United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

The Committee, in its concluding observations for the country report submitted by Sweden, expresses concern that the State party does not have a specific criminal offence for domestic violence. Also, despite the State party's efforts, most reports of violence against women are not prosecuted. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt specific legislation to criminalize domestic violence and increase efforts to prosecute offenders.

The Committee, in its concluding observations to the country report for Cyprus, expresses concern about the prevalence of widespread domestic violence against women and children and the alarming fact that this type of violence largely goes unreported. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt a strategy to address domestic violence, allocate sufficient human and economic resources to support the strategy, and provide shelters for victims of domestic violence.

The Committee, in its concluding observations on Australia's country report, expresses concern that, despite the State party's attempts, incidents of violence against women continually persist, especially with regard to indigenous women. The Committee recommends that the State party enact specific legislation criminalizing domestic violence, consider adopting the Australian Human Rights Commissions proposals related to the development of the Plan of Action to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, and provide additional shelters and support services to victims.

In this report, The Committee recognizes Cambodia's adoption of the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence Protection of Victims, but expresses concern over the continuing high levels of violence against women and girls that is accompanied by gender-biased attitudes blaming the victim and limiting her options and support. The Committee recommends that Domestic Violence Law be strictly enforced and prosecuted and that the State party take steps to increase gender equality in all aspects of its law and policy. The Committee further requests a detailed update

General Comment 7 by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provides clarification on the right to adequate housing. Within the Comment, the Committee defines the term "forced evictions" and describes the extent of forced evictions globally. The Committee notes that the practice of forced evictions is linked to other human rights violations, such as the right to life, security of the person, non-interference with privacy, family and home and the right to the peaceful enjoyment of possessions.

This General Comment by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights notes that equality between men and women is a fundamental principle under international law. The comment defines conceptions of equality and connects equality with discrimination and the impact of gender upon the realization of rights. The second part of the comment outlines the legal obligations of states, including the importance of implementing policies and programmes to protect, respect and fulfill economic, social and cultural rights.