United Nations

Ending violence against women: From words to action, Study of the Secretary-General

This study provides an overview of the context and structural causes of violence against women, describes the types and forms of violence experienced, and its consequences and costs. The study discusses States responsibilities to address violence against women and identifies gaps in the implementation of international standards. The study describes promising practices currently in action as well as challenges in implementation of law and services for the prevention of violence against women.

Human Rights and Disability: The Current Use and Future Potential of United Nations Human Rights Instruments in the Context of Disability

This report examines international human rights in the context of their application to disabled persons. The authors report that disabled mothers and women with intellectual impairments are discriminated against in terms of access to family programs and reproductive rights.

Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others

This UN Convention was approved by the General Assembly on December 2, 1949 and entered into force on July 25, 1951, adding to a number of existing international legal instruments that support the suppression of trafficking women and children. While this Convention can be applied equally to men and women, the Preamble, Article 17 and Article 20 make special reference to the added danger of exploitation faced by women and children.

Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The Draft Declaration was approved in 1994 by the UN Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. The Declaration is based on the recognition of the oppression suffered by indigenous persons stemming from colonialism. Rights which are affirmed within the Declaration are the right to self-determination, the rights to maintain distinctive legal systems, rights to practice particular cultural traditions, and land rights. Rights within this Declaration are recognized on both an individual and collective level.

Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime

Adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 15, 2000, the Trafficking Protocol came into force on December 25, 2003 to supplement the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime. The aim of the Protocol is to prevent and combat trafficking, and protect and assist trafficked persons. While it applies equally to men and women, the title and preamble recognize that women and children are particularly vulnerable to this crime. While older laws conflate trafficking with the exploitation of human beings, the Protocol specifically addresses the activity of trafficking in itself.

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