Presentation of Report of the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women (Summary)
April 9, 2003, CHR, Geneva

RADHIKA COOMARASWAMY, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, said that every country in the world had taken some action to eradicate violence against women over the last decade. Countries had developed national plans of action, undertaken law reforms, passed legislation, sensitized their criminal justice systems, provided support services for victims and collected data on what was once an invisible crime. Country-by-country analysis clearly showed that international concern with regard to the issue had acted as a catalyst and had persuaded many countries to take some steps to deal with domestic violence, rape, trafficking and sexual harassment and many other forms of violence against women in the family, in the community or perpetrated or condoned by the State.

There had been major developments over the last decade in the area of violence against women during times of armed conflict, the Special Rapporteur said. Another significant development during the decade had been in the field of trafficking. Despite differences of opinion and antagonistic viewpoints, there was now a protocol on trafficking to the International Convention on Transnational Crime which contained a definition of trafficking that attempted to meet modern manifestations of the problem, with its strong link to female migration and female poverty.

Another important matter was for the world to remain united in its efforts to eradicate violence against women, the Special Rapporteur said. There was a need for States to reaffirm their political will and commitment in respect of their obligations contained in the Declaration on the elimination of violence against women and General Recommendation 19 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). One of the greatest causes of violence against women was linked to control of their sexuality. That was a sensitive issue, but a very important one. Recognizing women's rights to sexual autonomy and sexual health would be a major step forward in eradicating violence against women.

Summary from the UNHCHR Press Release COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS BEGINS DISCUSSION OF WOMEN'S ISSUES