Displaying 44726 - 44750 of 58160 recommendations found
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State Under Review:SerbiaSerbiaRegional groupEEGSource Of Reference:HondurasHondurasRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIACSIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
- HIV and AIDS
- Violence on the basis of sexual orientation
- Violence on the basis of gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:29th Session, January 2018Status:AcceptedContents:Improve measures aimed at eradicating all forms of social stigmatization, discrimination and violence on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, or of their status regarding HIV. -
State Under Review:SerbiaSerbiaRegional groupEEGSource Of Reference:New ZealandNew ZealandRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's participation
Type:RecommendationSession:29th Session, January 2018Status:AcceptedContents:Continue its efforts to increase the representation of women within State and local administrations . -
State Under Review:SerbiaSerbiaRegional groupEEGSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Marginalized groups of women
Type:Review DocumentationSession:29th Session, January 2018Status:N/AContents:The Civil Society Organizations and international organizations dealing with issues of protection of migrants and refugees, particularly women, are enabled access to permanent and reception centres. [Para 141] -
State Under Review:SerbiaSerbiaRegional groupEEGSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Human rights defenders
Type:Review DocumentationSession:29th Session, January 2018Status:Not Followed up with a RecommendationContents:JS5 recommended, inter alia, that Serbia conduct impartial, thorough and effective investigations into all cases of attacks, harassment, and intimidation against them and bring perpetrators of such offenses to justice. [Para 41] -
State Under Review:SerbiaSerbiaRegional groupEEGSource Of Reference:SlovakiaSlovakiaRegional groupEEGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:3rd session, December 2008Status:AcceptedContents:To strengthen the national mechanism for the implementation of the decisions of the HR Committee, CAT, CERD and CEDAW in individual complaints.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 38) RS has accepted the competence of the UN treaty bodies- HRC, CERD, CAT, CEDAW, CRPD and CED- to consider complaints submitted by individuals under its competences, claiming to be the victim of violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by international human rights treaties.
Para 39) RS has no special mechanism for the implementation of the decisions of the UN treaty bodies on individual complaints against the state. So far, the decisions were implemented by various state authorities within their competence. Within the IPA 2007 Programme of the European Commission, a Draft Model has been prepared for the implementation of the decisions of the UN treaty bodies on individual complaints against the RS for violating basic international human rights treaties.
UN Compilation:
Para 18) CAT noted that a new law provided for the reconsideration of a case on the basis of a decision of an international body established by an international treaty. UNCT noted that no coherent and comprehensive mechanism to follow up and monitor implementation of the recommendations of United Nations human rights mechanisms had been put in place. -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MoroccoMoroccoRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupOICALOIFIssue:
- Gender perspective in policies, programmes
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Strengthen measures to systematically integrate gender in public policies and, where appropriate, through gender-sensitive budgeting.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 89) The review of the [Employment Act, 1995] includes the incorporation of the already practiced concept of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. The review also aims to make the Act more progressive in its regulation of the promotion of gender equality and the elimination of gender disparities. The 'National Employment Policy' also promotes the principle of non-discrimination in the workplace, and provides that the Government shall promote equal remuneration for Seychellois and non-Seychellois for work of equal value.
UN Compilation:
Para 49) The Special Rapporteur on education affirmed that policy measures and reforms had made it possible for Seychelles to meet the education-related Millennium Development Goals well before 2015; the emphasis on equality in education had significantly addressed differences in achievements based on gender and race and created a system which provided equal opportunity for all based on ability ...
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Trafficking in women and / or girls
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:N/AContents:There have also been cases of suspected trafficking of women transiting through the Seychelles, as Seychelles is a visa-free country. [Para 39] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Sexual exploitation / slavery
- Sex work / "prostitution"
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Not Followed up with a RecommendationContents:CEDAW recommended that Seychelles amend the Penal Code in order to exempt women and girls in prostitution from criminal liability in respect of acts of prostitution, and that it repeal derogatory language. It also recommended that Seychelles provide exit programmes and alternative incomegenerating opportunities for women who wished to leave prostitution, as well as adequate protection and rehabilitation services for women and girls who were victims of exploitation of prostitution. [Para 38]
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Reference AddressedContents:CEDAW … recommended that Seychelles develop a deliberate strategy to move women from microenterprises to medium-sized and large enterprises and promote women’s access to loans and other forms of financial credit. [Para 40]
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ArgentinaArgentinaRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- Sexual exploitation / slavery
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Consider the possibility of ratifying the OPs to ICCPR, CEDAW, CRC, CRPD and CEDImplementationNational Report:
Para 20) The Government of Seychelles ratified the 'Optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography' on the 11th of December, 2012.
Para 21) The Government signed the third 'Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure' on the 24th of September, 2013, and looks forward to the ratification of the instrument shortly. -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Burkina FasoBurkina FasoRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICOIFIssue:
- Sexual exploitation / slavery
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Adopt a national action plan to combat human trafficking, in particular for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:IndonesiaIndonesiaRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANOICIssue:
- Gender equality
- Gender perspective in policies, programmes
- Women's participation
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Further mainstream gender perspective into its national policies and programs by providing wider spheres for women’s participation and ensuring gender parity in the development and implementation of those policies and programs.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AustraliaAustraliaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Continue efforts to address domestic violence by fully enforcing laws to address violence against women and increasing coordination with NGOs and private sector institutions offering support to survivors of domestic violence.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AustraliaAustraliaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Discrimination based on gender identity
- Violence on the basis of sexual orientation
- Violence on the basis of gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Enact laws prohibiting hate crimes committed against persons on the basis of sexuality, gender, religion and ethnicity.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SerbiaSerbiaRegional groupEEGIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Fully incorporate the provisions of the CEDAW into its national legislation.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:BeninBeninRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICOIFIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Ratify the ICCPR.ExplanationSeychelles accepts the recommendation on the basis that it is already fully implemented. Seychelles acceded to the Covenant on the 2nd of May, 1992. -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:CanadaCanadaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupOASOIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Training for state personnel on sexual rights issues
- Sexual violence
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Implement measures to improve enforcement of laws criminalizing rape and domestic violence, including by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting all acts of violence against women, and by providing training to law enforcement officials.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 2) The Government remains committed and fully engaged towards the review, reform and enhancement of existing legislation, and moving towards the enactment of new laws so as to remain in the forefront of advocating for the advancement of human rights practices. Some new pieces of legislation and amendments enacted since the last review include interalia: … (l) The ‘Domestic Violence Act, 2020’ which prohibits acts of violence in the domestic context, provides for protection of aggrieved persons, provides for penalties, makes provision for services for aggrieved persons and perpetrators of domestic violence, and other related matters.
Para 12) As of mid-2020, the media have been granted free access to all courts and are no longer required to seek permission from the Registrar of the Supreme Court or security before entering. This was enforced by the Public Relations department on the basis that the courts are public. Unless a closed hearing is taking place on sensitive matters (sexual assault especially), journalists are encouraged to cover court cases, making the courts more visible in newspapers and on television. In this way, justice is delivered in the eyes of all, rather than behind closed doors with no accountability.
Para 20) The President appointed a Child Law Reform Committee (CLRC) with effect from June 2020, which is chaired by the former Chief Justice and Judge of the Court of Appeal and consists of members from the Attorney General’s Office, the Social Affairs Department, Seychelles Police, NCC and the Ministry for Education. The CLRC is supported by a technical committee to enable it to carry out its functions efficiently. The Committee was tasked with reviewing sexual offences and to propose reform of the provisions under the Penal Code. It is also mandated to review other existing legal framework applicable to children, and make recommendations for legal reform to enhance the legal protections afforded to children in line with Seychelles’ Constitution, international law obligations and best practice. This reform has become increasingly important following public outcry towards a sexual abuse case reported in April 2020 involving girls ranging from 12 to 18 years old. The case was a first-of-its-kind in Seychelles and has resulted in shock and outrage among residents.
Para 21) The Committee has done extensive work and proposed a modern sexual offence legislation which will be submitted to the government during the first quarter of 2021 for consideration. The Committee is dedicated to ensuring that the protection of constitutional rights is upheld in all its recommendations as well as ensuring clear non-discriminatory drafting of legal provisions that allow for empowerment, effective advocacy, strong policies and practices, and which are consistent in application and encourage a positive shift in attitude and behaviour at a societal level.
Para 22) The CLRC affirmed that it will continue its work in the coming year, conduct extensive public consultation, including a dedicated Children’s Conference to ensure that voices of children are heard, and inform any new laws intended to enhance their protection, review existing laws, and recommend consequential amendments that will need to be enacted to accommodate its recommendations relating to the proposed sexual offences law.
Para 30) The Government has replaced the previous Family ‘Violence (Protection of Victims) Act’ with a new ‘Domestic Violence Act’, 2020. The Act condemns domestic violence, provides for protection of victims, and covers a wide range of acts that amount to domestic violence such as physical, verbal or psychological, and economic abuse. The Act caters for the duties of the police, social services, as well as other services that provide relief to victims, and makes provision for continued training of service providers. Whilst the Act makes provisions for the punishment of perpetrators of domestic violence, it also provides for their rehabilitation.
Para 31) The CLRC has also contributed to the evaluation of Seychelles laws in the context of gender based violence and child protection by drawing from evidence on domestic practices and inputs, and equate them with international and regional norms. It found that whilst the Penal Code provides certain protection against sexual offences for both women and children, laws have to be introduced to give full effect to the protection. Subsequently, a range of new offences will be recommended in relation to rape such as sexual grooming, the use of intimate images and sexual communication with children through social media and other digital platforms. Furthermore, harassment offences such as cat calling, flashing, blackmail and more are also to become punishable by law under the proposed legislation.
Para 32) More stringent obligations are to be imposed on police, prosecutors, social services and judges when investigating and adjudicating sexual offences, including the enhancement of protection for persons living with disabilities.
Para 34) The Government continues to commemorate ‘Orange Day’ and ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’ every 25th November to 10th December, with these days being utilized to raise awareness on gender based violence.
UN Compilation:
Para 59) [CEDAW] commended Seychelles on its efforts to counter gender-based violence, but noted with concern that the incidence of gender-based violence in the country continued to be among the highest in the region. … UNHCR welcomed the approval and entry into force of the Domestic Violence Act 2020.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 14) SHRC noted that in 2020 Seychelles enacted the Domestic Violence Act and that the legislation had been developed with the participation of civil society. However, SHRC stated that the legislation had not yet become operational.
Para 15) SHRC … noted that there was one shelter for women victims of domestic violence and that the Government had allocated a plot of land to build a new shelter.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Holy SeeHoly SeeRegional groupObserverIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Increase its efforts to safeguard women and children from domestic violence and to protect persons with disabilities.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 2) The Government remains committed and fully engaged towards the review, reform and enhancement of existing legislation, and moving towards the enactment of new laws so as to remain in the forefront of advocating for the advancement of human rights practices. Some new pieces of legislation and amendments enacted since the last review include interalia: … (l) The ‘Domestic Violence Act, 2020’ which prohibits acts of violence in the domestic context, provides for protection of aggrieved persons, provides for penalties, makes provision for services for aggrieved persons and perpetrators of domestic violence, and other related matters.
Para 12) As of mid-2020, the media have been granted free access to all courts and are no longer required to seek permission from the Registrar of the Supreme Court or security before entering. This was enforced by the Public Relations department on the basis that the courts are public. Unless a closed hearing is taking place on sensitive matters (sexual assault especially), journalists are encouraged to cover court cases, making the courts more visible in newspapers and on television. In this way, justice is delivered in the eyes of all, rather than behind closed doors with no accountability.
Para 20) The President appointed a Child Law Reform Committee (CLRC) with effect from June 2020, which is chaired by the former Chief Justice and Judge of the Court of Appeal and consists of members from the Attorney General’s Office, the Social Affairs Department, Seychelles Police, NCC and the Ministry for Education. The CLRC is supported by a technical committee to enable it to carry out its functions efficiently. The Committee was tasked with reviewing sexual offences and to propose reform of the provisions under the Penal Code. It is also mandated to review other existing legal framework applicable to children, and make recommendations for legal reform to enhance the legal protections afforded to children in line with Seychelles’ Constitution, international law obligations and best practice. This reform has become increasingly important following public outcry towards a sexual abuse case reported in April 2020 involving girls ranging from 12 to 18 years old. The case was a first-of-its-kind in Seychelles and has resulted in shock and outrage among residents.
Para 21) The Committee has done extensive work and proposed a modern sexual offence legislation which will be submitted to the government during the first quarter of 2021 for consideration. The Committee is dedicated to ensuring that the protection of constitutional rights is upheld in all its recommendations as well as ensuring clear non-discriminatory drafting of legal provisions that allow for empowerment, effective advocacy, strong policies and practices, and which are consistent in application and encourage a positive shift in attitude and behaviour at a societal level.
Para 22) The CLRC affirmed that it will continue its work in the coming year, conduct extensive public consultation, including a dedicated Children’s Conference to ensure that voices of children are heard, and inform any new laws intended to enhance their protection, review existing laws, and recommend consequential amendments that will need to be enacted to accommodate its recommendations relating to the proposed sexual offences law.
Para 30) The Government has replaced the previous Family ‘Violence (Protection of Victims) Act’ with a new ‘Domestic Violence Act’, 2020. The Act condemns domestic violence, provides for protection of victims, and covers a wide range of acts that amount to domestic violence such as physical, verbal or psychological, and economic abuse. The Act caters for the duties of the police, social services, as well as other services that provide relief to victims, and makes provision for continued training of service providers. Whilst the Act makes provisions for the punishment of perpetrators of domestic violence, it also provides for their rehabilitation.
Para 31) The CLRC has also contributed to the evaluation of Seychelles laws in the context of gender based violence and child protection by drawing from evidence on domestic practices and inputs, and equate them with international and regional norms. It found that whilst the Penal Code provides certain protection against sexual offences for both women and children, laws have to be introduced to give full effect to the protection. Subsequently, a range of new offences will be recommended in relation to rape such as sexual grooming, the use of intimate images and sexual communication with children through social media and other digital platforms. Furthermore, harassment offences such as cat calling, flashing, blackmail and more are also to become punishable by law under the proposed legislation.
Para 32) More stringent obligations are to be imposed on police, prosecutors, social services and judges when investigating and adjudicating sexual offences, including the enhancement of protection for persons living with disabilities.
Para 34) The Government continues to commemorate ‘Orange Day’ and ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’ every 25th November to 10th December, with these days being utilized to raise awareness on gender based violence.
UN Compilation:
Para 59) [CEDAW] commended Seychelles on its efforts to counter gender-based violence, but noted with concern that the incidence of gender-based violence in the country continued to be among the highest in the region. … UNHCR welcomed the approval and entry into force of the Domestic Violence Act 2020.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 14) SHRC noted that in 2020 Seychelles enacted the Domestic Violence Act and that the legislation had been developed with the participation of civil society. However, SHRC stated that the legislation had not yet become operational.
Para 15) SHRC … noted that there was one shelter for women victims of domestic violence and that the Government had allocated a plot of land to build a new shelter.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Gender perspective in policies, programmes
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:NeglectedContents:The HRC urged Seychelles to ensure that gender mainstreaming was practised at all levels ... [Para 17] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's participation
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:NeglectedContents:The HRC recommended that Seychelles increase the number of women in decision-making positions in all spheres. The CEDAW specifically recommended that Seychelles increase the representation of women in decision-making positions in political parties and the number of women judges in the Appeal and Supreme Courts. [Para 42] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Sexually transmitted infections
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:N/AContents:A new vaccination programme for the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) started in May 2014 targeting girls aged eleven years old, as part of an effort to reduce the overall number of cervical cancer cases, which kills about six persons a year in Seychelles. Coverage so far has been above 60%. [Para 147] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AustraliaAustraliaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Enact legislation that expressly prohibits discrimination against a person on the basis of sexual orientation or identity.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 57) The Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights of all persons without subjecting them to any undue forms of discrimination. Equal protection of the law for all persons continues to be guaranteed under Article 27 of the Constitution.
Para 58) The Government remains in its consideration as to whether and to what extent legislation could be amended to better guarantee the Constitutional precept that persons of any sexual orientation are not to be discriminated against in Seychelles. It is to be noted that no one has been tried in Seychelles since its establishment as a Republic in 1976 on the basis of their sexual orientation.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 10) JS2 reported that sexual minorities such as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersex were experiencing stigma and discrimination, which limited their access to health and social services. It also noted that Seychelles had not yet decriminalised homosexuality, even if the Employment Act of 1995 provided for non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Marital rape
- Sexual violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:N/AContents:The 1996 Amendment to the Penal Code articles 130-153 makes it easier to prosecute sexual offenders thus increasing chances of conviction on evidence of victim and without the need for corroborating evidence. This amendment allows for prosecution for rape within marriage or relationships. [Para 56] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Sexually transmitted infections
- HIV and AIDS
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:NeglectedContents:The gains made in the health sector were being threatened by, among other factors, ... the increase in the number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. [Para 38; CCA 2006-2008] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MaldivesMaldivesRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupOICCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Consider developing programmes that work to conclusively eliminate violence against women and children.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 35) The Government has continued to step up its efforts towards preventing, and eliminating all forms of violence against women. The 'National Action Plan for Gender Based Violence' (GBV) 2011-2015 focuses on a review and harmonization of existing laws on GBV, sensitization of legal and enforcement authorities, public education campaigns, enactment of a specific law on domestic violence and lobbying for the mainstreaming of gender perspectives into national development plans.
Para 37) A 'GBV Working Together Manual' to facilitate various agencies working together to prevent and respond effectively in favour of GBV survivors and their families is being developed. The Manual seeks to set out the roles and responsibilities of each agency and the procedures for multi-disciplinary work in addressing GBV effectively.
Para 40) ... A sensitization session on GBV was held with regards to evidence collection in cases of sexual abuse and rape for health officials in December 2013. In January 2015, training was undertaken to support victims of domestic violence; a similar session for perpetrators of such crimes is also being planned for late 2015. An interactive session on GBV Prevention led by a speaker from the "US Institute of Men Stopping Violence" was held in September 2015, for an audience made up predominantly of male participants from law enforcement agencies.
Para 41) Specific legislation on domestic violence is being developed by the Government. Wide consultation has taken place in the development of the law, including with members of judiciary, civil society, churches, service providers and the police.
Para 146) A helpline for the empowerment of women was set up by the NGO Women in Action and Solidarity. Working together with government agencies, the helpline provides ... counseling for victims of domestic abuse.
UN Compilation:
Para 25) The CEDAW welcomed the National Strategy for Domestic Violence 2008-2012 and the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence 2010-2011. However, it remained concerned about the relatively high rate of violence against women, including domestic violence, and the lack of legal provisions specifically criminalizing domestic violence and marital rape. The Human Rights Committee regretted that reported cases of domestic violence had allegedly doubled in the past six years and that the majority of cases of violence reported were violence against women and children.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 14) Concerning domestic violence, JS1 indicated that Police rarely intervened in a domestic dispute unless it involved a weapon or a major assault. However, Police services had a "Family Squad" to investigate domestic violence and other family issues. The Social Affairs Division of the Ministry of Social Development and Culture and "The Women in Action and Solidarity Organisation" (WASO), a local NGO, provided counselling services to victims of rape and domestic violence. JS1 added that since 2010, the Gender Secretariat of the Ministry of Community Development conducted information campaigns to end gender-based violence, using spots on television and other related media.
Para 15) On the same issue, JS2 referred to recommendations accepted by Seychelles in 2011 to eliminate violence against women and stated that gender-based violence remained a major concern. Whilst the law was adequate in its provisions of protection, the enforcement was different. The Gender Secretariat of the Ministry of Community Development continued to have limited institutional authority, capacity and resources - only two employees currently - to effectively promote the implementation of the CEDAW and support gender mainstreaming activities across all sectors and levels of the Government. Moreover, the law on sexual assault was not strong enough and female partners tended to withdraw police cases ...