www.ilga-europe.org/resources/policy-papers/submission-coe-ad-hoc-committee-preventing-and-combating-violence-against} } @governmentreport {493256, title = { Submission to the Council of Europe Ad Hoc Committee on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence}, year = {2009}, abstract = {http://www.ilga-europe.org/resources/policy-papers/submission-coe-ad-hoc-committee-preventing-and-combating-violence-against\  Lesbian, bisexual and transgender ({\textquotedblleft}LBT{\textquotedblright}) women experience gender-based violence both on account of their gender and because of the way their sexual orientation or gender identity challenges patriarchal concepts of gender and gender roles.\ This double exposure to causes of gender-based violence puts them at particular risk. A recent survey by London{\textquoteright}s Metropolitan Police of more than 1100 LBT women found that approximately twice as many had experienced violence or abuse on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity as on all other grounds, despite the fact that nearly half of respondents changed their behaviour or appearance to avoid homophobic or transphobic abuse.\ This double exposure also means that violence against them can only be addressed effectively by the Convention if the part played by homophobia and transphobia is acknowledged and specific counter-measures identified.\ However, there is a further reason to acknowledge explicitly violence against LBT women. Regrettably, as the Committee of Ministers has stressed, homophobia and transphobia are widespread in Europe.2 Without specific references in the Convention it remains all too possible that its measures will not be used to combat violence against LBT women.\ Inclusion of such references would be an effective response to the invitation of the Committee of Ministers to all intergovernmental committees to make proposals to strengthen, in law and in practice, the equal rights and dignity of LGBT persons and to combat discriminatory attitudes against them.\ This submission therefore recommends that the Convention identify groups of women who are especially vulnerable to violence, including specifically LBT women, and suggests areas where particular measures are required to address violence against them, such as awareness-raising, education, improving confidence by LBT women in law enforcement agencies, increasing the level of incidents reported to the police, and specific training for agencies involved in victim support.\ It also recommends that the non-discrimination clause of the Convention makes explicit reference to sexual orientation and gender identity.}, url = {http://www.ilga-europe.org/resources/policy-papers/submission-coe-ad-hoc-committee-preventing-and-combating-violence-against}, author = {ILGA} } @governmentreport {482661, title = {Trafficking in Persons Report 2009}, journal = {US Department of State}, year = {2009}, abstract = {http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2009/index.htm The Department of State is required by law to submit each year to the U.S. Congress a report on foreign governments{\textquoteright} efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking in persons. This is the ninth annual TIP Report; it seeks to increase global awareness of the human trafficking phenomenon by shedding new light on various facets of the problem and highlighting shared and individual efforts of the international community, and to encourage foreign governments to take effective action against all forms of trafficking in persons.}, url = {http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2009/index.htm} } @governmentreport {480851, title = {Interpretation of Torture in the Light of the Practice and Jurisprudence of International Bodies}, journal = {The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture}, year = {2009}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Torture/UNVFT/Pages/Documentation.aspx Many acts, conducts or events may be viewed as torture in certain circumstances, while they will not be viewed as torture in some other situations. In fact, there is no single definition existing under international law but most international dispositions and bodies tend to agree on four constitutive elements of torture, as further explained in the first part of this paper {\textquotedblleft}Elements of definition{\textquotedblright}. It should be recalled that usually in legal dispositions, torture is linked with cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment or ill-treatment. Torture is not an act in itself, or specific type of acts, but it is the legal qualification of an event or behaviour, based on the comprehensive assessment of this event or behaviour. Therefore, the difference between these different qualifications, torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment or ill-treatment depends on the specific circumstances of each case and is not always obvious. It is clear that, because of the specific intensity or nature of certain acts, the qualification of torture may be easily granted in certain cases. However, in some others, the vulnerability of the victim (age, gender, status, etc), as well as the environment and the cumulative effect of various factors, should be taken into account to determine whether this case amounts to torture or whether it does not reach this ultimate threshold and should be considered as cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.\ }, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Torture/UNVFT/Pages/Documentation.aspx} } @governmentreport {468041, title = {Terms of Reference of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights}, journal = {ASEAN}, year = {2009}, abstract = {http://www.refworld.org/docid/4a6d87f22.html\ Please see last paragraph before "Mandate."Pursuant to Article 14 of the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) shall operate in accordance with the following Terms of Reference (TOR):\ }, url = {http://www.refworld.org/docid/4a6d87f22.html} } @governmentreport {465836, title = {Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Explanatory Report)}, journal = {Council of Europe}, year = {2009}, abstract = {http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/QueVoulezVous.asp?NT=201\&CM=8\&DF=06/07/2015\&CL=ENG I. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe took note of this Explanatory Report at its 1002nd meeting held at its Deputies{\textquoteright} level, on 12 July 2007. The Convention was opened for signature in Lanzarote (Spain), on 25 October 2007, on the occasion of the 28th Conference of European Ministers of Justice. II. The text of this explanatory report does not constitute an instrument providing an authoritative interpretation of the Convention, although it might be of such a nature as to facilitate the application of the provisions contained therein.}, url = {http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/QueVoulezVous.asp?NT=201\&CM=8\&DF=06/07/2015\&CL=ENG} } @governmentreport {493271, title = {Final Activity Report: Task Force to Combat Violence against Women, including Domestic Violence (EG-TFV)}, journal = {Council of Europe}, year = {2008}, abstract = {http://eige.europa.eu/node/1924 The Council of Europe Task Force to Combat Violence against Women, including Domestic Violence (EG-TFV), was set up following a decision taken at the Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe held in Warsaw on 16 and 17 May 2005. The Action Plan adopted at the Summit defines future action by the Council of Europe and envisages activities to combat vio- lence against women, including domestic violence. Section II.4 of the Plan states: {\textquotedblleft}The Council of Europe will take meas- ures to combat violence against women, including domestic violence. It will set up a task force to evaluate progress at national level and establish instruments for quantifying develop- ments at pan-European level with a view to drawing up proposals for action. A pan-European campaign to combat violence against women, in- cluding domestic violence, will be pre- pared and conducted in close co- operation with other European and na- tional actors, including NGOs.{\textquotedblright} Accordingly, eight international experts in the field of preventing and combating violence against women were appointed to the Task Force by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men (CDEG) proposed six members of the Task Force, while the Parlia- mentary Assembly and the Congress of Regional and Local Authorities of the Council of Europe proposed one member each. The appointments were made in consultation with the Committee of Ministers{\textquoteright} Thematic Co-ordinator on Equality between Women and Men (TC-EG) and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.\ }, url = {http://eige.europa.eu/node/1924} } @governmentreport {484181, title = {Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights}, journal = {United Nations}, year = {2008}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/OPCESCR.aspx The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OP-ICESCR, or the Optional Protocol) is the instrument that will make this possible, once it becomes operational. THE OPTIONAL PROTOCOL provides groups and individuals the opportunity to bring cases (submit communications) to the Committee on ESCR - the body in charge of monitoring the Covenant compliance by state parties - for violation of their economic, social and cultural rights, when access to justice is denied or not available in their own countries.\ \ }, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/OPCESCR.aspx} } @governmentreport {480826, title = {Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008) - Women \& Sexual Violence}, journal = {United Nations Security Council}, year = {2008}, abstract = {http://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/key-documents/resolutions/S/RES/1820 (2008)The Security Council Resolution recognizes a direct relationship between the widespread and/or systematic use of sexual violence as an instrument of conflict and the maintenance of international peace and security; commit the Security Council to considering appropriate steps to end such atrocities and to punish their perpetrators; and request a report from the Secretary General on situations in which sexual violence is being widely or systematically employed against civilians and on strategies for ending the practice.}, url = {http://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/key-documents/resolutions/} } @governmentreport {472461, title = { CEDAW General Comments on General Recommendations}, year = {2008}, abstract = {http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=HRI/GEN/1/Rev.9\%20(Vol.\%20II This document contains a compilation of the general comments or general recommendations adopted, respectively, by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural\ Rights, the Human Rights Committee, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Committee against Torture and the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Committee on\ Migrant Workers has not yet adopted any general comments.}, url = {http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=HRI/GEN/1/Rev.9\%20(Vol.\%20II}, author = {CEDAW} } @governmentreport {472471, title = {CEDAW General Recommendation No. 26 - 2008 - On Women Migrant Workers}, journal = {C/2009/WP.1/R }, year = {2008}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx At its thirtieth session held on 12-30 January 2004, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women decided to begin elaboration of a new general recommendation (No. 26), on article 2 of the Convention. As decided by the Committee at its seventeenth session in July 1997 (A/52/38/Rev.1), the Committee follows a three-stage process for the formulation of general recommendations. In the first stage, a general discussion and exchange of views on the subject of the general recommendation is held by the Committee, with the participation of entities of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and other organizations. In the second stage, a Committee member is asked to draft the general recommendation to be discussed at the next session of the Committee. In the third stage, a revised draft is submitted to the Committee at a subsequent session for consideration and adoption by the Committee as a whole. With regard to general recommendation No. 26, the first stage of elaboration will begin on 21 July 2004 during the Committee{\textquoteright}s thirty-first session, scheduled to take place from 6 to 23 July 2004, at United Nations Headquarters in New York. United Nations entities and non-governmental organizations wishing to participate in the general discussion and/or to submit background papers for consideration by the Committee, are kindly invited to contact the Secretariat by no later than 1 May 2004.}, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx}, author = {CEDAW} } @governmentreport {470606, title = {Human Rights Treaty Bodies - General Comments}, journal = {UN Secretariat}, year = {2008}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/Pages/TBGeneralComments.aspx This document contains a compilation of the general comments or general recommendations adopted, respectively, by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural\ Rights, the Human Rights Committee, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Committee against Torture and the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Committee on\ Migrant Workers has not yet adopted any general comments.}, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/Pages/TBGeneralComments.aspx} } @governmentreport {465871, title = {Council of Europe Task Force to Combat VAW}, journal = {Gender Equality and Anti-Trafficking Division, Council of Europe}, year = {2008}, abstract = {http://www.coe.int/t/dg2/equality/domesticviolencecampaign/Source/Final_Activity_Report.pdf The Council of Europe Task Force to Combat Violence against Women, including Domestic Violence (EG-TFV), was set up following a decision taken at the Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe held in Warsaw on 16 and 17 May 2005. The Action Plan adopted at the Summit defines future action by the Council of Europe and envisages activities to combat vio- lence against women, including domestic violence. Section II.4 of the Plan states: {\textquotedblleft}The Council of Europe will take meas- ures to combat violence against women, including domestic violence. It will set up a task force to evaluate progress at national level and establish instruments for quantifying develop- ments at pan-European level with a view to drawing up proposals for action. A pan-European campaign to combat violence against women, in- cluding domestic violence, will be pre- pared and conducted in close co- operation with other European and na- tional actors, including NGOs.{\textquotedblright} Accordingly, eight international experts in the field of preventing and combating violence against women were appointed to the Task Force by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men (CDEG) proposed six members of the Task Force, while the Parlia- mentary Assembly and the Congress of Regional and Local Authorities of the Council of Europe proposed one member each. The appointments were made in consultation with the Committee of Ministers{\textquoteright} Thematic Co-ordinator on Equality between Women and Men (TC-EG) and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.\  }, url = {http://www.coe.int/t/dg2/equality/domesticviolencecampaign/Source/Final_Activity_Report.pdf} } @governmentreport {479476, title = {Access to Justice for Women Victims of Violence in the Americas: Efforts to Comply With the Due Diligence Obligation in Response to Acts of Violence Against Women}, journal = {Organization of American States}, year = {2007}, abstract = {http://www.cidh.org/women/Access07/chap3.htm The Rapporteurship received information on the efforts made within the administration of justice system to improve the prosecution of cases involving violence against women and the treatment of victims when they turn to judicial institutions of protection.\  Salient here is the preparation of national diagnostic studies examining how the domestic administration of justice systems deal with cases of violence against women, creation of special courts and units within the public prosecutor{\textquoteright}s office and the police to deal specifically with gender issues and equipped with special expertise, creation of training programs for those in the justice system and the police, and programs to provide advocate services to victims who have turned to the judicial system.\  A number of court rulings have been delivered underscoring the necessity of protecting the rights of women victims of violence, and the appointment of a number of women to the benches of the Supreme Courts in the region. With international cooperation, research, studies and analyses have been conducted in a number of countries on how the justice systems and other state institutions respond to and treat cases involving violence and discrimination of women, the purpose being to discover ways to improve the judicial response.\  In Bolivia, for example, the Constitutional Tribunal ordered a study, which was conducted with support from the Spanish Government, to identify the kinds of discrimination that women suffer in the administration of justice system.}, url = {http://www.cidh.org/women/Access07/chap3.htm} } @governmentreport {465691, title = {Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse}, journal = {Council of Europe}, year = {2007}, abstract = {http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/QueVoulezVous.asp?CL=ENG\&NT=201 The member States of the Council of Europe and the other signatories hereto; Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members; Considering that every child has the right to such measures of protection as are required by his or her status as a minor, on the part of his or her family, society and the State; Observing that the sexual exploitation of children, in particular child pornography and prostitution, and all forms of sexual abuse of children, including acts which are committed abroad, are destructive to children{\textquoteright}s health and psycho-social development; Observing that the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children have grown to worrying proportions at both national and international level, in particular as regards the increased use by both children and perpetrators of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and that preventing and combating such sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children require international co-operation}, url = {http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/QueVoulezVous.asp?CL=ENG\&NT=201} } @governmentreport {495221, title = {Council of Europe Action Plan 2005}, journal = {Council of Europe}, year = {2005}, abstract = {http://www.coe.int/t/dcr/summit/20050517_plan_action_en.asp We, Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Council of Europe, meeting in Warsaw on 16 and 17 May 2005, have outlined the following action plan laying down the principal tasks of the Council of Europe in the coming years. I - PROMOTING COMMON FUNDAMENTAL VALUES: HUMAN RIGHTS, RULE OF LAW AND DEMOCRACY 1. Ensuring the continued effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights {\textopenbullet}\ \  We shall ensure the long-term effectiveness of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms by all appropriate means. To this end we shall provide the European Court of Human Rights with the necessary support and implement all the reform measures adopted at the 114th\ Session of the Committee of Ministers in May 2004, in accordance with all the modalities foreseen. This includes, as envisaged, the ratification of Protocol No. 14 to the Convention, which is essential for the future effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights.}, url = {http://www.coe.int/t/dcr/summit/20050517_plan_action_en.asp} } @governmentreport {465851, title = {Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (Explanatory Report)}, journal = {Council of Europe}, year = {2005}, abstract = {http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/QueVoulezVous.asp?NT=197\&CM=8\&DF=06/07/2015\&CL=ENG 1.\ \ \ Trafficking in human beings is a major problem in Europe today. Annually, thousands of people, largely women and children, fall victim to trafficking for sexual exploitation or other purposes, whether in their own countries or abroad. All indicators point to an increase in victim numbers. Action to combat trafficking in human beings is receiving worldwide attention because trafficking threatens the human rights and the fundamental values of democratic societies.\  2.\ \ \ Action to combat this persistent assault on humanity is one of a number of fronts on which the Council of Europe is battling on behalf of human rights and human dignity. }, url = {http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/QueVoulezVous.asp?NT=197\&CM=8\&DF=06/07/2015\&CL=ENG} } @governmentreport {465901, title = {Forced Marriages in Council of Europe member States}, year = {2005}, abstract = {http://eige.europa.eu/rdc/library/resource/IAV_ADL96337CDEG (2005) 1\ The Council of Europe is a political organisation which was founded on 5 May 1949 by ten European countries in order to promote greater unity between its members. It now numbers 46 Euro- pean states.1 The main aims of the Or- ganisation are to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and to develop common responses to political, social, cultural and legal challenges in its member states. Since 1989 it has inte- grated most of the countries of central and eastern Europe and supported them in their efforts to implement and con- solidate their political, legal and admin- istrative reforms.\ }, url = {http://eige.europa.eu/rdc/library/resource/IAV_ADL96337}, author = {Edwige Rude-Antoine} } @governmentreport {472536, title = {CEDAW {\textendash} Guidelines on Reporting from States}, journal = {UN Women}, year = {2003}, abstract = { http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/reporting.htm This document (HRI/GEN/2/Rev.1/Add.2 ) contains the guidelines issued by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women for all reports submitted after 31 December 2002. These guidelines replace all earlier reporting guidelines issued by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, including those contained in HRI/GEN/2/Rev.1.}, url = {http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/reporting.htm$\#$guidelines} } @governmentreport {493281, title = {Council of Europe Recommendation (2002)5 \& Explanatory Note}, journal = {Council of Europe}, year = {2002}, abstract = { http://euromed-justice.eu/document/coe-2002-recommendation-rec-5-committee-ministers-member-states-protection-women-against The Committee of Ministers, under the terms of Article 15.b of the Statute of the Council of\ Europe,\ Reaffirming that violence towards women is the result of an imbalance of power between men\ and women and is leading to serious discrimination against the female sex, both within society\ and within the family;\ Affirming that violence against women both violates and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment of\ their human rights and fundamental freedoms;\ Noting that violence against women constitutes a violation of their physical, psychological\ and/or sexual integrity;\ Noting with concern that women are often subjected to multiple discrimination on ground of\ their gender as well as their origin, including as victims of traditional or customary practices\ inconsistent with their human rights and fundamental freedoms;\ Considering that violence against women runs counter to the establishment of equality and peace\ and constitutes a major obstacle to citizens{\textquoteright} security and democracy in Europe;\ Noting with concern the extent of violence against women in the family, whatever form the\ family takes, and at all levels of society;\ Considering it urgent to combat this phenomenon which affects all European societies and\ concerns all their members }, url = {http://euromed-justice.eu/document/coe-2002-recommendation-rec-5-committee-ministers-member-states-protection-women-against} } @governmentreport {480831, title = {Rome Statute}, journal = {International Criminal Court}, year = {2002}, abstract = { https://www.icc-cpi.int/nr/rdonlyres/ea9aeff7-5752-4f84-be94-0a655eb30e16/0/rome_statute_english.pdf \  The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (often referred to as the International Criminal Court Statute or the Rome Statute) is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC). It was adopted at a diplomatic conference in Rome on 17 July 1998‪ and it entered into force on 1 July 2002.‪\ As of 6 January 2015, 123 states are party to the statute.‪ Among other things, the statute establishes the court{\textquoteright}s functions, jurisdiction and structure. }, url = {https://www.icc-cpi.int/nr/rdonlyres/ea9aeff7-5752-4f84-be94-0a655eb30e16/0/rome_statute_english.pdf} } @governmentreport {465846, title = {Recommendation Rec(2002)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the protection of women against violence}, journal = {Committee of Ministers, Council of Europe}, year = {2002}, abstract = {https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=280915 Recommendation Rec(2002)5\ of the Committee of Ministers to member states\ on the protection of women against violence\ 1\  (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 30 April 2002\ at the 794th meeting of the Ministers{\textquoteright} Deputies) The Committee of Ministers, under the terms of Article 15.b\ of the Statute of the Council of Europe, Reaffirming that violence towards women is the result of an imbalance of power between men and women and is leading to serious discrimination against the female sex, both within society and within the family; Affirming that violence against women both violates and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms; Noting that violence against women constitutes a violation of their physical, psychological and/or sexual integrity; Noting with concern that women are often subjected to multiple discrimination on ground of their gender as well as their origin, including as victims of traditional or customary practices inconsistent with their human rights and fundamental freedoms.}, url = {https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=280915} } @governmentreport {465601, title = {SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution}, journal = {South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation}, year = {2002}, abstract = {http://evaw-global-database.unwomen.org/en/countries/asia/india/2002/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperationIn 2002, the South Asian Regional Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) signed a Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution.}, url = {http://evaw-global-database.unwomen.org/en/countries/asia/india/2002/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation} } @governmentreport {453566, title = {Rome Statute}, journal = {International Criminal Court}, year = {2002}, abstract = {http://legal.un.org/icc/statute/romefra.htm The\ Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court\ (often referred to as the\ International Criminal Court Statute\ or the\ Rome Statute) is the\ treaty\ that established the\ International Criminal Court\ (ICC). It was adopted at a diplomatic conference in Rome on 17 July 1998[5][6]and it entered into force on 1 July 2002.[2]\ As of 6 January 2015,\ 123 states\ are party to the statute.[2]\ Among other things, the statute establishes the court{\textquoteright}s functions,\ jurisdiction\ and\ structure. The Rome Statute established four core international crimes:\ genocide,\ crimes against humanity,\ war crimes, and the\ crime of aggression. Those crimes "shall not be subject to any\ statute of limitations".[7]Under the Rome Statute, the ICC can only investigate and prosecute the four core international crimes in situations where states are "unable" or "unwilling" to do so themselves. The court has jurisdiction over crimes only if they are committed in the territory of a state party or if they are committed by a national of a state party; an exception to this rule is that the ICC may also have jurisdiction over crimes if its jurisdiction is authorized by the\ United Nations Security Council. }, url = {http://legal.un.org/icc/statute/romefra.htm} } @governmentreport {480591, title = {Violence in the Americas: A Regional Analysis}, journal = {Organization of American States}, year = {2001}, abstract = {http://www.oas.org/en/mesecvi/library.asp Document can be located at the bottom of the web page As a legally binding instrument, the Convention is unique in that it clearly delineates the state{\textquoteright}s obligations to protect women{\textquoteright}s right to a life without violence. Article 5 of the Convention states that: Every woman is entitled to the free and full exercise of her civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and may rely on the full protection of those rights as embodied in regional and international instruments on human rights. The States Parties recognize that violence against women prevents and nullifies the exercise of these rights. Article 7 of the Convention articulates the obligations of States Parties with respect to their role in the protection of women{\textquoteright}s right to a life without violence. Specific obligations are listed that flow from the States Parties{\textquoteright} formal undertakings to refrain from committing acts of violence against women; demonstrate due diligence in preventing, investigating, and punishing violence against women; reform existing laws, policies, and administrative practices contributing to violence against women; and ensure that women victims have access to restitution, reparations, and other forms of just and effective remedies. Article 8 of the Convention also specifies that a number of other programs and measures must be adopted to promote public education and awareness, to mobilize communities in the fight against violence against women, and to offer specialized services and assistance to women victims. The current review focuses on the implementation of the measures and dispositions described in articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. It also considers the efforts that are being deployed, as required by Article 9 of the Convention, to take special account of the vulnerability of women to violence by reason of their age, race, ethnic background, status as immigrants, socioeconomic position, or disabilities, among other factors.}, url = {http://www.oas.org/en/mesecvi/library.asp} } @governmentreport {480821, title = {Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) - Women in Armed Conflict}, journal = {United Nations Security Council}, year = {2000}, abstract = {http://www.un.org/en/sc/documents/resolutions/2000.shtmlS/RES/1325 (2000)The Security Council adopted resolution (S/RES/1325) on women and peace and security on 31 October 2000. The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. Resolution 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts. It also calls on all parties to conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in situations of armed conflict. The resolution provides a number of important operational mandates, with implications for Member States and the entities of the United Nations system.}, url = {http://www.un.org/en/sc/documents/resolutions/2000.shtml} } @governmentreport {469721, title = {Biketawa Declaration}, journal = {Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat}, year = {2000}, abstract = {http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/political-governance-security/biketawa-declaration/ The\ Biketawa Declaration (2000)\ outlines guiding principles for good governance and courses of action for a regional response to crises in the region.\  The Biketawa Declaration also commits Forum members to some key fundamental values including, among others, a {\textquotedblleft}belief in the liberty of the individual under the law, in equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, race, colour, creed or political belief{\textquotedblright} and to {\textquotedblleft}upholding democratic processes and institutions which reflect national and local circumstances, including the peaceful transfer of power{\textquotedblright}. The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI, 2003) and the Pacific Regional Assistance to Nauru (PRAN, 2004) are key Pacific Island Forum initiatives sponsored under the auspices of the Biketawa Declaration. The most recent use of the Biketawa Declaration was on 2nd May 2009, when the Leaders{\textquoteright} Port Moresby Decisions automatically came into force with the imposition of targeted measures against the Fiji military regime. }, url = {http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/political-governance-security/biketawa-declaration/} } @governmentreport {470611, title = {Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women}, journal = {Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights}, year = {1999}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/OPCEDAW.aspx In a landmark decision for women, the General Assembly, acting without a vote, adopted on 6 October 1999 a 21-article Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and called on all States parties to the Convention to become party to the new instrument as soon as possible.\  By ratifying the Optional Protocol, a State recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women -- the body that monitors States parties{\textquoteright} compliance with the Convention -- to receive and consider complaints from individuals or groups within its jurisdiction. The Protocol contains two procedures: (1) A communications procedure allows individual women, or groups of women, to submit claims of violations of rights protected under the Convention to the Committee. The Protocol establishes that in order for individual communications to be admitted for consideration by the Committee, a number of criteria must be met, including those domestic remedies must have been exhausted. (2) The Protocol also creates an inquiry procedure enabling the Committee to initiate inquiries into situations of grave or systematic violations of women{\textquoteright}s rights. In either case, States must be party to the Convention and the Protocol. The Protocol includes an "opt-out clause", allowing States upon ratification or accession to declare that they do not accept the inquiry procedure. Article 17 of the Protocol explicitly provides that no reservations may be entered to its terms. The Optional Protocol entered into force on 22 December 2000, following the ratification of the tenth State party to the Convention. The entry into force of the Optional Protocol puts it on an equal footing with International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Convention against Torture and other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which all have communications procedures. The inquiry procedure is the equivalent of that under the Convention against Torture.}, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/OPCEDAW.aspx} } @governmentreport {465626, title = {Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)}, journal = {The Fourth World Conference on Women}, year = {1995}, abstract = { http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/platform/The Fourth World Conference on Women,\ Having met in Beijing from 4 to 15 September 1995, 1. Adopts the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which are annexed to the present resolution; 2. Recommends to the General Assembly of the United Nations at its fiftieth session that it endorse the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as adopted by the Conference.\  }, url = {http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/platform/} } @governmentreport {484171, title = {Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women}, journal = {United Nations}, year = {1993}, abstract = { http://research.un.org/en/docs/ga/quick/regular/48 Document can be located under A/RES/48/104 The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. It covers physical, sexual and psychological violence as well as violence both at home and elsewhere in society. The definition of violence against women that the UN presents in the Declaration is currently the most widely accepted definition: {\textquoteleft}Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary\  deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.{\textquoteright} The Declaration states three categories of violence against women: violence perpetrated by the State, such as violence against women in custody and as part of warfare; violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual harassment, trafficking in women and intimidation at work; and violence in the family and in the private sphere, for example incest and selective abortions). According to the Declaration, violence against women is rooted in the historically unequal power relations between women and men. It also explains that violence against women is {\textquoteleft}one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men.{\textquoteright} The UN member states are therefore urged to legislate against the violence, work preventively and improve the situation of victimised women.}, url = {http://research.un.org/en/docs/ga/quick/regular/48} } @governmentreport {472501, title = {CEDAW General Recommendation No. 19 - 1992 - Violence Against Women}, journal = {CEDAW}, year = {1992}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx The Convention in Article 1 defines discrimination against women. The definition of discrimination includes gender-based violence, that is, violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately. It includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other deprivations of liberty. Gender-based violence may breach specific provisions of the Convention, regardless of whether those provisions expressly mention violence.\ }, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx} } @governmentreport {472496, title = {CEDAW General Recommendation No. 14 - 1990 - Female Circumcision}, journal = {CEDAW}, year = {1990}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women recommends that States parties take appropriate and effective measures with a view to eradicating the practice of female circumcision (FGM) and provides various suggestions for what these activities could be and a requirement to include this in reports.\  }, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx} } @governmentreport {468031, title = {Cairo Declaration on Human Rights}, journal = {The Nineteenth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers }, year = {1990}, abstract = {http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/cairodeclaration.html The Nineteenth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Interdependence and Development), held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, from 9-14 Muharram 1411H (31 July to 5 August 1990), Having examined the Report of the Meeting of the Committee of Legal Experts held in Tehran from 26 to 28 December, 1989; \ Agrees to issue the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam that will serve as a general guidance for Member States in the Field of human rights. }, url = {http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/cairodeclaration.html} } @governmentreport {472491, title = {CEDAW General Recommendation No. 12 - 1989 - Violence Against Women}, year = {1989}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women recommends to the States parties that they should include in their periodic reports to the Committee information about: 1. The legislation in force to protect women against the incidence of all kinds of violence in everyday life (including sexual violence, abuses in the family, sexual harassment at the work place etc.); 2. Other measures adopted to eradicate this violence; 3. The existence of support services for women who are the victims of aggression or abuses; 4. Statistical data on the incidence of violence of all kinds against women and on women who are the victims of violence.\ }, url = {Revised, changed link to: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CEDAW/Pages/Recommendations.aspx}, author = {CEDAW} } @governmentreport {470596, title = {CEDAW - Full Text}, journal = {Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights}, year = {1979}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CEDAW.aspx On 18 December 1979, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. It entered into force as an international treaty on 3 September 1981 after the twentieth country had ratified it. By the tenth anniversary of the Convention in 1989, almost one hundred nations have agreed to be bound by its provisions. The Convention was the culmination of more than thirty years of work by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, a body established in 1946 to monitor the situation of women and to promote women{\textquoteright}s rights. The Commission{\textquoteright}s work has been instrumental in bringing to light all the areas in which women are denied equality with men. These efforts for the advancement of women have resulted in several declarations and conventions, of which the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women is the central and most comprehensive document.\  Among the international human rights treaties, the Convention takes an important place in bringing the female half of humanity into the focus of human rights concerns. The spirit of the Convention is rooted in the goals of the United Nations: to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity, and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women. The present document spells out the meaning of equality and how it can be achieved. In so doing, the Convention establishes not only an international bill of rights for women, but also an agenda for action by countries to guarantee the enjoyment of those rights.}, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CEDAW.aspx} } @governmentreport {479481, title = {American Convention on Human Rights {\textquotedblleft}Pact of San Jose, Costa Rica{\textquotedblright} (B-32)}, journal = {Organization of American States}, year = {1978}, abstract = {http://www.oas.org/dil/treaties_B-32_American_Convention_on_Human_Rights.htm The American Convention on Human Rights (aka the Pact of San Jos{\'e}) is a multilateral treaty that establishes democratic institutions regarding fundamental human rights for countries in the Western Hemisphere. The treaty entered into force on July 18, 1978.}, url = {http://www.oas.org/dil/treaties_B-32_American_Convention_on_Human_Rights.htm} } @governmentreport {484176, title = {International Covenant on Civil \& Political Rights}, journal = {United Nations}, year = {1966}, abstract = {http://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx The ICCPR is a key international human rights treaty, providing a range of protections for civil and political rights. The ICCPR, together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, are considered the International Bill of Human Rights. The ICCPR obligates countries that have ratified the treaty to protect and preserve basic human rights, such as: the right to life and human dignity; equality before the law; freedom of speech, assembly, and association; religious freedom and privacy; freedom from torture, ill-treatment, and arbitrary detention; gender equality; the right to a fair trial, and; minority rights. The Covenant compels governments to take administrative, judicial, and legislative measures in order to protect the rights enshrined in the treaty and to provide an effective remedy. The Covenant was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1966 and came into force in 1976. As of December 2013, 167 countries have ratified the Covenant.}, url = {http://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx} } @governmentreport {495206, title = {American Declaration of the Rights \& Duties of Man}, journal = {Organization of American States}, year = {1948}, abstract = {http://www.cidh.oas.org/Basicos/English/Basic2.american\%20Declaration.htm The American Declaration is the first general international human rights instrument. Approximately eight months following its adoption, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The American Declaration establishes that "the essential rights of man are not derived from the fact that he is a national of a certain state, but are based upon attributes of his human personality."\  Accordingly, the States of the Americas recognize that when the state legislates in this area, it does not create or grant rights, but rather recognizes rights that exist independent of the formation of the State. Both the Commission and the Court have established that despite having been adopted as a declaration and not as a treaty, today the American Declaration constitutes a source of international obligations for the Member States of the OAS.}, url = {http://www.cidh.oas.org/Basicos/English/Basic2.american\%20Declaration.htm} }