Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Commenting on the country report submitted by Malawi for its 39th Session, the Committee commends Malawi on its recently adopted Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. It expresses concern, however, about the fact that marital rape is not criminalized and that violence against women and girls and the perpetuation of negative cultural practices continues to persist. It also notes the increase in sexual exploitation of young girls in schools by teachers, continued prevalence of prostitution due to the poverty of women and girls, and alleged cases of

Commenting on the country report submitted by Colombia for its 37th Session, the Committee notes the positive steps that Colombia has taken to combat VAW, including measures to strengthen legislative, policy and institutional frameworks with respect to persistence of violence. The Committee is concerned, however, that the general climate of violence and insecurity negatively impacts the full implementation of the Convention and that the links between drug trafficking and other forms of trafficking, including sex tourism and economic exploitation, are

In commenting on the positive steps reported by Jordan during the 39th Session, the Committee takes note that it amended its penal code so that it no longer exonerates perpetrators of crimes committed in the name of honour and that it established the Family Reconciliation Centre as a refuge for women fleeing abusive situations. The Committee also identifies a number of areas of concern, including the prevalence of VAW and harmful social attitudes that may deter victims from reporting abuse, the fact that honour crimes are treated differently from other crimes of violence,

Commenting on the country report submitted by Indonesia for its 40th Session, the Committee commends the State party for its new legislation combating domestic violence and trafficking in women. It does note, however, three particular areas of concern the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM), the abuse of domestic workers by employers, and the persistence of domestic and cross-border trafficking in women and children. Recommendations include enacting new legislation, undertaking public awareness campaigns and increasing monitoring of

Commenting on the country report submitted by Guinea for its 39th Session, the Committee expresses concern over the persisting stereotypes, and cultural norms, customs and traditions, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), that are harmful to women and girls. It also notes with concern the prevalence of violence and persisting patriarchal attitudes that deem such conduct acceptable, and the lack of information about the extent of trafficking within Guinea, particularly from rural to urban areas. The Committee encourages the State to "view culture as a

Commenting on the country report submitted by the Cook Islands for its 39th Session, the Committee expresses concern about the persistence of VAW, the failure to recognize marital rape as an offence under the penal code, and the extent of prostitution linked to the country's tourism industry. The Committee recommends the development of a comprehensive strategy in conformity with General Recommendation 19, including public- awareness campaigns, service provision for victims, and training for the judiciary and public officials. It also encourages

Commenting on the country report submitted by Sweden for its 40th Session, the Committee commends the State party for its 2007 action plan on VAW, new legislative initiatives with respect to domestic and sexual violence, the introduction of a provision criminalizing human trafficking, and the possibility of issuing time- limited residence permits to victims and witnesses of trafficking. The Committee does note, however, that the provision of support services varies between municipalities, to the detriment of particularly vulnerable victims, such as

Commenting on the country report submitted by France for its 40th Session, the Committee notes with approval the State party's VAW awareness-raising programs, research initiatives and the adoption of legislation to strengthen the prevention and punishment of domestic violence and violence against children. The Committee expresses concerns, however, about the prevalence of domestic violence and trafficking in women and children. The Committee recommends that the State analyze all cases, especially those that result in murder, to ensure the adoption

Commenting on the country report submitted by Burundi for its 40th Session, the Committee expresses its concern over the high number of women and girls who are victims of sexual violence, as well as the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators and the amicable settlement of cases through forced marriage of the victim to the perpetrator. Sexual violence is also present in detention centres, where women are not always separated from male prisoners. The Committee also notes the absence of effective measures within Burundi to combat trafficking in women. The Committee makes clear that a

Commenting on the country report submitted by Nigeria for its 41st Session, the Committee notes with approval the awareness-raising campaigns, training programs, and support service provision undertaken by the State party. It also raises concerns about the lack of a comprehensive national law and strategy within the State on VAW, and the lack of government support for NGOs working to combat VAW. The Committee's recommendations focus specifically on combating trafficking, enacting comprehensive legislative on violence against women, and increasing support for NGOs.