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P GENERAL P A/50/38 P 31May1995 P ENGLISH P ORIGINAL:ENGLISH/FRENCH/ P SPANISH@t?O' 8HhdE8Hh? @ *882 88*0L|8hFiftiethsession@" " REPORTOFTHECOMMITTEEONTHEELIMINATIONOF@BB%DISCRIMINATIONAGAINSTWOMEN*@hh*Fourteenthsession________________________ .4:      2 *  Thepresentdocumentisamimeographedversionofthereportofthe X CommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenonitstwelfthsession.ThereportwillbeissuedsubsequentlyasOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FiftiethSession,SupplementNo.38(A/50/38).9516044(E)100795#.."/...XXX-j`$-*9516044*O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO@..\CONTENTS 88tChaptert..tParagraphsPage   , )8 8 P")LETTEROFTRANSMITTAL..................................................P" .!6 .I. .MATTERSBROUGHTTOTHEATTENTIONOFSTATESPARTIES...............P" .!7 . .A. .Generalrecommendation22(fourteenthsession)...............P" .!7 . .B. .Suggestions..................................................P" .!8 . . .Suggestion7.................................................P" .!8 . . .Suggestion8.................................................P" .!11 . .C. .Decisions....................................................P" .!12 . . .Decision14/I................................................P" .!12 . . .Decision14/II...............................................P" .!13 . . .Decision14/III..............................................P" .!14 . .D. .Othermatters.................................... . .<15P" .!15 . . .Adequatemeetingtimetoconsiderreportsof . . .Statesparties................................... . .<15P" .!15 .II. .ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS..................... .<633P" .!17 . .A. .StatespartiestotheConvention................. . .<67P" .!17 . .B. .Openingofthesession........................... . .<817P" .!17 . .C. .Membershipandattendance........................ . .1820P" .!18 . .D. .Solemndeclaration............................... .21P" .!19 . .E. .Electionofofficers.............................22P" .!19 . .F. .Adoptionoftheagendaandorganizationofwork..23P" .!19 . .G. .Reportofthepresessionworkinggroup.......... . .2427P" .!20 . .H. .Compositionandorganizationofworkofthe . . .workinggroups................................... . .2833P" .!20 .4III. .REPORTOFTHECHAIRPERSONONTHEACTIVITIESUNDERTAKEN . .BETWEENTHETHIRTEENTHANDFOURTEENTHSESSIONSOFTHE . .COMMITTEE............................................ .3439P" .!23@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tChaptert .tParagraphsPage   , )8 8 P") .IV. .CONSIDERATIONOFREPORTSSUBMITTEDBYSTATESPARTIES . .UNDERARTICLE18OFTHECONVENTION................... .40637P" .!25 . .A. .Introduction..................................... . .4041P" .!25 . .B. .Considerationofreports......................... . .42591P" .!25 . . .1. . Initialreports.............................. .42159P" .!25 . . . . Bolivia...................................... .42104P" .!25 . . . . Chile........................................ .t105159P" .!35 . . .2. . Initialandsecondperiodicreports.......... .t160344P" .!44 . . . . Mauritius.................................... .t160217P" .!44 . . . . Tunisia...................................... .t218277P" .!52 . . . . Uganda....................................... .t278344P" .!61 . . .3. . Secondperiodicreports...................... .t345451P" .!71 . . . . Finland...................................... .t346397P" .!71 . . . . Peru......................................... .t398451P" .!79 . . .4. . Thirdandfourthperiodicreports............ .t452552P" .!89 . . . . Norway....................................... .t452495P" .!89 . . . . RussianFederation........................... .t496552P" .!99 . . .5. . Reportssubmittedonanexceptionalbasis.... .t553591P" .$!110 . . . . Croatia...................................... .t556591P" .$!110 . .C. .Concludingcommentsonreportsconsideredatthe . . .thirteenthsession............................... . .t592637P" .$!116 . . .Australia........................................ . .t593601P" .$!116 . . .Colombia......................................... . .t602615P" .$!117 . . .Guyana........................................... . .t616626P" .$!119 . . .Japan............................................ . .t626636P" .$!120@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tChaptert .tParagraphsPage   , )8 8, P"), .dV. .WAYSANDMEANSOFEXPEDITINGTHEWORKOFTHE, ., .COMMITTEE........................................... .t637664P" .$!123, ., .A. .ActiontakenbytheCommitteeonthereportof, ., . .WorkingGroupI................................. .t639657P" .$!123, ., .B. .PlanofactivitiesoftheCentreforHumanRights, ., . .oftheUnitedNationsSecretariat...............658P" .$!129, ., .C. .PresentationoftheSpecialRapporteuron, ., . .ViolenceagainstWomen.......................... .t659661P" .$!129, ., .D. .PresentationoftheGenderStatisticsUnitofthe, ., . .StatisticalDivisionoftheSecretariat.........662P" .$!130, ., .E. .PresentationoftheHarrisonProgramonthe, ., . .FutureGlobalAgendaandtheAmericanAssociation, ., . .fortheAdvancementofScience.................. .t663664P" .$!130, .VI. .IMPLEMENTATIONOFARTICLE21OFTHECONVENTION...... .t665671P" .$!131, ., .A. .ActiontakenbytheCommitteeonthereportof, ., . .WorkingGroupII................................667P" .$!131, ., .B. .Elementsforanoptionalprotocoltothe, ., . .Convention......................................668P" .$!131, ., .C. .Generalrecommendationsonarticles7and8;, ., . .generalrecommendationonarticle2.............669P" .$!131, ., .D. .DocumentpreparedbytheUnitedNations, ., . .Educational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization, ., . .ontheCommitteeontheEliminationof, ., . .DiscriminationagainstWomen.................... .t670671P" .$!131, .VII. .CONTRIBUTIONSOFTHECOMMITTEETOINTERNATIONAL, ., .CONFERENCES......................................... .t672679P" .$!135, ., .A. .FourthWorldConferenceonWomen................ .t672675P" .$!135, ., .B. .TheCommittee'sinputtotheWorldSummitfor, ., . .SocialDevelopment..............................676P" .$!136, ., .C. .FollowuptotheInternationalConferenceon, ., . .PopulationandDevelopment...................... .t677679P" .$!136VIII. .PROVISIONALAGENDAFORTHEFIFTEENTHSESSIONOFTHE, ., .COMMITTEE........................................... .t680681P" .$!137, .IX. .ADOPTIONOFTHEREPORT..............................682P" .$!138@ .CONTENTS(continued) 88tӀt .tPage   , )8 8 P")@ .Annexes .I. .StatespartiestotheConventionontheEliminationofAllForms . .ofDiscriminationagainstWomenasat3February1995............P" .$!139 .II. .MembershipoftheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscrimination . .againstWomen....................................................P" .$!143 .4III. .DocumentsbeforetheCommitteeatitsfourteenthsession.........P" .$!144 .IV. .Statusofsubmissionandconsiderationofreportssubmittedby . .Statespartiesunderarticle18oftheConventiononthe . .EliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenasat . .3February1995..................................................P" .$!146 . .A. .Initialreports..............................................P" .$!146 . .B. .Secondperiodicreports......................................P" .$!152 . .C. .Thirdperiodicreports.......................................P" .$!157 . .D. .Fourthperiodicreports......................................P" .$!160 . .E. .Reportssubmittedonanexceptionalbasis....................P" .$!160882 @ .LETTEROFTRANSMITTAL# .3February1995Sir,2 .2Ihavethehonourtorefertoarticle21oftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,accordingtowhichtheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen,establishedpursuanttotheConvention,"shall,throughtheEconomicandSocialCouncil,reportannuallytotheGeneralAssemblyoftheUnitedNationsonitsactivities".2 .2TheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenhelditsfourteenthsessionfrom16Januaryto3February1995atUnitedNationsHeadquarters.Itadoptedthereportonthesessionatits284thmeeting,on3February.ThereportisherewithsubmittedtoyoufortransmissiontotheGeneralAssemblyatitsfiftiethsession.2 .2Accept,Sir,theassurancesofmyhighestconsideration.88Ӏ(Signed)Q8 .IvankaCORTIQ8 .ChairpersonQ8 .*CommitteeontheEliminationofQ8 .DiscriminationagainstWomen882 HisExcellencyMr.BoutrosBoutrosGhaliSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsNewYork % UK     \R3'\ X      +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO( $ $(882     @ .` I.MATTERSBROUGHTTOTHEATTENTIONOFSTATESPARTIES@ .( A.Generalrecommendation22(fourteenthsession)@ . Amendingarticle20oftheConvention2 .2TheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen,2 .2NotingthattheStatespartiestotheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,attherequestoftheGeneralAssembly,willmeetduring1995toconsideramendingarticle20oftheConvention,2 .2Recallingitspreviousdecision,takenatitstenthsession,toensureeffectivenessinitsworkandpreventthebuildingupofanundesirablebacklogintheconsiderationofreportsofStatesparties,2 .2RecallingthattheConventionisoneoftheinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentsthathasbeenratifiedbythelargestnumberofStatesparties,2 .2ConsideringthatthearticlesoftheConventionaddressthefundamentalhumanrightsofwomeninallaspectsoftheirdailylivesandinallareasofsocietyandtheState,2 .2ConcernedabouttheworkloadoftheCommitteeasaresultofthegrowingnumberofratifications,inadditiontothebacklogofreportspendingconsideration,asreflectedinannexI,2 .2ConcernedalsoaboutthelonglapseoftimebetweenthesubmissionofreportsofStatespartiesandtheirconsideration,resultingintheneedforStatestoprovideadditionalinformationforupdatingtheirreports,2 .2BearinginmindthattheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenistheonlyhumanrightstreatybodywhosemeetingtimeislimitedbyitsConvention,andthatithastheshortestdurationofmeetingtimeofallthehumanrightstreatybodies,asreflectedinannexII,2 .2Notingthatthelimitationonthedurationofsessions,ascontainedintheConvention,hasbecomeaseriousobstacletotheeffectiveperformancebytheCommitteeofitsfunctionsundertheConvention,2 .21. .RecommendsthattheStatespartiesfavourablyconsideramendingarticle20oftheConventioninrespectofthemeetingtimeoftheCommittee,soastoallowittomeetannuallyforsuchdurationasisnecessaryfortheeffectiveperformanceofitsfunctionsundertheConvention,withnospecificrestrictionexceptforthatwhichtheGeneralAssemblyshalldecide;2 .22. .RecommendsalsothattheGeneralAssembly,pendingthecompletionofanamendmentprocess,authorizetheCommitteetomeetexceptionallyin1996fortwosessions,eachofthreeweeks'durationandeachbeingprecededbypre-sessionworkinggroups;2 .23. .RecommendsfurtherthatthemeetingofStatespartiesreceiveanoralreportfromthechairpersonoftheCommitteeonthedifficultiesfacedbytheCommitteeinperformingitsfunctions;2 .24. .RecommendsthattheSecretary-GeneralmakeavailabletotheStatespartiesattheirmeetingallrelevantinformationontheworkloadoftheCommitteeandcomparativeinformationinrespectoftheotherhumanrightstreatybodies.@ .B.Suggestions@ .Suggestion7.ElementsforanoptionalprotocoltotheConventionBackground1.2 .2TheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction,adoptedbyconsensusbyStatesMembersoftheUnitedNationsatthe1993WorldConferenceonHumanRights,stressestheneedforwomentomakeeffectiveuseofexistingproceduresunderinternationalhumanrightsinstruments.Italsoemphasizestheneedfortheadoptionofnewproceduresand,inparticular,apetitionprocedurefortheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.Itstatesthatthe"CommissionontheStatusofWomenandtheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenshouldquicklyexaminethepossibilityofintroducingtherightofpetitionthroughthepreparationofanoptionalprotocoltotheConvention".2.2 .2ThequestionofthepreparationofaprotocoltotheConventionwasdiscussedbytheCommitteeatitsthirteenthsessionin1994.Initssuggestion5,theCommitteeaskedtheCommissionontheStatusofWomentorequestthatanexpertgroupmeetingbeconvenedduring1994,"composedof5to10independentexpertswithaknowledgeofthedifferentformsofcivilizationandoftheprincipallegalsystems".TheexpertgroupwasaskedtoprepareadraftoptionalprotocoltotheConventionandthereportofthatmeetingwastobepresentedtotheCommitteeforitscommentsandtotheCommissionforaction.TheCommitteealsodesignatedoneofitsmemberstoprepareapaperonthesubjectforits1995session.3.2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthat,atthethirty-eighthsessionin1994,theCommissionontheStatusofWomendidnotconveneanexpertgroupmeeting.TheCommissiondecidedhoweverthat,atitsthirty-ninthsessionin1995,incooperationwiththeCommittee,itwouldexaminethefeasibilityofintroducingtherightofpetitionthroughthepreparationofanoptionalprotocoltotheConvention,takingintoaccounttheresultsofanygovernmentalexpertgroupmeetingonthequestionthatmighthavebeenconvened.ThedecisionoftheCommissionontheStatusofWomenwasechoedbytheEconomicandSocialCouncilinitsresolution1994/7.4.2 .2BearinginmindthedecisionoftheCommissionontheStatusofWomen,andinordertoexpeditematters,theMaastrichtCentreforHumanRightsattheUniversityofLimberg,inconjunctionwiththeInternationalHumanRightsLawGroup,withthefinancialassistanceoftheGovernmentsoftheNetherlandsandAustralia,convenedanexpertgroupmeetingduring1994.Participantsweredrawnfromdifferentregionsandfromdifferentlegalsystems,hadaknowledgeofinternationallawandexperienceoftheotherhumanrightstreatybodiesandincludedthreemembersoftheCommittee.Thedraftoptionalprotocolpreparedbytheexpertgroupdrewonexistinginternationalandregionalprocedures.Thedraft,togetherwithotherrelevantdocuments,servedasthebasisfordiscussionbytheCommitteeatitsfourteenthsession.Asaresultofthosediscussions,theoverwhelmingmajorityofthemembersoftheCommitteesuggestedthatthefollowingideasbesubmittedtotheCommissionontheStatusofWomenforconsideration.OnememberoftheCommitteeexpressedherreservationwithregardtoparagraphs8and12to26.&  Elementsofanoptionalprotocol5.2 .2StatespartiestotheConventionshouldhavetheoptiontoratifyoraccede'  totheoptionalprotocol."Stateparty"inthissectionmeansonethathasratifiedoraccededtotheoptionalprotocol.6.2 .2Twoproceduresshouldbeenvisaged:acommunicationsprocedureandaninquiryprocedure.7.2 .2Communications . maybesubmittedbyanindividual,groupororganizationsufferingdetrimentfromaviolationofrightsintheConventionorclaimingtobedirectlyaffectedbythefailureofaStatepartytocomplywithitsobligationsundertheConventionorbyapersonorgrouphavingasufficientinterestinthematter.8.2 .2Communicationswouldbeinwritingandconfidential.9.2 .2Theadmissibilityofacommunicationwouldbesubjecttothefollowing:2 .2(a) .ThecommunicationwouldbeinadmissibleifaStatepartytotheConventionhadnotratifiedoraccededtotheoptionalprotocol;2 .2(b) .Itshouldnotbeanonymous;2 .2(c) .ItshoulddiscloseanallegedviolationofrightsoranallegedfailureofaStatepartytogiveeffecttoobligationsundertheConvention;2 .2(d) .ItshouldrelatetoactsoromissionsthatoccurredaftertheStatepartyratifiedoraccededtotheConvention,unlesstheviolationorfailuretogiveeffecttothoseobligationsortheimpactcontinuedaftertheprotocoltookeffectforthatStateparty;2 .2(e) .Itshouldnotbeanabuseoftherighttosubmitacommunication;2 .2(f) .AcommunicationwouldbedeclaredinadmissiblebytheCommitteeifalldomesticremedieshadnotbeenexhausted,unlesstheCommitteeconsideredthatrequirementunreasonable.Ifthesamematterwasbeingexaminedunderanotherinternationalprocedure,theCommitteewoulddeclarethecommunicationinadmissibleunlessitconsideredthatprocedureunreasonablyprolonged;2 .2(g) .Thecommunicationwouldbeinadmissibleiftheauthor,withinareasonableperiod,failedtoprovideadequatesubstantiatinginformation.10.2 .2Pendingexaminationofacommunication,theCommitteeshouldhavetherighttorequestthatthestatusquobepreserved,andaStatepartyshouldgiveanundertakingtothateffect,inordertoavoidirreparableharm.SucharequestshouldbeaccompaniedbyinformationconfirmingthatnoinferencecouldbedrawnthattheCommitteehaddeterminedthemeritsofthecommunication.11.2 .2WhiletheStatepartywouldbeinformedconfidentiallyofthenatureofthecommunication,theauthor'sidentitywouldnotberevealedwithoutthatperson'sconsent.TheStatepartywould,withinaspecifiedperiod,providerepliesorinformationaboutanyremedy.Whiletheprocessofexaminationcontinued,theCommitteewouldworkincooperationwiththepartiestofacilitateasettlementwhich,ifreached,wouldbecontainedinaconfidentialreportoftheCommittee.12.2 .2TheCommitteewouldexaminecommunicationsinthelightofallinformationprovidedbytheStateparty,orbytheauthororreceivedfromotherrelevantsources.Allsuchinformationwouldbetransmittedtothepartiesforcomment.TheCommitteewouldsetitsprocedures,holdclosedmeetingswhenexaminingcommunicationsand,asawholeCommittee,adoptandtransmitviewsandanyrecommendationstotheparties.Whileexaminingacommunication,theCommitteemight,withtheagreementoftheStatepartyconcerned,visititsterritory.13.2 .2WhenthewholeCommitteeconsideredthatthecommunicationhadbeenjustified,itmightrecommendremedialmeasuresormeasuresdesignedtogiveeffecttoobligationsundertheConvention.TheStatepartywouldremedyviolationsandimplementrecommendations.Itwouldalsoensurethatanappropriateremedy(whichmightincludeadequatereparation)wasprovided.ItwouldalsoprovidetheCommitteewithinasetperiodwithdetailsoftheremedialmeasurestaken.14.2 .2TheCommitteeshouldhavethepowertoinitiateandcontinuediscussionsconcerningsuchmeasuresandremediesandhavethepowertoinvitetheStatepartytoincludesuchinformationinitsreportsunderarticle18oftheConvention.15.2 .2TheCommitteewould,initsconfidentialreport,summarizethenatureofcommunicationsreceived,itsexaminationofthem,therepliesandstatementsoftheStatespartiesconcernedanditsviewsandrecommendations.16.2 .2TheCommitteewouldhavethepowertodelegatetoaworkinggroupitsresponsibilitiesunderthissection.TheworkinggroupwouldreporttotheCommitteeandtheCommitteealonewouldhavethepowertoadoptviewsandmakerecommendations.Inquiryprocedure17.2 .2IftheCommitteereceivedreliableinformationindicatingaseriousorsystematicviolationbyaStatepartyofrightsundertheConventionorofafailuretogiveeffecttoitsConventionobligations,theCommitteeshouldhavetherighttoinvitethatStatepartytocooperateinexaminingtheinformationandinsubmittingobservationsonit.Afterconsideringthoseobservationsandanyotherrelevantinformation,theCommitteeshouldhavethepowertodesignateoneormoreofitsmemberstoconductaninquiryandreporturgentlytotheCommittee.18.2 .2SuchaninquirywouldbeconductedwiththecooperationoftheStatepartyandmight,withitsagreement,includeavisittoitsterritory.19.2 .2Followingtheexaminationofthefindings,whichwouldbetransmittedtotheStateparty,thelatterwouldhaveasetperiodinwhichtomakeobservationsinresponse.20.2 .2TheinquirywouldbeconductedconfidentiallyandatallstageswiththecooperationoftheStatesparties.21.2 .2TheCommitteewouldencouragetheStatepartytodiscussthestepstakenbyitasaconsequenceoftheinquiry.Thosediscussionsmightbecontinueduntilasatisfactoryoutcomewasachieved.TheCommitteemightasktheStatepartytoreportonitsresponsetotheinquiryinitsreportunderarticle18oftheConvention.22.2 .2Aftercompletingallthosesteps,theCommitteewouldbeempoweredtopublishareport.23.2 .2WhenratifyingoraccedingtotheoptionalprotocoltheStatepartywouldundertaketoassisttheCommitteeinitsinquiriesandtopreventanyobstaclesto,orvictimizationof,anypersonwhoprovidestheCommitteewithinformationorassistsitinitsinquiries.Generalmatters24.2 .2Statespartieswouldpublicizetheprotocolanditsprocedures,theCommittee'sviewsandanyrecommendationsconcerningacommunicationreceivedorinquiryconducted.25.2 .2TheCommitteewoulddeveloprulesandproceduresthatwouldenableittoconductitsworkfairly,efficientlyand,asnecessary,urgently.26.2 .2Meetingtimeofnotlessthatthreeweeksperannumandresources,includingexpertlegaladvice,wouldbemadeavailabletoenabletheCommitteetoconductitsworkundertheConvention.27.2 .2Proceduresforthesigning,ratification,accessionandentryintoforceoftheprotocolshouldbeprescribed.28.2 .2NoStatetoStatecommunicationprocedureshouldbeincludedandnoreservationspermitted.29.2 .2Proceduresforamendmentanddenunciationandtheauthentictextsoftheprotocolshouldbeprescribed.̀Suggestion8.FollowuptotheInternationalConferenceoǹPopulationandDevelopment2 .2TheCommitteeontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,2 .2RecognizingtheimportanceofmaintainingeffectivecommunicationandmeaningfuldialoguewithUnitedNationsbodiesactiveinthefieldofhumanrightsingeneralandwomen'srightsinparticular,2 .2ConsideringtheneedtoensureitsparticipationandinvolvementinactivitiesofrelevancetoitsworkwhicharetakingplacewithintheframeworkoftheUnitedNationssystemwideaction,2 .2AffirmingitssupportfortheProgrammeofActionoftheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopment,heldinCairofrom5to13September1994,anditscentralitytothegoalofgenderequalityandtheempowermentofwomenthroughouttheworld,2 .2Recallingtheprovisionsofarticles10(h),12and16(e)oftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenwithrespectto,amongotherthings,therightofaccesstofamilyhealthandfamilyplanningeducation,therighttoequalityinhealthcareservices,therighttoreceiveappropriatepregnancyandchildbirthservices,andtherighttoequalityindecidingfreelyandresponsiblyonthenumberandspacingofchildren,2 .2Notingtheimportanceofwomen'sreproductivehealthasapre-conditiontotheirenjoymentofallotherhumanrightsandfreedoms,includingthefundamentalrighttolife,onabasisofequalitywithmen,2 .2NotingalsotheinformationreceivedbytheCommitteeatitsfourteenthsessionfromtheWorldHealthOrganizationonHIV/AIDSandwomen'shumanrightsinthecontextoftheConvention,2 .2Recallingthecommentsinthereportofthefifthmeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodies(A/49/537,annex),encouragingcooperationwiththespecializedagenciesandotherUnitedNationsbodiestoensureconsistencyintheapplicationofrelatedprovisionsofthehumanrightstreatiesandotherinternationalinstruments,2 .21. .DecidestoemploythereportingmechanismundertheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomensoastofollowtheimplementationoftheProgrammeofActionoftheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopmentwithrespecttowomen'shumanrights;2 .22. .DecidesalsothattheCommitteeshalldevelopajurisprudenceofstandardsofinternationallawinthefieldofwomen'sreproductivehealth;2 .23. .RequeststheChairpersonoftheCommitteetoconsultwiththeExecutiveDirectoroftheUnitedNationsPopulationFundonthepossibilityofconveningameetingofthechairpersonsofallthehumanrightstreatybodiestopromotetheeffectiveexchangeofinformationamongthem,aswellasthecoordinationwiththerelevantorgansoftheUnitedNationssystem,asregardsthefollowuptotheProgrammeofActionwithrespecttohumanrights.@ .bC.Decisions@ .bDecision14/I1.2 .2TheCommitteedecidesthatitsconcludingcommentsdevelopedonthebasisofaconstructivedialoguewitheachStatepartyshouldbesentinthelanguageofadoptiontoeachStatepartyseparatelyfromthereportandimmediatelyaftertheconclusionofeachsessionoftheCommittee.2.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthesummaryrecordsoftheCommittee'sthirteenthsessionwereonlyreceivedatthefourteenthsessionandwereincorrectandincomplete.Therefore,theCommitteedecidestorequesttheSecretariattoensurethatthesummaryrecordsarecompleteandissuedinatimelymannerinordertofacilitatecorrection.3.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheSpanishtranslationoftheConventionissuedbytheDepartmentofPublicInformationoftheSecretariatisinaccurate,inparticulararticle10(h)thereof.TheCommitteedecidestorequesttheSecretariattoreviewalltranslationsissuedbytheDepartmentofPublicInformationtoensuretheiraccuracy.4.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitswishtoreviewassoonaspossiblethedraftPlatformforAction,whichwillbediscussedattheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen.ItrequeststheSecretariattosendcopiestothemembersoftheCommittee.@ .0Decision14/II2 .2TheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen,2 .2RecallingthattheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction,1/adoptedinJune1993,recognizesthatthehumanrightsofwomenandofthegirlchildareaninalienable,integralandindivisiblepartofuniversalhumanrights,andstressingthat,asaconsequence,thehumanrightsofwomenshouldformanintegralpartofUnitedNationshumanrightsactivities,includingthepromotionofallhumanrightsinstrumentsrelatingtowomen,2 .2Takingintoaccounttherecommendationofthemeetingofthepersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodiesattheirthird,fourthandfifthmeetings,2/thattheCommitteebelocatedatGenevawithservicingprovidedbytheCentreforHumanRightsoftheSecretariat,2 .2Recallingthat,atitslastfewsessions,theCommitteehasconsideredtheadvantagesforwomen'shumanrightsiftheyareintegratedintothemainstreamoftheUnitedNationstreatybodies,2 .2Recallingalsoresolution38/2of18March1994oftheCommissionontheStatusofWomen3/onthemainstreamingofwomen'shumanrights,andresolution1994/45of4March1994oftheCommissiononHumanRights4/onintegratingtherightsofwomenintothehumanrightsmechanismsoftheUnitedNations,2 .2NotingthattheCommitteeatitsannualmeetingsconsidersissueswhichhaveexpandedbothinnumberandinsubstance,andwhichthereforereflecttheincreasingrelevanceofwomen'shumanrights,2 .2Bearinginmindthatarticle20.2oftheConventionshouldbeappliedinsuchawaythatStatespartiescouldbeencouragedtopresenttheirreportsonschedule,2 .21. .RequeststheSecretaryGeneraltolocatetheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenatGenevawithservicingprovidedbytheCentreforHumanRights;2 .22. .AlsorequeststhattheSecretaryGeneralprovidetheCommitteewiththenecessarystaffandfacilitiesfortheeffectiveperformanceofthefunctionsoftheCommitteeinaccordancewitharticle17.9oftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,andkeepinginmindthelinkwiththeDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomen;2 .23. .DeclaresthattherolesthattheCommissionontheStatusofWomenandtheCommitteeplayareimportantinmakingthegeneralhumanrightsworkoftheUnitedNationsmoregenderconsciousandinpromotingtheuniversalandindivisiblehumanrightsofwomen,andthereforerequeststheSecretaryGeneraltoensurethatthelinkbetweentheCommissionontheStatusofWomenandtheCommitteebemaintained,thecontinuedimplementationofarticle21.2oftheConventionbeingonesuchlink;2 .24. .UrgestheSecretaryGeneraltoexpeditetheimplementationofthepresentdecisionwithoutdelay.̇&  @ .Decision14/III2 .2TheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen,'  2 .2BearinginmindthattheCharteroftheUnitedNationsreaffirmsfaithinfundamentalhumanrights,inthedignityandworthofthehumanpersonandtheequalrightsofmenandwomen,2 .2ReaffirmingtheimportanceoftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenastheonlyhumanrightsinstrumentforthepromotionandprotectionofwomen'shumanrights,2 .2RecallingthatthearticlesoftheConventionaddressthefundamentalhumanrightsofwomeninallaspectsoftheirdailylivesandinallareasofsocietyandtheState,2 .2NotingthekeyrolethattheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenhastoplayinmakingthegeneralhumanrightsworkoftheUnitedNationsmoregenderconsciousandinpromotingtheuniversalandindivisiblehumanrightsofwomen,2 .2RecognizingthefunctionoftheCommitteeinelaboratingajurisprudenceofinternationalstandardsforwomen'shumanrights,2 .2RecognizingalsotheCommittee'sresponsibilitytodevelopandfosterarelationshipwithspecializedagencieswhichsharecommonareasofconcernaffectingwomen,2 .2NotingthattheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionadoptedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsemphasizedthatthehumanrightsofwomenandthegirlchildareaninalienable,integralandindivisiblepartofuniversalhumanrightsandstressedthattheserightsshouldbeintegratedintothemainstreamofUnitedNationssystemwideactivities,2 .2ConvincedoftheneedtoensureitsactiveparticipationinactivitiesofrelevancetoitsworkwhicharetakingplacewithintheframeworkofUnitedNationssystemwideaction,2 .2Recallingitspreviousdecisiontoberepresentedat,andactivelycontributeto,theoverallworkoftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeace,tobeheldinBeijingfrom4to15September1995,2 .21. .ReaffirmsitsdecisiontoparticipateintheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeaceandrequeststheSecretariattotakeallnecessarymeasurestofacilitateandensuretheparticipationoftheCommittee;2 .22. .RequeststheSecretariattobethefocalpointfororganizingathematicmeeting,totheextentpossible,withmembersofothertreatybodiesandspecializedagenciesattendingtheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,andtoimplementthetechnicalandadministrativearrangementssetforthinthisreport;2 .23. .Decidestotransmit,asitscontributiontotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,itsreportontheprogressachievedintheimplementationoftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenandrequeststhesecretariatoftheConferencetoensurewidedisseminationofthereport;2 .24. .DeclaresthattheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenisanessentialmechanismwithintheframeworkoftheinternationalmachinerythatshouldbeentrustedwiththetaskofmonitoringandperiodicallyreviewingtheimplementationofthePlatformforActionconcerningthehumanrightsofwomen.@ .D.Othermatters@ .fAdequatemeetingtimetoconsiderreportsofStatespartiesBackground1.2 .2Atitsthirteenthsession,theCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenconcluded:5/02 .2"12.ThebacklogofreportspendingconsiderationbytheCommitteeisnowverylargeandisgrowingsincethenumberofStatespartiesisincreasing.Moreover,ifaneffortismadetoencourageStateswithoverduereportstosubmitthem,thesizeofthebacklogwillincreasefurther.IfStatescurrentlypartiestotheConventionweretoreportonschedule,theCommitteewouldbeexpectedtoconsider30reportspersession.ThereisnowanaverageofthreeyearsbetweenthetimeaStatepartysubmitsitsreportanditsconsiderationbytheCommittee.ThisisitselfadisincentivetoreportandleadstotheneedfortheStatetopresentadditionalinformationtoupdatethereportwhich,inturn,increasesthevolumeofdocumentationthatmustbeconsideredbytheCommittee.02 .2"13.ThelimitationonthedurationofsessionsoftheCommitteecontainedintheConventionhasbecomeaseriousobstacle.Thetemporaryextensionofsessionstothreeweekscannotbeexpectedtoeliminatethebacklog."&  Statusofreports2.2 .2Statespartiesundertaketosubmitaninitialreportwithinoneyearafter'  theentryintoforceoftheConventionfortheStateconcerned,andatleasteveryfouryearsthereafter.Asof31October1994,35initialreports,34secondperiodicreportsand34thirdperiodicreportswereoverdue.ThestatusofreportssubmittedtotheCommitteeandpendingconsiderationwasasfollows:13initialreports,19secondperiodicreports,18thirdperiodicreportsand2fourthperiodicreports(CEDAW/C/1995/2).3.2 .2Atitsfourteenthsession,theCommitteehadforitsconsiderationthereportsof13Statespartiescomposedofsixinitialreports,threesecondperiodicreports,fourthirdperiodicreports,twofourthperiodicreportsandonereportonanexceptionalbasis.Forcomparison,itisworthnotingthenumberofreportsscheduledforconsiderationbyotherhumanrightstreatybodiesateachoftheir1995sessionsasshownbelow.2 .2CommitteeontheRightsoftheChild# .672 .2HumanRightsCommittee# .52 .2CommitteeAgainstTorture# .82 .2CommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights# .452 .2CommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination# .610̇&  Meetingtime4.2 .2Forfurthercomparison,itisworthnotingthe1995sessionschedulesof'  thehumanrightstreatybodies.CEDAWconveneditsfourteenthannualsessionforanexceptionalperiodofthreeweeks.TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildscheduledthree3-weeksessionsin1995,withpre-sessionworkinggroups.TheHumanRightsCommitteescheduledtwosessions,thefirstofwhichforaperiodofsixweeks.TheCommitteeAgainstTorturescheduledthreesessions,eachforadurationoftwoweeks.TheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightsscheduledtwo3-weeksessions,withonepresessionworkinggroup.Finally,theCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscriminationscheduledtwo3-weeksessions.Conclusion5.2 .2InheropeningstatementtothefourteenthsessionoftheCommittee,Mrs.GertrudeMongella,Secretary-GeneraloftheFourthUnitedNationsWorldConferenceonWomen,saidthefollowing:02 .2"AcentralconcernoftheWorldConferenceonHumanRightswasthatwomen'srightsshouldbefullyintegratedintoUnitedNationsworkonhumanrights.Thequestionofintegrationisnotaneasyone.Thereisaconsensusthattherearetworequirementsforsuccessfulintegration.Thefirstisthatthe'mainstream'bodiesinanyfieldrecognizetheimportanceofincorporatingwomen'sconcernsintotheirwork.Thesecondrequirementisthattherebestronginstitutionsconcernedspecificallywithwomen.ItisherethattheCommitteeiscrucial.02 .2"Infuture,theworkoftheCommitteewillincrease.Asoftodaythereare139StatespartiestotheConvention.BasedonindicationsIhavereceived...manymoreStateswillbecomepartyoverthecourseoftheyear.Furthermore,thePlatformforActionwillundoubtedlyplaceemphasisonuniversalratification,withoutreservations,bytheyear2000.02 .2"IfallthecurrentStatesreportonschedule,youwillhavetoconsider35reportseachyear.Thatwouldbethreetimesthenumberyoucurrentlyconsiderand,ifuniversalratificationisachieved,itwouldbealmostfourtimes.02 .2"TheworkoftheCommitteehasbeenhamperedbythelimitationofthemeetingtimecontainedintheConventionitself." % UK     \R3'\ X      +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO( $ $(882     @ . II.ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS@ . A.StatespartiestotheConvention6.2 .2On3February1995,theclosingdateofthefourteenthsessionoftheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen,therewere139StatespartiestotheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,whichwasadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinitsresolution34/180of18December1979,andopenedforsignature,ratificationandaccessioninNewYorkinMarch1980.Inaccordancewitharticle27,theConventionenteredintoforceon3September1981.7.2 .2AlistofStatespartiestotheConventioniscontainedinannexItothepresentreport.@ .B.Openingofthesession8.2 .2TheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenhelditsfourteenthsessionatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom16Januaryto3February1995.TheCommitteeheld25plenarymeetings(260thto284thmeetings)anditstwoworkinggroupseachheld5closedmeetings.9.2 .2ThesessionwasopenedbytheChairpersonoftheCommittee,IvankaCorti(Italy),whohadbeenelectedatthetwelfthsessionoftheCommitteeinJanuary1993.10.2 .2Inheropeningstatement,madeonbehalfoftheSecretary-GeneraloftheUnitedNations,theSecretary-GeneraloftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,GertrudeMongella,welcomedthenewandre-electedmembersoftheCommitteeandextendedhergratitudetotheexpertswhohadcompletedtheirservicetotheCommittee.ShealsowelcomedtheappointmentoftheSpecialRapporteur,RadhikaCoomaraswamy,onviolenceagainstwomenpursuanttoCommissiononHumanRightsresolution1994/45of4March1994.11.2 .2SheemphasizedthatthecurrentsessionwastakingplaceatthebeginningoftheyearwhichwouldseetheFourthWorldConferenceonWomenandwhichmarkedthefiftiethanniversaryoftheUnitedNations.ShestressedthatthereviseddraftPlatformforAction,tobeconsideredbytheCommissionontheStatusofWomenatitsthirty-ninthsession,wouldsetoutactiontobetakenintheareaofwomen'shumanrights,whichwouldnotonlyshapetheCommittee'swork,butwouldalsosupportnewdirectionsfortheCommitteeanditsworkasacontributiontotheFourthWorldConferenceandtheimplementationofthePlatformforAction.12.2 .2SherecalledthatacentralconcernoftheWorldConferenceonHumanRightswasthatwomen'shumanrightsshouldbefullyintegratedintotheworkoftheUnitedNationsonhumanrights.Shesaidthatthisintegrationwasdependentontwofactors:therecognitionbyotherhumanrightsbodiesoftheimportanceofincorporatingwomen'sconcernsintotheirwork;andthestrengtheningofinstitutionsconcernedspecificallywithwomenaswellasthedeepeningofrelationshipsamongthem.Inthecontextofthefirstfactor,sheinformedtheCommitteethatdiscussionshadbeenheldbetweentheDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomenandtheCentreforHumanRightsondevelopingajointplanofactivities,thattheCommissionontheStatusofWomenhadrequestedtheDivisiontoreporttoitonajointplanofactivitieswiththeCentre,thatthenewfocalpointonwomenoftheCentreforHumanRightshadvisitedtheDivision,andthatstaffmembersoftheDivisionhadparticipatedintheworkofotherhumanrightsinstitutionsandmechanisms.13.2 .2TheSecretary-GeneraloftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomenindicatedthattheworkoftheCommitteeplaysadecisiveroleinthehumanrightsreport.Currentlytherewerenow139StatespartiestotheConventionandmanyotherStatesweremovingtowardsratification.This,combinedwiththepredictedemphasisinthePlatformforActiononuniversalratification,wouldsignificantlyincreasetheworkoftheCommittee.SheremindedtheCommitteethatthelimitationonitsmeetingtimeimposedbytheConventioncurrentlyimpededitswork,butthataspecialmeetingofStatespartiestotheConventionwouldtakeplaceon22May1995toconsiderrevisionofthataspectoftheConventionandthatitsrecommendationswouldbeconsideredbytheGeneralAssemblyatitsfiftiethsession.ToallowtheCommitteetocarryoutitsmandatedeffectively,thereisaneedtostrengthentheservicingoftheCommittee.14.2 .2SheinformedtheCommitteethataStatepartyhadwithdrawnreservationstotheConventionandthattheWorldConferenceonWomenwouldundoubtedlyrecommendtootherstofollowsuit.Atitsfortysixthsession,theSubcommissiononPreventionofDiscriminationandProtectionofMinoritieshadagainrequestedtheSecretary-GeneraltoobtaintheCommittee'sviewsastowhetheritwouldbedesirabletohaveanadvisoryopiniononthequestionofreservations.15.2 .2SherecalledthattheCommitteehasrecommendedthecreation,bymeansofanoptionalprotocol,ofaprocedureforcommunicationstotheCommitteeandshenotedthatadraftprotocol,basedonadraftpreparedbyanexpertgroupmeetingconvenedbysomenongovernmentalorganizationswithfinancialassistanceprovidedbysomeGovernmentshadbeencirculatedbyoneoftheCommitteemembersforconsiderationduringthecurrentsession.AnyviewsoftheCommitteeaftersuchconsiderationwouldbeconveyedtotheCommissionontheStatusofWomen.16.2 .2TheSecretary-GeneraloftheWorldConferencenotedthattheCommitteeintendedtoreviseitsrulesofprocedureandguidelinesforthepreparationofnationalreports.ShealsodrewattentiontoGeneralAssemblyresolution49/221Bof23December1994relatedtosummaryrecordsandinvitedtheCommitteetoreviewitsneedforsuchrecords.17.2 .2ShedrewtheattentionoftheCommitteetoGeneralAssemblyresolution49/162of23December1994ontheintegrationofolderwomenindevelopmentandtoresolution1994/5oftheSubcommissiononPreventionofDiscriminationandProtectionofMinoritiesoftheCommissiononHumanRightsrequestingittoincludeintheguidelinesonreportingoftheCommitteeanitemconcerningcontemporaryformsofslavery.@ .BC.Membershipandattendance18.2 .2Inaccordancewitharticle17oftheConvention,theseventhmeetingofStatespartiestotheConventionwasconvenedbytheSecretary-GeneralatUnitedNationsHeadquarterson7February1994.TheStatespartieselected12membersoftheCommitteefromamongthecandidatesnominatedtoreplacethosewhosetermofofficewasduetoexpireon16April1994.19.2 .2AllmembersoftheCommitteeattendedthefourteenthsessionexceptMs.GurdulichdeCorrea;however,Ms.Muoz-G;mezattendedfrom17Januaryto3February1995,Ms.GarciaPrincefrom16to20Januaryandfrom30Januaryto3February,Ms.SunaryatiHartonofrom16to20Januaryandfrom1to3February,andMs.MervatTallawyfrom16to27January1995.20.2 .2AlistofmembersoftheCommittee,togetherwithanindicationofthedurationoftheirtermsofoffice,appearsinannexIItothepresentreport.@ .D.Solemndeclaration21.2 .2Attheopeningofthefourteenthsession,beforeassumingtheirfunctions,thenewlyelectedmembers,TendaiRuthBare(Zimbabwe),DesireePatriciaBernard(Guyana),AuroraJavatedeDios(Philippines),MiriamYolandaEstradaCastillo(Ecuador),SunaryatiHartono(Indonesia),GinkoSato(Japan)andCarmelShalev(Israel),andthefivere-electedmembers,CharlotteCharityAbaka(Ghana),EmnaAouij(Tunisia),IvankaCorti(Italy),LinShangzhen(China)andMervatTallawy(Egypt),madethesolemndeclarationasprovidedforunderrule10oftherulesofprocedureoftheCommittee.@ .<E.Electionofofficers22.2 .2Atits260thmeeting,on16January,theCommitteeelectedthefollowingofficersbyacclamationforatermoftwoyears(1995-1996),inaccordancewitharticle19oftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenandrules13and14oftheCommittee'srulesofprocedure:IvankaCorti(Italy),re-electedasChairperson;EmnaAouij(Tunisia),EvangelinaGarca-Prince(Venezuela)andLinShangzhen(China),Vice-Chairpersons;andHannaBeateSchpp-Schilling(Germany),Rapporteur.@ . F.Adoptionoftheagendaandorganizationofwork23.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheprovisionalagendaandorganizationofwork(CEDAW/C/1995/1)atits261stmeeting,on16January.Theagendaasadoptedwasasfollows:2 .21. .Openingofthesession.2 .22. .SolemndeclarationbythenewmembersoftheCommittee.2 .23. .Electionofofficers.2 .24. .Adoptionoftheagendaandorganizationofwork.2 .25.0 .ReportoftheChairpersononactivitiesundertakenbetweenthethirteenthandfourteenthsessionsoftheCommitteeandconsiderationofthereportofthefifthmeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodiesandactiontakenbytheGeneralAssemblyconcerningtreatybodies.2 .26.0 .ConsiderationofreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle18oftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.2 .27.0 .Implementationofarticle21oftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.2 .28.0 .WaysandmeansofexpeditingtheworkoftheCommittee.2 .29. .ContributionsoftheCommitteetointernationalconferences.2 .210. .Provisionalagendaforthefifteenthsession.2 .211. .AdoptionofthereportoftheCommitteeonitsfourteenthsession.@ . G.Reportofthepre-sessionworkinggroup24.2 .2TheCommitteehaddecidedatitsninthsession6/toconveneapre-sessionworkinggroupforfivedaysbeforeeachsessiontopreparelistsofquestionsrelatingtothesecondandsubsequentperiodicreportsthatwouldbeconsideredbytheCommitteeatthesession.TheCommittee,wishingtoreflecttheideasandviewsofitsvariousmembers,decidedthatitshouldcontinuetosubmittotheSecretariatdraftquestionsonspecificcountriesandarticlesoftheConventionpriortothemeetingoftheworkinggroup.InaccordancewiththedecisionoftheCommitteeatitsthirteenthsession,thepre-sessionworkinggroupmetatUnitedNationsHeadquartersfrom9to13January1995.25.2 .2InaccordancewiththeprovisionalagendaoftheCommittee(CEDAW/C/1995/1),theworkinggrouphadtopreparealistofquestionsforfivecountries:Argentina,Finland,Peru,NorwayandtheRussianFederation.26.2 .2Theworkinggroupconsistedoffourmembersasfollows:SalmaKhan(Chairperson),EvangelinaGarca-Prince,PirkkoAnneliMkinenandAhouaOuedraogo.27.2 .2Atits266thmeeting,on19January,theChairpersonofthepre-sessionworkinggroupintroducedthereportofthegroup(CEDAW/C/1995/CRP.1).Membersadoptedthereportcontainingthelistofquestions,whichwassenttotheStatespartiesconcerned.@ .H.Compositionandorganizationofworkoftheworkinggroups28.2 .2Atits265thmeeting,on18January,theCommitteeagreedonthecompositionofitstwostandingworkinggroups:WorkingGroupItoconsiderwaysandmeansofexpeditingtheworkoftheCommitteeandWorkingGroupIItoconsiderwaysandmeansofimplementingarticle21oftheConvention.29.2 .2WorkingGroupIwascomposedofthefollowingmembersoftheCommittee:DesireePatriciaBernard,CarlotaBusteloGarcadelReal,IvankaCorti,LilianaGurdulichdeCorrea,SalmaKhan,LinShangzhen,ElsaVictoriaMuoz-G;mez,HannaBeateSchpp-Schilling,KongitSinegiorgisandMervatTallawy.30.2 .2WorkingGroupIIwascomposedofthefollowingmembersoftheCommittee:CharlotteAbaka,EmnaAouij,GlAykor,TendaiRuthBare,CarlotaBusteloGarcadelReal,SilviaRoseCartwright,AuroraJavatedeDios,MiriamYolandaEstradaCastillo,EvangelinaGarca-Prince,SunaryatiHartono,SalmaKhan,PirkkoAnneliMkinen,AhouaOuedraogo,GinkoSato,CarmelShalev,LinShangzhen,KongitSinegiorgisandMervatTallawy.̇WorkingGroupI31.2 .2TheSecretariatproposedthefollowingdraftprogrammeofworkforWorkingGroupI:2 .2(a) .ReportstobeconsideredbytheCommitteeatitsfifteenthsession(CEDAW/C/1995/6,chap.VIII);2 .2(b) .DatesofthefifteenthsessionoftheCommittee;2 .2(c) .Reviewoftheneedforsummaryrecords(GeneralAssemblyresolution49/221(statementbytheSecretary-GeneraloftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen);formatoftheannualreportoftheCommittee(questionofinclusionofsummariesoftheconsiderationofthereportsofStatesparties:statementbytheSecretary-GeneraloftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen));2 .2(d) .Issuesraisedbythefifthmeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodies(seeA/49/537,annex),particularlythequestionofthevenueoftheCommittee'ssessionandthelocationofitssecretariat(ibid.,para.51);2 .2(e) .FundingforactivitiesundertakenbytheChairpersonbetweensessionsoftheCommittee;2 .2(f) .ProcedureforexaminationofreportsofStatesparties,includingprocedureforandcontentofnotificationofStatespartiesconcerningtheconsiderationofthereport;2 .2(g) .TechnicalandadministrativearrangementsconcerningtheparticipationofthemembersoftheCommitteeintheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen;2 .2(h) .Reviewoftherulesofprocedure(CEDAW/C/1995/6,chap.II),includingtheroleofnon-governmentalorganizations;2 .2(i) .Reviewofthegeneralguidelinesforthepreparationofinitialandperiodicreports(ibid,chap.III);2 .2(j) .Anyadditionalviewsonreservations,followingarequestoftheSubcommissiononPreventionofDiscriminationandProtectionofMinorities(resolution1994/43,statementbytheSecretary-GeneraloftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen);2 .2(k) .Anintegratedmanagementsystemonhumanrights(AmericanAssociationfortheAdvancementofScience);2 .2(l) .LinkwiththefocalpointonthehumanrightsofwomenoftheCentreforHumanRights;2 .2(m) .Provisionalagendaforthefifteenthsession;2 .2(n) .Nominationofmembersofthepre-sessionworkinggroup.WorkingGroupII32.2 .2TheSecretariatproposedthefollowingdraftprogrammeofworkforWorkingGroupII:2 .2(a) .TheCommittee'scontributiontotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:the"Compendium"andanyothercontribution;2 .2(b) .OptionalProtocol;2 .2(c) .UnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganizationdocumentonCEDAW,DecadeofHumanRightsEducation;2 .2(d) .Generalrecommendationonarticles7and8;2 .2(e) .FollowupwithregardtotheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopment;2 .2(f) .Generalrecommendationonarticle2;2 .2(g) .TheCommittee'sinputtotheWorldSummitforSocialDevelopment.33.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedtheirconcernforsettingprioritiesintheirworkintheworkinggroupsinordertofinishthemostpressingbusiness.@ .Z III.REPORTOFTHECHAIRPERSONONTHEACTIVITIES@ . UNDERTAKENBETWEENTHETHIRTEENTHAND@ . FOURTEENTHSESSIONSOFTHECOMMITTEE34.2 .2Atthe261stmeeting,theChairpersonoftheCommittee,inherintroductorystatement,saidthattheCommitteehadprovenitselftobeanimportanthumanrightsbody,andshesummarizedthenumerousactivitiesshehadundertakensincethethirteenthsession.Shepointedoutthatin1994theattitudeofvariousUnitedNationsbodiestowardstheCommitteehadbeenverypositive.Sheoutlinedthedecisionsofthefifthmeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodies,whichtookplaceattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom19to23September1994.Themeetingtouchedonwomen'shumanrightsgenerallyandtheCommitteeinparticular.Shenotedthatforthefirsttime,thereportofthechairpersonscontainedasectionrelatingspecificallytotheCommitteewhichcriticizedtheresourceconstraintsexperiencedbyit.ItalsorecommendedthattheCommittee,duringitscurrentsession,takeadecisiononwhetheritshouldbebased,likeallotherhumanrightstreatybodies,attheCentreforHumanRightsatGeneva.35.2 .2TheChairpersoninformedtheCommitteethatinformationexchangetookplaceonaregularbasisbetweentheCentreforHumanRightsatGenevaand,throughherandsomeofthedesignatedexperts,theCommittee.Shenotedtheappointmentofthe"focalpoint"forwomen'shumanrightsintheCentre.ShealsoinformedtheCommitteethattheSpecialRapporteuronViolenceagainstWomenwasinattendanceatthissessionandthatshewouldaddresstheCommittee.36.2 .2TheChairpersondescribedeffortswhichshehadmadetoestablishclosercooperationwiththespecializedagenciesoftheUnitedNations.TheUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization(UNESCO)hostedameetingattendedbyfivemembersoftheCommitteethatresultedina"manifesto"relatingtogender-inclusiveculturethrougheducation,tobeapprovedbytheCommitteeandtobediscussedinajointUNESCO/CEDAWworkshopattheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,tobeheldatBeijing.InitialcontactshavebeenmadewiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFund(UNICEF)andtheUnitedNationsPopulationFund.Concretestepstofostercollaborationwithotherspecializedagencies,aswellastheInternationalLabourOrganizationhavenotyetbeentaken.37.2 .2TheChairpersonstressedtheroleofnon-governmentalorganizationsinpublicizingtheConventionandtheworkoftheCommitteeandnotedparticularlythecontributionofInternationalWomen'sRightsActionWatch,withitsregular"IWRAWtoCEDAWreport",andtheInternationalHumanRightsLawGroup,whichhadco-hostedanexpertmeetingsponsoredbysomeGovernments,todevelopaproposalforanoptionalcomplaintsprotocolfortheConvention.38.2 .2TheChairpersonoutlinedthetasksbeforetheCommitteeduringthissession.TheywouldincludeconsiderationoftheproposedoptionalprotocoltointroducearightofpetitionundertheConvention,anycontributionthattheCommitteemightliketomaketotheWorldSummitforSocialDevelopment,theCommittee'sroleinthefollow-uptotheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopment,itsroleintheDecadeforHumanRightsEducationandthecontributionoftheCommitteetotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen.39.2 .2InresponsetoconcernsexpressedbymembersoftheCommitteeregardingthelackofresourcesavailabletotheChairpersontoundertakeherintersessionalactivities,theDeputyDirectoroftheDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomenindicatedthatgeneralresourcesfortheCommitteewereappropriatedbytheGeneralAssemblybasedontheprovisionsoftheConventionandsubsequentdecisionsoftheAssembly.SometravelexpensesoftheChairpersonhadbeenfinancedfromsavingsoftheseresourcesduring1994,and,onseveraloccasions,theDivisionhadundertakentoassisttheChairpersonincommunicatingwithmembersoftheCommittee.ǀIV.CONSIDERATIONOFREPORTSSUBMITTEDBYSTATESPARTIES̀UNDERARTICLE18OFTHECONVENTION@ .A.Introduction40.2 .2Atitsfourteenthsession,theCommitteeconsideredthereportssubmittedby10Statespartiesunderarticle18oftheConvention:2initialreports,3combined7/initialandsecondperiodicreports,3secondperiodicreports,2thirdperiodicreportsand2fourthperiodicreports.TheCommitteealsoconsideredonereportsubmittedonanexceptionalbasis.Asdecidedatitsthirteenthsession,theCommitteepreparedconcludingcommentsoneachreportconsidered.Furthermore,itpreparedconcludingcommentsonfourreportsconsideredduringthethirteenthsessionwhichweredeferredtothefourteenthsession.ForthestatusofthesubmissionofreportsbyStatesparties,seeannexIVtothepresentreport.41.2 .2TheCommittee'sconsiderationofreportsoftheStatespartiesissummarizedbelow,withasummaryoftheintroductorypresentationsbytherepresentativesoftheStatesparties,oftheobservationsmadeandthequestionsaskedbythemembersoftheCommittee,therepliesgivenbytherepresentativesoftheStatespartiespresentatthemeetings,aswellastheconcludingcommentstothereportsaspreparedbytwomembersoftheCommitteerespectively.ThesummaryrecordsprovidemoredetailedinformationonthereportssubmittedbyStatesparties.@ .tB.Considerationofreports@ .1.Initialreports*@ .Bolivia42.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofBolivia(CEDAW/C/BOL/1andAdd.1)atits262nd,263rdand267thmeetings,on17and20January1995(seeCEDAW/C/SR.262,263and267).43.2 .2Inintroducingthereport,therepresentativeofBoliviasaidthatthetimethathadelapsedbetweenthesubmissionoftheinitialreportin1991anditspresentationin1995hadcreatedadifficultyforthecountrybecauseduringthattimetheGovernmenthadchangedand,consequently,majorchangeshadoccurredwithregardtothepolicyofequality.Aftermanyyearsofdictatorship,thecountrywascompletingitsfirstdecadeofdemocracy.Atthesametime,therewasageneraleconomiccrisisandstructuraladjustmentshadtakenplace.Asaresult,manysocialissueshadhadtobepostponedowingtotheprioritygiventomacroeconomicstabilization.Therepresentativesaidthathercountryhadanextensivehistoryofactivewomen'smovements.Thoseorganizationshadplayedanimportantroleinreturningthecountrytodemocracyandhadlaidthegroundworkforgovernmentalactionfortheadvancementofwomenandfordevelopingsocialpoliciesaimedatachievingequalityandalleviatingpoverty.________________________2 .2* .Includingsubsequentreports,ifsubmitted,inthosecaseswheretheinitialreportoftheStatepartyhadnotyetbeenconsideredbytheCommittee.44.2 .2ThethreemajorchangeswerethereformoftheExecutiveBranchwithadecentralizationindecisionmaking,theestablishmentoftheOfficeoftheUnderSecretaryforGenderAffairswithintheMinistryofHumanDevelopmentandreformsoftheConstitutionandthelegalframeworkinkeepingwithmarketeconomy,whichrefertoBoliviaasamultiethnic,multiculturalcountry.Therepresentativesaidthatwhiletheinitialreporthadgiventheimpressionthatdejureequalitywasfullyimplementedandthatobstaclesresidedonlyinthepracticalimplementation,therewerestilllawsandpracticesthatviolatedtheprincipleofequality.Whereasformerlysocialpolicyhadbeendealtwithsectorallyinvariousadministrativeunits,theprogrammeforwomencreatedin1992undertheNationalInstituteforMinors,WomenandtheFamilyand,later,theNationalSecretariatforEthnic,GenderandGenerationalAffairscreatedin1993,hadproposedsectoralpoliciesforthefemalepopulationtoensureanacrosstheboardgenderperspective.45.2 .2ThemostimportantpolicymeasurewastheLawonPopularParticipation,whichhaddecentralizedtheStateanditsfinancialresources,recognizedthelegalstatusofgrassrootsorganizations,providedgovernmentfundingforthoseorganizations,respectedpeople'straditionsandcustoms,integratedgenderequalityandlaiddowntheprincipleofequalopportunityandempoweredadministrationsatalllevelstoestablishprogrammesforwomen.AnotherimportantstepwastheenactmentoftheLawonEducationReform,whichlaiddowntheprincipleoffree,universalandmandatoryeducationwithoutcost,basedontheprincipleofequalopportunityandgenderequality.Unlikethepastattemptofenforced"Hispanization",bilingualandmulticulturaleducationwaspresentlyforeseen,fromwhich,inparticular,girlsandwomenwouldprofit.AfurtherimportantstepwastheadoptionoftheNationalPlanforthePreventionandEradicationofViolence.ItdemonstratedtheGovernment'sunderstandingthatlackofrespectforhumanrightswasalsoanobstacletodevelopmentandshoweditsparticularconcernfordomesticviolence.Itwasbeingcarriedoutthroughaninterministerialtaskforceandprovidedfreelegalandhealthcareservicestofemalevictimsofviolence.46.2 .2Therepresentativesaidthatalthoughwomencontinuedtocarrythemajorburdenofpoverty,changeswouldbeintroducedthroughtheimplementationofparticipatoryplanning.Shehighlightedthemostimportantrecentchanges,asdescribedintheaddendumtotheinitialreport,andunderlinedthatthemostimportantmessageshewantedtobringwasthatBoliviahadinstitutionalizeditspublicpolicieswithagenderapproach.Generalobservations47.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedthewellstructuredandfrankreport,whichadheredtothegeneralguidelines,anditssincereandobjectivepresentation.ItdemonstratedthepoliticalwillofthecountryandwaswellplacedwithinthenationalrealitiesbyshowingthattheGovernmentwasawareoftheobstaclesthathadtobeovercome.Thenewlegislativeandadministrativereformsdemonstratedverypositivelytheintegratedapproachtakenregardingwomen'sissues.TheycommendedthefactthatBoliviahadratifiedtheConventionwithoutenteringreservationsandcongratulatedtheGovernmentonitsfutureplanstoimplementfurthertheConvention,andinparticulartoredressthesituationofindigenousandruralwomen.MemberswerefavourablyimpressedbythereformoftheExecutiveBranchandthecreationoftheNationalSecretariatforEthnic,GenderandGenerationalAffairs.Theycommendedtheestablishmentofaninter-ministerialtaskforceandthemeasuresundertakenandcommissionscreatedtoeradicateviolenceagainstwomen,andinparticulardomesticviolencebetweenthespousesaswellasbetweenthefirstandseconddegreeofconsanguinity.Theyalsoconsideredcommendablethestepstakentoelaborateahealthcode.TheywelcomedtheeffortsmadetopresentBoliviaasamulticulturalandmultiethnicsociety.48.2 .2InreplytoobservationsmadebythemembersthattheGovernmentshouldtakemeasurestoincorporatetheConventionintonationallegislationandtoquestionsastowhethertheConventioncouldpresentlybeinvokedinthecourtsandwhetheranyinitiativesexistedtoincorporatetheprovisionsoftheConventionintotheConstitution,therepresentativestatedthattheConventionhadbecomepartofBolivianlegislationon15September1989andcouldbeinvokedbeforethecourts.WhileatthetimeofpreparingtheinitialreporttheConventionhadbeenverylittleknownbyjudgesandotherpublicauthorities,moreandmorelawyerswerenowtakingrecoursetotheConvention.49.2 .2Membersrecommendedasoneoftheprioritytasksthataninventorybemadeofthelawsthatwerestilldiscriminatorytowomeninanefforttoamendthem.TheyaskedhowmotivatedtheGovernmentwastobringingnationallawsintolinewiththerequirementsoftheConventionandwhetheritwasdonesystematicallyoronanadhocbasis.Inreply,therepresentativesaidthatthenationalSecretariathadanOfficeofLegalReform,whichhadthetaskofbringingBolivianlegislationintolinewiththerequirementsoftheConvention.Therepresentativementionedtheamendmentsthatwerebeingmadetoseverallaws,suchastheLawonDomesticWorkersregardingtheirworkinghours,theGeneralLabourLawregardingexcessiveprotectionismofwomen,theLawonDomesticViolencethatshouldrepealarticle276ofthePenalCodeandtheFamilyCoderegardingageofmarriage,freechoiceofoccupationandreasonsfordivorce.Furtheramendmentsconcernedthearticlesconcerningsexualviolencewiththeaimoftreatingdomesticviolenceasanexofficiooffence,theHealthCodeandPropertyLawthatshouldgivewomenaccesstoproperty,aswellastheLawonPoliticalParties.Furthermore,changesinfavourofwomenwerebeingmadetovariousmunicipaldecrees.50.2 .2Membersrecommendedthatthelownumberofwomenindecisionmakingpositionsshouldbeconsideredasacriticalareaofconcern.Askedabouttheoutlookforwomentobebetterrepresentedinpoliticalpartiesandindecisionmakingpositionsandanymechanismsforincreasingwomen'sparticipation,therepresentativesaidthatalthoughtheLawonPopularParticipationgavewomenequalopportunities,noquotaswereforeseen.TheUnderSecretariatforGenderAffairswas,however,consideringtemporarymeasurestoremedythesituation.51.2 .2Membersexpressedthehopethatmeasureswouldbetakentocorrectthedefactodiscriminationoftenpractisedbyemployers.ConsideringthatBolivia'sdevelopmentindexwasataratheralarminglevel,ontheonehand,andthattheGovernment'slevelofcommitmentseemedtobeveryhigh,ontheother,itwouldbeimportantforthecountrytosubmititssubsequentreportontimeandtoplacethereinagreaterfocusontheprogrammesundertaken.52.2 .2BearinginmindthatBoliviawasconsideredtohaveoneofthefastestgrowingeconomiesinLatinAmerica,membersinquiredwhethertherecenteconomicgrowthhadhadapositiveimpactonthestatusofwomen.Therepresentativeexplainedthatincomedistributionmeasureswerebeingtakenandthatwhilelocaldemandswerebeingtakenintoaccount,thedemandsofwomenwerebeinggivenparticularattention.TheGovernmentwascurrentlyalsoelaboratinggenderstatistics.Agenderinvestigationandinformationmechanismhadbeenputintoactiontostudytheimpactofpovertyonthefemalepopulation.53.2 .2Asareactiontotheobservationmadebymembersthatwomenshouldbeencouragedtobeawareoftheirlegalrightsandthatlackofaccesstolegalaidwasoftenoneoftheobstaclestotheadvancementofwomen,therepresentativesaidthatthemajorobstaclestotheimplementationoftheConventionwereresistance,prejudicesandignoranceonthepartofthejudgesaboutthecontentsoftheConventionaswellasthecrisisintheactuallegalsystem.AllcommentsbymemberswouldbethebasisforconsiderationforfuturenationalpoliciesonwomenbyBolivia.Inordertoovercomethosedifficulties,theNationalSecretariathadstartedanawarenessraisingandtrainingprogrammeforlawofficials.54.2 .2MemberscommendedtheGovernmentrepresentativeforherfrankrepliesandexpressedtheirhopethatthenextreportwouldgiveanaccountofalltheobstaclesandfailuresencounteredbytheNationalSecretariatincarryingoutitspoliciesandwouldbesupplementedbyamplestatistics.Inthankingthemembersforthequestionsraised,therepresentativeoftheGovernmentsaidthattheywouldformthebasisforfuturepoliciesandserveasaguideintheelaborationofperiodicreports.Questionsrelatedtospecificarticles2 .2Article255.2 .2MembersraisedquestionsaboutthetypeofmechanismsthroughwhichtheNationalSecretariatintroducedsectoralpolicies,aboutitsdecisionmakingpowers,itsresourcesandthechannelsofcooperationwithothergovernmentagencies.Therepresentativerepliedthatthemechanismswerefocalpointsforruraldevelopment,educationandpopularparticipation,afewcommitteesdealingwithspecificissues,variousotherconnectionsatthesocietalandinternationallevelsandthattheNationalSecretariatwasrepresentedinsevenoutofthenineprovincesofthecountry.TheNationalSecretariatcouldadoptmandatoryresolutionsandissuemandatorydecreesandwasworkingincoordinationwiththeParliamentaryWomen'sCommissionandallthepoliticalpartiesthatwererepresentedintheParliament.Ithadsufficientresources,25percentofwhichcamefromthenationalGovernmentand75percentfrominternationalassistance.Variousotherprogrammeshadbeencarriedoutbyothersourcesintheareaofhealthandeducation,butitwasdifficulttoquantifytheirimpactonwomen.56.2 .2InthelightofthefactthatBoliviawasstillcharacterizedbymaledomination,membersinquiredinwhatwaytheNationalSecretariatwasensuringthattheLawonPopularParticipationguaranteedequalopportunitiesatthegrassrootslevel.TherepresentativementionedinthatcontextaplandesignedbytheNationalSecretariat,incollaborationwiththeNationalSecretariatforPopularParticipation,whichshouldstrengthennon-governmentalorganizationsatthelocallevelandmaintainadialoguewiththelocalpoliticalinstitutionsinordertointroducethegenderperspectiveatthemunicipallevel.Atransferoffinancialresourcesonthebasisofdemographiccriteriawouldsupportlocalprogrammesandwomen'sprogrammes.2 .2Article357.2 .2Whenmembersinquiredaboutthepositiveeffectsoftheeducationalreformongirlsinruralareas,therepresentativesaidthatastrikingexamplewasthebilingualeducationintheGuaranarea.Ithadhadapositiveimpactontheinherentproblemsofschooldesertion,therepeatingofclassesandthefunctionalanalphabetism.̇58.2 .2Memberswelcomedtheinstitutionalizationofpoliciesofequalityinthecountry,particularlyattimesoffrequentchangesinpoliticalleadership,andpointedtotheimportanceofmainstreamingthegenderaspectwithinthedevelopmentprocess.&  2 .2Article459.2 .2Membersaskedforconcreteexamplesoftemporaryspecialmeasures,andwhetheranysuchmeasureswereforeseentocorrectthehighilliteracyrate,the'  lowemploymentrateofwomenandthelowrateofparticipationofwomeninpoliticaldecisionmakingortoprotectindigenousandruralwomen.Therepresentativesaidalthoughpresentlynotemporaryspecialmeasuresexisted,theadoptionofsuchmeasureswasunderdiscussioninordertopromotehigherschoolattendanceofgirls.2 .2Article560.2 .2Askedaboutanyeffortstoovercomesexstereotypingineducation,inthefamilyandinthemediaandtheexistenceofanystudyonthematter,therepresentativesaidthatwithinitseducationalreformtheGovernmentwasmodifyingschoolcurriculaandtextbooksandconcurrentlytrainingteachers.61.2 .2Regardingtheroleplayedbynon-governmentalorganizationsinconnectionwiththePlanforthePreventionandEradicationofViolenceagainstWomen,therepresentativesaidthattheircontributionshadbeentakenintoaccountinitselaborationandalsoindraftingtheLawonDomesticViolence.62.2 .2Astomeasurestakentochangetheattitudeofcourtofficialsdealingwithcomplaintsregardingviolenceagainstwomen,therepresentativestatedthatwithintheNationalSecretariattherewasadepartmentthatdealtwiththetrainingofvarioussectorsofthejudiciary.63.2 .2Regardingtheallegedcontradictionbetweenthestatementsmadeinparagraphs84and85ofthereportconcerningdiscriminationregardingwomenholdingcertainpositions,therepresentativeexplainedthatstudieshadmadeclearthelegal,socialandculturaldiscriminationofwomenintheworkplaceandthelackofefficientmechanismstodealwithitasthelawdidnotforeseeanysanctions.Thepracticehadshownthatwomeninsimilarprofessionsandholdingthesameacademicdegreesasmenearnedbetween30and50percentlessthantheirmalecounterparts.2 .2Article664.2 .2Asprostitutionexistedinpracticallyeverycountryintheworld,membersfeltthatBoliviashouldnothaveanymisgivingsaboutits"indirectapproval"referredtoinparagraph86ofthereportandconsideredthepracticeofperiodicmedicalexaminationsofprostitutesalaudablemeasure.Furtherinformationwasrequestedaboutthenumberofwomenprostitutes,theirsocialstrata,theconditionsunderwhichtheyworkedandthemeasurestakenfortheirsocialreintegration.65.2 .2Regardinganypossibleprotectionofprostitutesagainstthehumanimmunodeficiencyvirus(HIV)/acquiredimmunedeficiencysyndrome(AIDS),therepresentativesaidthatalthoughtheNationalAIDSProgrammeforesawmeasuresofpreventionforprostitutes,nocorrespondinglawshadasyetbeenadopted.66.2 .2MembersrecommendedthattheGovernmentlookintothevariousaspectsofprostitutionasitwasregardedasasevereviolationofhumanrightsandoneofthemostsevereformsofslavery.TherepresentativeexplainedthattherewasacontradictioninBoliviabetweenthePenalCodeandpoliceregulationsinthattherewasabolitionistlegislationagainstpimping,butwhereaswomenprostituteswerepenalized,menremainedunpunished.67.2 .2Regardingaquestionaboutthemeaningof"offencesagainstsexualmorality",therepresentativesaidsuchoffencesoughttobeeliminatedfromthePenalCodeastheywerediscriminatoryagainstwomen.68.2 .2Asthereportindicatedthattraffickinginwomendidnotexist,membersaskedwhetherspecificmeasurespreventedwomenfrommigratingforthepurposeofprostitution.Membersfoundthecontentsofparagraphs88and99ofthereportcontradictoryinthatstudieshadprovedthattherewasacloseconnectionbetweentraffickinginwomenandprostitution.2 .2Article769.2 .2AskedabouttheinitiativestakenbytheGovernmentortheNationalSecretariatforEthnic,GenderandGenerationalAffairstoprovidesupporttowomen'snon-governmentalorganizations,therepresentativestatedthattheGovernmentrecognizedtheroleofsuchorganizationsasagentsofdevelopment.TheirautonomywasentirelyrespectedandtheyreceivednofinancialsupportfromtheGovernment.Amongothers,theyhadparticipatedinelaboratingthePlanforthePreventionandEradicationofViolenceagainstWomen;however,itwasimportantthattheytookadifferentapproachvisvistheStateandrecognizeditsroleandtheirroles,respectively.70.2 .2Membersinquiredwhichincentiveswerebeingprovidedtoincreasewomen'sparticipationinpoliticallifeandtheirrepresentationinpoliticalpartiesandwhetherwomeninpoliticalpartiesobtainedfinancialsupportfortheircampaigns.TherepresentativeexplainedthattheNationalSecretariatwascurrentlyworkingonareformoftheLawonPoliticalParties,whichshouldincreasetheparticipationofwomen.Nogovernmentsupportwasgiventopoliticalpartiesnortowomenfortheirparticipation.71.2 .2MembersaskedwhethertheLawonPopularParticipationwasbeingimplemented,whetheritrespectedthevariousformsoflegalorganizationsamongindigenouswomenandwhetherindigenouswomenandmenreceivedlegaltraining.TherepresentativeexplainedthatunderthatLawmunicipalitieswereobligedtoincorporaterequestsbylocalwomen'sorganizationsintheirplansandthatlegaltrainingaswellasthesettingupoflocalinformationandcommunicationnetworksatmunicipalandlocallevelswereforeseen.Shepointedtothegoalthatatleast10percentofthemunicipalstructuresshouldincludewomenwithinthenextthreeyears.72.2 .2Consideringtheabsenceofaquotasystem,theyaskedwhethertherewasanongoingprogrammetoutilizegrassrootsorganizationsforworkingoutprogrammesforciviceducationtoraisethecivicawarenessofwomen,toinformthemofthenecessitytovoteandtotakepartinpoliticallifeand,therefore,tohaveidentificationcardsinordertoregistertotakepartinthepolls.Therepresentativestatedthatpresently46percentofthepopulationabove10yearsdidnothaveidentificationcards.TheGovernmentwas,withforeignaid,workingonanationalregistrationprogrammeanditwashopedthatby1997allcitizenswouldhaveidentificationcards.Theagetovotewas18years.73.2 .2Membersinquiredaboutthecurrentnumberofwomenministersandaboutthestatusofwomeninthepoliceforce.Theyaskedwhetherwomenhadequalpossibilitiesasmenofbeingpromoted.74.2 .2Membersaskedwhetherthetrainingformilitarycareershadresumedforwomenandwhatpossibilitieswomenhadtopursuemilitarycareers.Therepresentativestatedthatitwascurrentlynotanissuefornationaldebate.Itwaspresentlymoreurgenttoinvestinactivitiessuchaseducationandhealth.2 .2Article875.2 .2Membersaskedwhattherequirementswereforworkingintheforeignserviceandwhethertheyweredifferentforwomenandformen.Theyalsowantedtoknowwhetherhusbandsopposedtheirwivesworkingabroadorwhethertheywerenotallowedtojointheirwivesworkingintheforeignservice.2 .2Article976.2 .2RegardingquestionsabouttransmissionofnationalitytherepresentativestatedthataBolivianwomanmarriedtoaforeignercouldtransmithernationalitytoherhusbandandherchildren.2 .2Article1077.2 .2MembersaskedaboutthereasonsforthelargegapintherateofilliteracybetweenwomenandmenandwhethertheGovernmentwasundertakingmeasurestoencouragefemaleadulteducation.Questionswerealsoaskedaboutthepercentageofpupilsthatwereenrolledinprivateandinpublicschoolsandwhetherplansexistedtoprivatizetheeducationsystem.78.2 .2Asbilingualeducationstoppedatthefifthgradelevel,itwasaskedhowthenon-hispanicgroupscouldfullyparticipateinthewholeeducationalsystem.Membersfeltthattherecouldbeacontradictionbetweentheeducationalpolicies,thatsoughttorespectthevariousculturesandthosethataimedatavoidinggenderstereotyping.Membersaskedwhetherthereweregenderorwomen'sstudiesatthetertiarylevelofeducation.Thegovernmentrepresentativewasaskedtocommentontheissue.MembersalsoaskedwhetherhealtheducationincludedinformationonfamilyplanningandpreventionofHIV/AIDS.2 .2Article1179.2 .2Membersassumedthattheemploymentplanprovidedformeasurestoclosethegendergap.However,asregardssalaries,indigenouswomenwerethemostdisadvantagedgroup.Membersaskedwhetherconcreteinitiativesexistedtointroduceagenderapproachinvocationaltrainingandwhethertherewasalegallyguaranteedminimumwageand,ifso,whetheritwasdifferentforwomenandformen.80.2 .2Regardingthehighrateofgrowthofstreettrading,mostlycarriedoutbywomen,itwasaskedwhetherthatsectoroftertiaryurbaneconomicactivitywasincludedintheformalstatisticsofthecountry.Membersinquiredwhethertherewasalawonsexualharassmentattheworkplace,whethermeasuresexistedforthewelfareandprotectionofwomendomesticworkersandwhichprogrammesrespondedtotheeconomicneedsofmigrantwomen.TherepresentativerepliedthatalawregulatingworkingconditionsfordomesticworkerswasnowunderconsiderationinParliament.81.2 .2Becauseoftheabsenceofchildcarecentresitwasaskedwhethertheburdenofcaringfortheirbrothersandsistersinadditiontohelpingwithhouseworkresidedontheshouldersoftheyounggirlsand,consequently,preventedthemfromattendingschool.2 .2Article1282.2 .2Askedaboutabortion,therepresentativeexplainedthatitwaslegalonlyincasesofrapeanddangertothemother'slife.Shedidnotgivetheactualrateofabortion,butsaidthatitwaswidespreadandcarriedoutinunsafeconditions.Itaccountedfor30percentofmaternalmortality.TheGovernmentdidnotintendtolegalizeabortion.Askedaboutconsciousnessraisingprogrammesforfamilyplanningschemes,shesaidthattheGovernmentfullyendorsedthedeclarationadoptedattheWorldConferenceonPopulationandDevelopmentheldatCairoin1994concerningreproductiverightsandsexualeducationforteenagersinviewofthehealthofthefamily.83.2 .2Itwasaskedwhethertherewasaconstitutionalorlegalbasisforthehighfertilityrateofwomenorwhetherthereasonslaywithinsocietalorculturalaspects.Commentsweremadeonthechronicmalnutritionaffectingwomenanditwasaskedwhatpercentageofwomen,ingeneral,hadaccesstosafemotherhood,whatthesituationwasinruralareasandwhichmeasurestheGovernmenthadinitiatedtoreduceteenagepregnanciesandthehighlevelofmaternalmortality.84.2 .2Membersaskedwhethervictimsofrapecouldreporttheincidentstothepublicprosecutors,andifso,whethermeasureswerebeingtakentoliftanylegalbiasagainstrapevictims.Membersaskedfurtherwhethercrisiscentrestookcareofvictimsofrapeorothersexualabuseandhowthepoliceandthecourtswerehandlingcasesofviolenceagainstwomenandwhethertheyreceivedanytrainingonthesematters.2 .2Article1485.2 .2Sinceruralwomenseemedtobethemostdisadvantaged,membersfeltthattheyshouldbethesubjectofmajorconcernandaskedthattheyandtheirplightbegivenmorevisibilityinthenextreport.86.2 .2Itwasaskedtowhichpartofthepopulationindigenouspeoplebelonged,whetherindigenouspeoplewereequivalenttopeopleinruralareasandwhethernon-indigenouspeoplehadbetterlivingconditionsthanthey.Membersaskedfurtherhowmuchoftheresourcesofmunicipalitieswerededicatedtoindigenouswomen,howtheyparticipatedingeneralprogrammesandwhetherspecialprogrammeswerededicatedtothem.Membersinquiredfurtherwhattypeofnationalandinternationalinvestmentwasmadeinruraldevelopmentandhowithadbenefitedruralwomen.Theyaskedwhetherithadincreasedtheirproductivity,whethertheycouldusetechnologyandtowhatextentitwasenvironmentfriendly.Memberssoughtinformationonwhetherinitiativeswerebeingtakentocreatepre-schoolfacilitiesinruralareasandwhethernon-governmentalwomen'sorganizationsorwomenworkingatthegrassrootslevelhadprovidedprogrammestoimprovetheconditionsofthegirlchildinruralareas.&  2 .2Article1687.2 .2MemberscommendedtheGovernmentforadoptinganewFamilyCode,althoughanumberofprovisions,suchasmarriage,divorceandfamilyassistance,stillneededtobeadopted.Astothequestionofwhethertherewasanylegalprovisiongivingthehusbandtherighttoprohibithiswifefromengagingincertainoccupationsiftheyimpingeduponherdomestictasks,therepresentativerepliedthattherestrictionhadbeenreviewed.Informationwassoughtontheexistenceofadraftlawtochangethelegalprovisionthatpreventedwomenfromaccusingaviolentspouseandwhethermeasureshadbeentakentosensitizejudgeswithregardtowomenandminors.'  88.2 .2MemberscommentedthattheregulationsregardingguardianshipwereinblatantcontradictiontotheprovisionsoftheConvention.Regardingsinglemothers'statusinrelationtoadoptionitwasstatedthatasinglemothercouldadoptachildandcouldtransferhernationalitytotheadoptedchild.89.2 .2Membersaskedaboutthepercentageofabandonedchildrenandinquiredwhethermeasureswereenvisagedtopreventtheabandonmentofchildren.TheyalsorequestedinformationonsurrogatemothersandonadoptionofBolivianchildrenbywomenoutsideBolivia.InformationwassoughtonmeasurestoprotectforeignwomenintheirstatusaswivesofBolivianmenanditwasaskedwhetheraBolivianhusbandcouldpreventhisforeignbornwifeandherchildrenfromleavingthecountry.90.2 .2Membersaskedwhetherthelegalequalityandjointresponsibilitiesasdescribedinparagraph376ofthereportwereleadingtosocialinequalities.91.2 .2MembersurgedtheGovernmenttoreconsidertheprovisiondescribedinparagraph326ofthereport,accordingtowhichawomanhadtoobserveatimelimitof300daysbeforemarryingagain.Theysoughtclarificationoftheprovisionsgoverningthenameofaperson,asdescribedinparagraphs309and310ofthereportandaskedwhetheritwastruethatinspiteoftherightsofmotherstotransmittheirnametotheirchildrenitwasstillthehusbandswhodecidedwhatwashappeninginthefamily.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction92.2 .2TheCommitteecommendstheGovernmentofBoliviaforsubmittingthereportwithintherequiredtimeandforfollowingtheguidelines.TheCommitteenotedthattheoralpresentationcomplementedtheoriginalreportsubmittedin1991andconcentratedonthetimebetween19921995,duringwhichthecountryundertookmajoreffortstopromotegenderpoliciesthatwerebeneficialtotheadvancementofwomen,therebyovercominganeutralpolicywhichdidnotdifferentiatebetweenmenandwomen,andwhichmaintainedstereotypedrolemodels.TheGovernmentapplaudedtheeffortsofthenongovernmentalorganizationsaswellastheeffortsofthepresentGovernment.2 .2Positiveaspects93.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthatBoliviahadmadegreatstridesinintroducingandinstitutionalizingpublicpolicieswithafocusonthegenderperspective.Thishasbeenreflectedintheestablishmentofagovernmentagencyforgenderissues,theNationalSecretariatforEthnic,GenderandGenerationalAffairs.TheCommitteenotedalsothattheSecretariatwasinchargeofpoliciesandprogrammeswhichhadtakenanintersectoralandregionalapproach.94.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthattherecentlypromulgatedLawonPopularParticipationwasofgreatimportance,asitdecentralizedpowerandresourcestothemunicipallevel,givinggrassrootsorganizations,includingwomen'sorganizations,alegalrecognitionandaccesstoresources.Thus,thelawaimedatprovidingequalopportunitiestograssrootsorganizationsbymandatingmunicipalitiestopursueagenderperspectiveintheirpolicies.95.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedtheeducationalreforms,whichwereaimedatprovidingbilingualeducation,favouringtherebytheeducationofgirls,andthedevelopmentofamulticulturalsocietycrossinggenderbarriers.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern96.2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithconcernthatthebudgetoftheBoliviannationalmachineryforwomenwasonlypartiallyfinancedfromthenationalbudgetandwaslargelydependentoninternationalsubsidies.97.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedconcernsabouttheimpactofstructuraladjustmentprogrammesonwomenandthefeminizationofpoverty.98.2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithconcernthespecificdisadvantagesofruralwomen.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations99.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendstotheGovernmentofBoliviatogiveparticularattentiontoamendingarticle276ofthePenalCodetoabolishtheprovisionwhichinhibitsajustsolutiontotheproblemsofdomesticviolence.100.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfortheeffectivepoliticalparticipationofwomentheGovernmentestablishesquotasforwomen'shighlevelrepresentationinthepublicadministrationandcallstheattentionofpoliticalpartiestothateffect.101.2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketoseeinthesubsequentreportstatisticswhichshowtheresultsofprogrammessuchasthePopularParticipationPlan,theNationalPlanforthePreventionandforEradicationofViolenceandtheeducationalreform.102.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststotheGovernmenttolookintothevariousaspectsofprostitutionwhichisregardedasaseverecaseofhumanrightsviolationsandoneofthemostheinousformsofslavery.103.2 .2TheCommitteerequeststhattheplightofruralwomenbegivenmorevisibilityinthenextreport,includingmeasurestomitigateit.104.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthataninventoryshouldbemadeofthelawsthatarediscriminatingtowomen,withaviewtohavingthemamended.&  @ .Chile105.2 .2Atits264thand271stmeetings,on18and24January1995,theCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofChile(CEDAW/C/CHI/1).106.2 .2Inintroducingthereportanditsupdate,therepresentativeofChilestressedtheimportanceofinternationalcommitments,andinparticulartheConvention,fortheChileanGovernment.ShealsopointedoutthattherecentpoliticalchangesinChilehadnotaffectedtheprogrammefortheimplementation'  oftheConvention,thankstothecontinuedandsustainedprocessofconsultationpromotedbytheGovernment.SpecialeffortshadbeenmadebytheNationalOfficeforWomen'sAffairs(SERNAM)inordertoupdatetheinitialreportpresentedin1991.107.2 .2TherepresentativepointedoutthatalthoughabortionwasillegalinChile,in1990oneoutofeverythreepregnancieshadendedinabortion.Fertilityhasdiminishedineveryagegroup.Familyplanningpolicieswereaimedatestablishingnon-discriminatoryaccesstobirthcontrolandtomethodsforovercominginfertility.Fewerwomenwereinfectedbythehumanimmunodeficiencyvirus(HIV),thanmen,thoughtherehadbeenasignificantincreaseinthenumberofwomeninfected.108.2 .2Sheindicatedthatthepovertyratewashigheramongwomenthanamongmenandthatwomenrepresentedanincreasingproportionamongthepoor.Currently,oneofeveryfourhouseholdswerefemale-headedandthesetendedtobepoorerthanthoseheadedbymen.Shefurtherreportedthat,in1991,SERNAMhadadoptedanationalprogrammeforthepreventionofdomesticviolence.109.2 .2Therepresentativehighlightedthattheparticipationofwomenintheworkforcehadincreasedsignificantlyintheformalandinformalsectorsinthelastfewdecadesandthatfemaleemploymentwasincreasingatafasterpacethanthatofmen.Nevertheless,theunemploymentrateforwomenwashigherthanthatformen.Shealsoreportedthatwomen'slevelofeducationhadimproved.However,womenhadnotbeenabletoimprovetheirpositioninthejobmarketbecauseanunequalvaluewasassignedtotheirwork.Moreover,studieshadrevealedthatthehigherthelevelofeducationthewomanhad,thegreaterthesalarydiscrimination.110.2 .2TherepresentativenotedthatwomenhavehadlittleinvolvementintheexecutivebranchofGovernment;currently,theGovernmenthadthreewomenministers.Women'sparticipationinthelegislativebranchhadbeentraditionallylow.Duringtheperiodfrom1990to1994,therewereonly6.5percentand5.8percentofwomenamongsenatorsanddeputiesrespectively.Women'spoliticalparticipationhadincreasedinpoliticalpartiesandinsomeofthemtheyaccountedfor40to50percentofmembers.Whiletherewasadialogueregardingpoliticaldiscriminationagainstwomen,thereremainedalowpresenceofwomenatdecision-makinglevels.111.2 .2TherepresentativestressedthatthepoliticalcontextofChileexplainedwhytherehadbeenlimitedlegislativechangesintroducedbytheGovernment,particularlywherewomenwereconcerned.Thecurrentdelicatepoliticalequilibrium,reachedafter17yearsofdictatorship,hadcreatedasituationinwhichitwasextremelydifficulttopasslegislationwithouttheagreementofthecurrentopposition.112.2 .2TherepresentativestressedthatthepoliciesofthemilitaryGovernmenttowardswomenhadbeenassistance-orientedandpaternalisticandthattheyhadreinforcedtraditionalpatternsregardingtheroleofwomeninsociety.Inresponsetowomen'sdemands,in1990thefirstdemocraticGovernmenthadappointedwomentotoppositionsandhadcreatedSERNAM.TheachievementsofSERNAMbetween1991and1993hadincludedrecognitionofdiscriminationagainstwomen,strengtheningofSERNAM'sinstitutionalmechanismsandtherecognitionofsomepersistentrealitiessuchasdomesticviolenceandtheprecariousstatusofwomenworkingfromhome.113.2 .2Therepresentativestressedthat,inordertoaddagenderdimensiontoallgovernmentpolicies,thecurrentGovernmentassumedthatdiscriminationagainstwomenwasnotexpressedthroughoccasionalorpartialsituations,butratherwassystematicandhencerequiredstructuralandculturalchanges.Consequently,theGovernmenthaddesignedanequalopportunitypolicywhichaimedatreversingstructuralchangesoastoeliminatediscrimination.Overthenextdecade,programmesandactionplanswouldbeundertakenwithinthatframework.Therepresentativenotedthecomplicatedprocessofimplementingthepolicy,whichrequiredcoordinationamongministriesandtheidentificationofareasoftoppriorityandtheirintegrationintothetargetsandbudgetplansofeachministry.114.2 .2Fortheperiodfrom1994to1999,anequalopportunityplanhadbeendesignedasthefundamentalinstrumentforaccomplishingthefirststageoftheequalopportunitypolicy.Theplansoughttoincreaseandimprovethepositionofwomeninthelabourmarket,aswellastopromotetheirpoliticalandsocialparticipation,specificallyintopdecision-makinglevels.Theimplementationoftheplanwouldhavecollateraleffectsonthelegalsystem,onhealth,trainingandeducationalpoliciesandonthemodalitiesofchildcare,aswellasonthesharingofresponsibilitiesbetweenwomenandmen.115.2 .2Thepromotion,implementationandfollow-upoftheplanwereSERNAM'smainresponsibility.InstitutionalreinforcementofSERNAMwasthusatoppriority,particularlyasadequateexecutionoftheplanandsimilarpositiveactionwouldcontributetoChile'scompliancewiththeConvention.Generalcomments116.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteewelcomedChile'sreturntodemocracy.TheynotedwithsatisfactionthatChilehadratifiedtheConventionwithoutreservations.117.2 .2MembersexpressedtheirconcernthatChile'sinitialreportdidnotfollowtheguidelinesasdefinedbytheCommitteeandrecommendedthattheybetakenintoconsiderationwhenwritingfuturereports.MembersoftheCommitteeofferedadviceonthismatter.Concernwasalsoexpressedregardingthelackofstatisticsandmoreconcretedataastowomen'sprogresstowardsdefactoequalityinallareasoflife.Therepresentativenotedthatthe1994updatedversionoftheinitialreportfollowedthestructuresuggestedbytheCommitteeandthatitcontainedmanyanswerstotheirpreoccupations.118.2 .2Membersemphasizedthatafter17yearsofdictatorshipitwasnecessarytoreinstatewomen'shumanrights,andaskedwhethermeasureshadbeentakeninthatregardbythedemocraticGovernment.Therepresentativesaidthatwomen'sprotagonisticactionagainstthedictatorshipinthepasthadhelpedtocreateSERNAMandtointroducetheirconcernsintothegovernmentalagenda.However,sheinformedtheCommitteethatthewomen'smovementhadreduceditspoliticalinvolvement.ShepointedoutthatgoodworkingrelationshipsexistedbetweenSERNAMandwomen'snongovernmentalorganizations.̇119.2 .2Inreplytotheconcernexpressedbymembersregardingtheneo-liberaleconomicmodelandastowhetheractiondirectedtowardsthepreventionandreductionofitsnegativeeffectsonwomenwasplannedorbeingtaken,sheinformedtheCommitteethattheGovernmenthadoptedforamodelbasedongrowthwithfairness.Inthatcontext,theGovernmentplayedanactiveroleinlinkingeconomicandsocialdevelopmentwithitsredistributiverole,aswellaswiththeimplementationofpoliciestargetedtovarioussocialsectorsanddefinedgroups.SheinformedtheCommitteethattheGovernmenthaddesignedanationalprogrammetoovercomeextremepoverty.Inthisframework,SERNAMwasexecutingvariousprogrammes,includingthenationalprogrammeforwomenheadsofhouseholds,incoordinationwithotherministries.Thatprogrammefollowedanintersectoralapproach,includingageingwomen.Therepresentativealsoelaboratedonfivemeasuresforwomeninagriculturalwork.Somememberssuggestedtheneedforactionconcerninginfantmortality,theremunerationgapbetweenwomenandmenandfemaleunemployment.120.2 .2MemberscommendedtheestablishmentofSERNAMatministerialrankandrequestedmoreinformationonitsprogrammes,goals,institutionalrelationshipsandpower.121.2 .2Membersaskedwhethernon-governmentalorganizationshadparticipatedinthepreparationoftheChileanreportandbeenrequestedtopublicizeanddisseminatethereport,togetherwiththeircomments.Inthatcontext,memberswantedtoknowwhetherculturalandreligiousfactorswerenotalsopartoftheobstaclesimpedinglegalchangesandaskedforinformationabouttheparticipationofmeninactiontowardstheadvancementofwomeninChile.Questionsrelatedtospecificarticles2 .2Article1122.2 .2InreplytotheconcernexpressedbymembersonthelackofadefinitionofthelegaltermofdiscriminationintheConstitutionofChile,therepresentativerepliedthatChiledidnotconsiderthisasnecessarysincetheConventionwasconsideredlawunderarticle5oftheConstitutionconcerningtheratificationofinternationaltreaties.2 .2Article2123.2 .2Membersrequestedmoreinformationontheequalopportunityplan,includingitsgoals,itsimpactongeneralpublicpolicyanditslegislativebase.TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethattheplanaddressedeightareas:legislation,family,education,culture,work,health,participationandinstitutionalsupport.TheplanshowedthatthecommitmentoftheentireGovernmenthadbeenpresentedtotheexecutive,andaformalactofadoptionwasplannedfor8March1995.Shedrewattentiontotheupdatedreportandspecificallyitsdiscussionofarticle2,whichnotedactionundertakenundertheplantodate,includinglegislativereforms.2 .2Article3124.2 .2InansweringthequestionsregardingthestatusofSERNAManditsimplementingcapacity,therepresentativenotedthatSERNAMwascreatedbylawandthatitsDirectorhadaministerialrank.ShepointedoutthatitsbudgetandlegalprojectsweredirectlynegotiatedbySERNAMinParliamentandthatSERNAMhadadirectrelationshipwithallministries.Ithadacoordinatingratherthananexecutiverolebychoice.Sheaddedthattheconcernsandneedsofwomenshouldbeinthemainstreamofpublicactionandthespecificministryshouldcarryouttheexecutingactivity.However,whenaninstitutionalgapexisted,SERNAMexecutedprogrammessuchascentresforinformationonwomen'srightsandprogrammesforwomenheadsofhouseholds,thepreventionofdomesticviolence,temporaryworkersandthepreventionofearlypregnancy.SERNAMalsohadregionaloffices,withtheirdirectorsbeingmembersoftheregionalcabinets.2 .2Article4125.2 .2Membersrequestedmoreinformationontheinterpretationandimplementationofarticle4,astheyhadnoticedthatcertainmeasurestakenbyChilehadeliminatedtheprotectionofwomen.TherepresentativemadereferencetoInternationalLabourOrganization(ILO)ConventionNo.156,whichwasratifiedbyChileinOctober1994.TheobjectiveofthatConventionandofvariousmeasurestakenbytheGovernmentwastoencouragementoassumeandsharefamilyresponsibilities.2 .2Article5126.2 .2Membersexpressedtheirappreciationforthehighprioritygivenbythenationalmachinerytothepreventionandeliminationofviolenceagainstwomeninthefamily.RegardingthesanctionsagainstoffendersproposedbyLawNo.19.325,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethattherewerethreetypes:obligatoryattendancefortherapeuticadvice;fines;and,inmoreseriouscases,prison.Inaddition,protectivemeasuresexistedsuchastherightofthewomantoleavethehomeandtohavethefamilyincomeprotected.Inresponsetoquestionsastowhether,incasesofviolence,theConventioncouldbeinvokedincourt,therepresentativerecalledarticle5oftheConstitutionofChile,whichgavetheConventionthestatusoflaw.SheinformedtheCommitteethattrainingandsensitizationprogrammesforpolicepersonnelhadbeenorganized.127.2 .2Membersexpressedconcernaboutthehighnumberofrapesreportedandrequestedinformationonthelegalandpracticalmeasurestakentocombatthatsituation.2 .2Article6128.2 .2Membersexpressedconcernregardingthesituationofwomenprostitutesandtheirvulnerabilitytoviolence.Inreply,therepresentativerecognizedthatLawNo.19.325referredonlytodomesticviolenceandexcludedprostitutes,whichwereundercriminallaw.SheemphasizedthatinChilethepracticeofprostitutionwasnotcondemnedandaddedthatsanitarycontrolofwomenprostituteswasguaranteed.Sheagreedwiththesuggestionthatstudiesandstatisticsonthisspecificgroupshouldbedevelopedinordertofocuspoliciesandprogrammes,alsoinviewofthedangerofHIVinfectionofprostitutes.2 .2Article7129.2 .2Inresponsetorequestsformoreinformationontheimplementationofarticle7,therepresentativesaidthatChilehadratifiedtheConventiononthePoliticalRightsofWomenandhadparticipatedintheInterparliamentaryConferenceinParis.ShewelcomedsuggestionstocreatenetworksamongwomenwhohadplayedaroleintherecuperationofdemocracyinChileandtostudymechanismssuchasquotas,whichwereseenasthemostexpeditiouswayofincreasingthepresenceofwomeninpositionsofpoliticaldecision-making.̇130.2 .2Membersraisedquestionsastothesituationofpoliticaldetainees.ItwasaskedwhethertheGovernmenthadanypolicytohelpwomenwhohadsufferedfromtheeffectsofdetention,directlyorindirectly.TherepresentativerepliedthatalawhadbeenadoptedspecifyingthebenefitsestablishedbytheGovernmenttohelptheaffectedfamilies.2 .2Article8131.2 .2RespondingtoquestionsregardingtherepresentationofChileanwomenontheinternationalscene,therepresentativeemphasizedthatanincreaseinthediplomaticservicewouldtaketime,butthateffortswerebeingmadetohavevisiblefemalerepresentationathighlevelinternationalconferences.2 .2Article10132.2 .2MembersnotedthatChileantextbookscontainedserioussex-rolestereotypingandsuggestedchanges.Therepresentativerepliedthatanon-sexisteducationlawhadbeensignedandthataseminartotrainteachersingendersensitivityhadtakenplace.Guidelinesformodeltextbookswereplannedfor1995.133.2 .2Memberswelcomedtheinitiativeoftheprogrammeoneducationforpeaceandrequestedmoreinformation.Inreply,therepresentativesaidthattheprogrammewaslinkedtotheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandwasbeingimplementedbytheMinistryofEducation.Theprogrammeintroducedstudentstohumanrightsaswellastopeacefulconflict-solvingmethodsandwasimplementedinpublicandprivateschools.134.2 .2Membersnotedthenegativerelationshipexistingbetweenwomen'slevelofeducationandtheirremunerationcomparedtomen.Theyaskedwhatwascausingthesituation,whetheritwasaffectingaccessbygirlstohigherlevelsofeducationandwhatmeasureswerebeingtakenbytheGovernmentinordertorectifythesituation.Membersalsoexpressedconcernaboutthelevelsoffemaleilliteracyandrequestedinformationaboutitscausesandwhetheranyprogrammehadbeendesignedtohelpfemaleadultstocontinuetheireducation.2 .2Article11135.2 .2Followingarequestforinformationonfemaletemporaryworkers,therepresentativesaidthatgeneralpoliciesdirectedtoallagriculturalworkersguaranteedthelimitationofworkinghoursandbasicworkingconditions.Inthatcontext,theGovernmenthadratifiedvariousILOconventionsonworkingconditionsforbothwomenandmen.Specifically,shepointedtolocalimplementationoftheheadsofhouseholdsprogramme,whichincludedmeasuressuchaschildcare,training,education,promotionofwomen'spublicparticipationandprovisionofmedicalattention.136.2 .2Therepresentativeagreedwithobservationsthatpart-timeemploymentcouldleadtowomen'smarginalizationinthelabourmarket.SheinformedtheCommitteethatSERNAMhadstudiedwomen'srealinterestsaswellasexperienceacquiredinothercountries.InreactiontoacommentonSERNAM'semphasisonthereproductiveroleofwomenandwhattheroleofmenshouldbeinthatrespect,shesaidthatthechangesintroducedinlabourlegislationsoughttoensuresharedfamilyresponsibilitiesbetweenmenandwomen.Newinitiativessuchasdaycarecentresintheworkplaceforbothworkingfathersandmotherswerebeingintroduced.Shealsostressedthatin1994ChilehadratifiedtheILOConventiononthematter.̇137.2 .2FollowingarequestforinformationonwhetherSERNAMhadtakenanyactiontoimprovewomen'sworkingconditions,sherepliedthattherewasalawoftheMinistryofLabourwhichprovidedfortrainingofitspersonnelonspecificissuessuchasmaternityleaveandnon-discrimination.ThelawwassupportedbytheWorldBankandwasconsideredasaspecialinstrumenttoimprovethesituationofworkingwomen.MemberswantedtoknowwhetherlabourlegislationgaveanyguaranteeforequalremunerationasestablishedinILOConventionNo.101andwhetherChilehadratifiedthatConvention.Membersrequestedinformationonwhetherpregnancywasusedtodiscriminateagainstwomeninthelabourmarket,aswellasonwagedisparitiesinthepublicsector.2 .2Article12138.2 .2Membersnotedthealarminglevelsofteenagepregnancyandinquiredwhetheractionwasgoingtobedirectedtothatsectorofthefemalepopulation,specificallyregardingaccesstoeducation.TherepresentativerepliedthataspecialprogrammewasplannedincooperationwiththeUnitedNationsPopulationFund(UNFPA)topreventearlypregnancyandgivesupporttopregnantadolescents.TheprojectconsistedofprovidinginformationinschoolsandastudyofsexualityamongChileanyouthanddisseminationofitsresults.AnadministrativecircularissuedbytheMinistryofEducationhadprohibiteddiscriminationagainstpregnantstudentsbutithadnotbeenimplementedinmostschoolsbecauseitwasnotalaw.EffortswerebeingmadebytheGovernment,intheParliamentandthroughpublicopiniontotransformitintolaw.139.2 .2Memberswereseriouslyconcernedbythefactthatthoughabortionwasillegal,itwasneverthelesspractisedwidely.TheyinquiredwhethertheMinistryofHealthwasproposingconceptsoffamilyplanning,howillegalabortionswererecordedandhowruralwomencouldaffordit.Inresponse,therepresentativerepliedthatChilehadsignedthefinaldocumentoftheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopmentatCairowithoutanyreservation.Althoughfamilyplanningpolicyhadbeenneglectedformanyyears,theMinistryofHealthwashandlingaprogrammeforpaternalresponsibility,informingmenandwomenofthevariousmeansofcontraception.SherecalledthattheGovernmentconsideredthepracticeofabortionaseriouspublichealthproblem,thatitcouldnotbeseenasameansofcontraceptionandthatitspreventionwasoneofthepurposesofthefamilyplanningpolicies.Thefamilyplanningpoliciessoughttoimprovethehealthconditionsofmothersandchildrenwhileaffirmingtherightsofeveryfamilytohavethenumberofchildrenitdesired.140.2 .2Therepresentative,inresponsetoquestionsonconsciousness-raisingactivitiesregardingHIVandacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome(AIDS),repliedthataspecialcommissionhadbeensetupamongvariousministriesandthatcampaignshadbeenorganizedinthemedia.Sheaddedthatactionwasveryslowbecausetherewasnoconsensusontheissueamongsocialsectorsandreligiousorganizations.2 .2Article14141.2 .2Membersrequiredmoreinformationonruralwomenlivinginpoverty.TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethateffortstocollectaccuratedatahadbeenmadebytheGovernment,whichhadhelpedtoquantifytheextentofruralwomen'spovertyproblems.Shereferredtomeasuresdirectedtowardsruralwomen,suchastheprovisionofchildcare,introductionoflegalchangesand,insomecases,accesstopropertyforwomenheadsofhouseholds.Memberssuggestededucationalmeasuresandincome-generatingactivities.Thedevelopmentofappropriatetechnologieswasalsosuggestedinordertoreducetheburdenoftheirmanyactivities.2 .2Article15142.2 .2Inreactiontoconcernexpressedbymembersondivorce,therepresentativeagreedthatthiswasalsoagovernmentalpreoccupation,especiallyinthecontextofaveryhighnumberofmaritalseparations.Sheemphasizedthat,inChile,therewasnoconsensusontheissue.TheGovernmentwasopeningthediscussionforpublicdebate.Meanwhile,somemembersofCongressweredraftingalawtobepresentedtoParliament.143.2 .2Inresponsetorequeststohighlightthelegalcapacityofmarriedwomentomanagetheirpropertyandthetypesofregimesexisting,therepresentativerepliedthatwomenhadcompletelegalcapacityinthosemattersandthatrecentlegalchangeshadbeenintroducedconcerningthepropertyofmarriedpersons,whichtookintoconsiderationtheeconomicprotectionofmarriedwomen.2 .2Article16144.2 .2Membersaskedforclarificationregardingthelegalstatusofchildrenandparentalauthorityandguardianship.Therepresentativegaveinformationonarecentlaw,stillpendingforadoptionbytheSenate,whichwouldestablishequalityofrightsforlegitimateandillegitimatechildren,extendparentalauthorityandguardianshiptothemotherandpermittheestablishmentofpaternitybybloodtests.145.2 .2InformationwasalsorequestedbymembersontheminimumageformarriageinChileandwhetheritwasthesameforbothsexes.TheywereinformedthattherewasaCommittee'srecommendationsuggestingthattheageshouldbe18,whichwouldbecompatiblewiththeaccordedageforaccessingvoting,civilandpenalresponsibilities.146.2 .2Inresponsetoinquiriesastowhetherprovisionsexistedgivingthesameprotectionandrightsforfinancialsupporttomarriedandunmarriedwomen,therepresentativerepliedthatmarriedandunmarriedmothershadequalrightstoreceivefinancialsupportfortheirchildren,butnotforthemselves.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction147.2 .2TheCommitteecongratulatedtherepresentativeoftheGovernmentofChileonthepresentationofthereportandontheefforttheGovernmenthadmadetoupdatetheinformationsubmitted,whichreflectedanumberofadvancessince1991.TheCommitteealsowelcomedthepresenceoftheMinisterandDirectoroftheNationalOfficeforWomen'sAffairs.148.2 .2TheCommitteereferredtothefactthatthosewhopreparedthereportfollowedneitherthestandardformatnortheCommittee'srecommendationsconcerningtheinterpretationofcertainarticlesandthesubmissionofinformationonthem.149.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthatthereportwasdescriptiveandgeneralinnature,withfewanalyticalreferencessupportedbyconcretedataandstatistics.Itnotedfurtherthatinthediscussionoftheimplementationofthearticles,moreattentionwasgiventoresponseshavingtodowithlegalandnormativeprovisions,andnotenoughinformationwasprovidedonconcreteactions.TheCommitteenotedthatthismadeitimpossibletodeterminetheextentofthegapbetweendefactoanddejureequality.&  2 .2Positiveaspects150.2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgedthepoliticalwilldemonstratedbygovernmentadministrationsduringthedemocraticperiodinseekingtoimprovethestatusofChileanwomen,anddrewparticularattentiontofollowingclearlypositiveactions:'  2 .2(a) .TheratificationoftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenanditsincorporationintonationallaw;2 .2(b) .Theprogressiveintroductionoflegalreforms,specificallydirectedtowardseliminatingdiscriminationandprotectingwomen'srights;2 .2(c) .ThecreationoftheNationalOfficeforWomen'sAffairs(SERNAM),designatedasthebodyresponsibleforcoordinatingtheinitiativesoftheexecutiveinimplementingtheprovisionsoftheConvention;2 .2(d) .StartingapeaceorientededucationprogrammeintheschoolsespeciallyontheissueofallformsofviolenceagainstwomentoimplementtheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionadoptedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRights;2 .2(e) .StartingalocalHeadsofHouseholdsProgrammetoimprovethesituationofwomen;2 .2(f) .Improvingtheworkingconditionsoffemaleagriculturalworkers.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern151.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedconcernaboutlawswhichstillcontaineddiscriminatoryprovisions,andaboutsituationsinwhichwomenwereatadisadvantagecomparedtomen,whichcontradictedtheclearadvancesachievedindemocracyandeconomicdevelopmentintheStateparty.152.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpresseditsconcernaboutthesituationofruralwomenwhodidnothaveaccesstothesameopportunitiesforthesameservicesasthoseinthecities,aswellasthelowpercentageofwomeninpositionsofpoliticalresponsibilityandaboutmaternalmortalityresultingfromclandestineabortions.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations153.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentofChileshouldprepareitssecondreportaccordingtotheguidelines,andthatitshouldprovidemorecomplete,wellgroundedinformationthatwouldreflecttherealaswellasthelegalsituationofwomen,includingtheobstaclesencountered,ratherthanbasingitselfonlegalreferences.154.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytopromotetheeliminationofstillexistingdiscriminatorylegalprovisionsespeciallyinrelationtothefamilyandtobringChileanlegislationintolinewiththeConvention.155.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytointroducelegislationopeninguptherightstolegaldivorce.156.2 .2TheCommitteerequeststheStatepartytoprovidemorecompleteinformation,includingrelevantstatistics,initsnextreportontheimplementationofeachofthearticles,especiallyontopicssuchasviolenceagainstwomen,prostitution,politicalparticipation,reproductivehealth,workingconditionsandwages,thesituationof"temporary"workers,womenlivinginpoverty,thedefactosituationofwomeninthefamily,teenagepregnancyandthestatusofnongovernmentalorganizations.157.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesinterestinreceivinginformationonthepossiblefurtherstrengtheningofSERNAM.Italsoaskedformoreinformationontheimplementationoftheequalopportunitiesplan.158.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsarevisionoftheextremelyrestrictivelegislationonabortion,takingintoaccounttherelationshipbetweenclandestineabortionandmaternalmortality.159.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatSERNAMshoulddisseminatethereportithadsubmittedtotheCommittee,togetherwiththeCommittee'scomments,asameansofheighteningtheawarenessofthosesectorsthatmightbeinapositiontohelpimprovethestatusofChileanwomen. % UK     \R3'\ X      +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO( $ $(882     ,@ .N 2.Initialandsecondperiodicreports@ .*Mauritius160.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialandsecondperiodicreportsofMauritius(CEDAW/C/MAR/12)atits268thand271stmeetings,heldon20and24January1995.161.2 .2Inherstatement,therepresentativeofMauritiusdescribedthelegal,political,institutionalandeconomicframeworkinhercountryfortheimplementationoftheConventionandhighlightedthelegalandpracticalchangesthathadtakenplacesincethesubmissionofthereport.Shepointedoutthatstructuraladjustmentinthecountryhadactuallybenefitedwomenintermsoftheiraccesstoemploymentandintegrationintheeconomy.Despitethegeneraleconomichardshipsassociatedwithadjustment,theGovernmenthadfounditpossiblenotonlytoavoidcuttingexpenditureonsocialprogrammesbutactuallytoexpandthenationalmachineryfortheadvancementofwomenbycreatinganewMinistryforWomen'sRights.Havinghighlightedpositivedevelopmentsinwomen'semployment,educationandhealth,sheacknowledgedthepersistenceofcertainlegal,administrative,culturalandreligiousbarrierstotheequalityofwomenandtheimprovementoftheirsocioeconomicstatus.SheemphasizedthecontinuingcommitmentofherGovernmenttotheadvancementofwomenanditsdeterminationtopromotewomen'srightsingeneralandonthebasisofaforthcomingWhitePaperonWomenandDevelopment,inparticular.Generalobservations162.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteecommentedontheconcise,comprehensiveandfranknatureofthepresentationmadebytherepresentativeofMauritiusandonthecountry'sconsiderableachievementsinimplementingtheConvention.TheywereparticularlyimpressedbythestrongcommitmentoftheGovernmentofMauritiustothegoaloftheadvancementofwomenandbythefactthatsocialservicesandfundingforwomen'sorganizationshadnotbeencutoffevenindifficulttimesofstructuraladjustmentandrecession.TheynotedwithsatisfactionthatcooperationhadbeenestablishedwithsomeofthespecializedagenciesoftheUnitedNationstopromotewomen'sdevelopment.163.2 .2Severalexpertsexpressedgreatsatisfactionwiththewithdrawalofreservationstoarticles11.1(b),11.1(d)and16.1(g)oftheConvention.OneexpertpointedoutthatMauritiuswasoneofthoserarecountrieswheretheConventionitselfwasbeingusedtoreformthedomesticlegalandeconomicsystemssoastoachievegreatercompliance.164.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteepointedoutthatthereportwouldhavebenefitedfromaclearerpresentationofhowthesituationinthecountryhadevolvedsincethepreparationofthefirstreportandfromgreaterhighlightingoftheobstaclesthatstillexisted.165.2 .2Itwaspointedoutthatchapters2.3and16.3oftheConstitutionofMauritius,dealingwiththeprotectionoffundamentalhumanrightsandthedefinitionofdiscriminationrespectively,hadbeenformulatedwithoutregardtogender.ItwassuggestedthatthatfactmightbringaboutinternalinconsistencyintheConstitutionasfarasissuesofdiscriminationwereconcerned.Ifthatwasindeedso,thesituationshouldberectified.166.2 .2MembersnotedthepositivedevelopmentsthathadtakenplaceinMauritiuswithrespecttotheincreaseinwomen'semployment,thepromotionoftheirhumanrightsandtheireconomicindependence,which,asoneexpertpointedout,wasthemainprerequisitefortheiradvancementandthepreservationoftheirdignity.However,theyexpressedconcernatwhatappearedtobeexcessiveemphasisondirectingfemaleemploymenttowardsindustrialoccupationsinexportprocessingzonesandintheprivatesector.167.2 .2Itwassuggestedthatarticle4oftheConventionshouldbefullyutilizedtoensurethatthereweremorewomeninpositionsofeconomicdecisionmakingratherthanmerelytoincreasefurthertheirnumberinthetraditionalsectors,wherewomenhadlongbeenoverrepresented.Withrespecttospecialpositivediscriminationprogrammes,oneexpertcitedtheconversionoftwocoeducationalStatesecondaryschoolsintoschoolsforgirlsonly,pointingoutthatthatmeasurewasinfactnegativesinceitpromotedsegregationandwascontrarytotheNairobiForwardlookingStrategies.Anotherexpertpointedoutthatprotectivelegislationwasproblematicintermsofitsimpactontheequalityofwomenandmen.Itdidnotfallintothecategoryofspecialtemporarymeasurestoaccelerateequality.Inheropinion,thereportofMauritiusreflectedamisunderstandingofwhataffirmativeactionwas.Theindustrialsewingprogrammesreinforcedlabourmarketstereotypes,andcoursesinbankingandmanagementshouldbeconsideredinstead.168.2 .2ConcernwasexpressedbymembersoftheCommitteeregardingthereport'slackofdataonviolenceagainstwomen.Giventhewidespreadnatureoftheproblemanditsacuteconsequences,moreinformationwasneeded.Oneexpertcommentedonsection253oftheCriminalCode:inherview,theCodewasdesignedtoprotectsocietyfromprostitutionbutnottoaddresstheissuesoftheexploitationofwomenengagedinthatactivityandofviolenceagainstthem.ConcernwasalsoexpressedregardingthepotentialofsextourisminthelightoftherapidlygrowingtourismsectorinMauritius.169.2 .2HavingexpressedsatisfactionwiththeprogressmadebytheGovernmentofMauritiusintheeliminationofdiscriminationagainstwomenandintheircontinuingadvancementintheeconomicandsocialspheres,oneexpertexpressedparticularinterestintheWhitePaperonWomeninDevelopmentcurrentlybeingpreparedbytheGovernment.Sheexpressedconfidencethatthepaperwouldopennewpossibilitiesforaddressingissuesofspecialconcerntowomeninthecountry.170.2 .2Havingdescribedfemaleliteracyprogrammesashighlycommendable,oneexpertexpressedconcernregardingthecontentofsuchprogrammes,whichcurrentlyservedtoconfirmwomenintheirtraditionalroles.Shealsonotedthattherewerenocoursesonfamilynutrition.171.2 .2OneexpertnotedthattheLabourLaw,whichforbadenightworkbywomen,wasinfactdiscriminatory;nightworkwasusuallybetterpaid.172.2 .2OneexpertpraisedtheGovernmentfortheinitiationofprogrammesfortheearlydetectionofbreastandcervicalcancer,whichreflectedthefactthatwomen'sdistinctivephysiologicalneedswerefinallybeingaddressed.Shenotedacontradiction,however,withrespecttotheprovisionoffamilyplanning.Ontheonehand,thereportemphasizedfreeandaccessiblefamilyplanningservicesand,ontheother,itpointedtothewidespreadproblemofillegalabortion.&  Questionsrelatedtospecificarticles2 .2Article1173.'  2 .2MembersoftheCommitteepointedoutthattheConstitutionofMauritiusdidnotdefinediscriminationintermsofsex.Oneexpertcommentedthatthatimpliedthatnolawsondiscriminationagainstwomenexisted.MembersaskedwhethertheGovernmentintendedtorevisetheConstitutionsoastoremedythatproblemandwhethertheenactmentofequalopportunitylegislationwasconsidered.Inherreply,therepresentativeofMauritiusindicatedthatherGovernmentwouldconsidertheamendmentoftheConstitutionaftertheissuesofcitizenshipandnationalitywereaddressed.2 .2Article3174.2 .2MembersaskedwhattheexactrelationshipbetweentheNationalWomen'sCouncilandtheMinisterialCommitteewasandwhattherelationshipofthosetwobodiestotheMinistryforWomen'sRightsandFamilyWelfarewas.TheyalsowantedtoknowiftherewasaproblemofcoordinationbetweenthosebodiesandwhetherthecooperationbetweentheMinistryforWomen'sRightsandotherministrieswasfruitful.Theyalsowantedtoknowwhetherdeskofficersreportedonproblemsintheirministries.175.2 .2TherepresentativeofMauritiusrepliedthattheresponsibilitiesoftheNationalWomen'sCouncilinvolvedtheorganizationofwomen'sassociationsandthefacilitationofdialoguebetweentheStateandwomenthroughthoseassociations.TheMinisterialCommittee,foritspart,wasmadeupofdeskofficersinvarioussectoralministrieswhometanddiscussedproblemsthatwereencounteredintheirministriesintheimplementationofgenderpolicyandsharedinformationonprojectsthatwerecarriedoutbytheirministriesandhadanimpactonwomen.TheworkoftheMinisterialCommitteewassomewhatinefficientowingtothelackofpriortrainingofdeskofficersingenderanalysisandgenderplanningandalsobecauseofthetransferofofficers.However,theCommitteehadworkedsuccessfullyonanadhocbasisforthepreparationoftheWhitePaperonWomeninDevelopmentandthenationalreportontheimplementationoftheNairobiForwardlookingStrategiesanditsstaffparticipatedinseminarsandmeetings,therebycontributingtothesolutionofvariousproblems.ThetrainingofdeskofficersingenderanalysiswasontheagendaoftheMinistryforWomen'sRightsfor1995andaconsultanthadbeenmadeavailablebytheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP)forthatpurpose.AlinkexistedbetweentheMinisterialCommitteeandtheNationalWomen'sCouncilinthattheCouncilwasmanagedbyacommitteewhichconsistedoftherepresentativesofwomen'sassociationsandofdeskofficersfromthemostimportantministriesinthesocialsector,suchastheMinistriesofEducation,Health,EconomicPlanningandDevelopment,SocialSecurityandYouthandCulture.2 .2Article4176.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteenotedthatthereportindicatedthattherewasprovisionforpolicetrainingforwomenandforthedevelopmentofacorpsofpolicewomen.Itwasaskedwhetherthatideawouldbeextendedtothenationaljudicialsystem.Inreply,therepresentativeofMauritiussaidthatthetrainingofjudgesandmagistrateswouldhavetobelookedintoespeciallyinconnectionwiththecreationofaFamilyCourt,whichwasontheGovernment'sagenda.177.2 .2Memberswantedtoknowwhatwasmeantbyspecificprotectivelegislationforwomeninagricultureandmanufacturing.Inparticular,theyaskedifitreallyprotectedwomeninthosesectorsorifitinfacthelpedtoperpetuateemploymentsegregation.TherepresentativeofMauritiusrepliedthatwomeninagriculturehadindeedbenefitedfromprotectivelegislation:theywerenolongerrequiredtoperformstrenuousfieldoperations.Womenintheadvancedstageofpregnancywereprohibitedfromliftingheavyloadsandwereprovidedwithlightfieldwork.Theoptionofearlyretirementattheageof55wasopenedtowomeninthesugarandsaltindustries.Asregardsindustrialemployment,womeninanadvancedstateofpregnancywerenotrequiredtoperformjobsthatinvolvedcontinuousstanding.Also,adiscriminatoryclausethathadnotallowedwomentoaspiretothepostof"factoryoperator"hadbeenremovedin1989.Womenemployedintheindustrialsectorwerenotcompelledtodoovertime.Theynowenjoyedprivilegeswithrespecttorefundsoftheirtransportationfees.Pregnantwomenwhohad12monthsofcontinuousemploymentreceivedfullmaternitybenefitsthatincluded12weeksofpaidleave,cashallowancesand1hournursingbreaks.2 .2Article6178.2 .2InresponsetotheconcernexpressedbymembersoftheCommitteeregardingthelackofdataonviolenceagainstwomen,therepresentativeofMauritiusinformedtheCommitteethattheissueofviolencewasverysensitiveandthatvictimswereoftenreluctanttoreportsuchabuse.She,however,providedtheCommitteewithsomestatisticalinformationondomesticviolenceinhercountry.Specifically,from1991todate,107casesofincestand431casesofchildabusehadbeenreported.Also,from1989todate,1,500casesofthebatteringofwomenhadbeenreported.179.2 .2Membersinquiredaboutlawsgoverningthesolicitationandpurchaseofaprostitute'sservices.Theyalsowantedtoknowifprostituteswereundergoingregularmedicalcheckups.Membersinquiredwhethertherewereanyspecificlawsdesignedtoprotectminorsfromsexualtourism.Theyalsowantedtoknowifimmigrantwomenwereamongprostitutesandiftherewerelawsagainsttraffickinginwomen.180.2 .2Inresponse,therepresentativeofMauritiusinformedtheCommitteethattherewasnoregistrationofprostitutesinhercountryandthatprostitutesthereforeoperatedillegally.Shehoweverpointedoutthat,owingtothesensitizationcampaignonAIDS,theywerenowmoreconsciousofhealthhazardsassociatedwiththeirprofession.Shecitedatelevisionsource,accordingtowhichprostitutesunderwentregularmedicalcheckups.ShereferredtotherelevantsectionsoftheCriminalCodeandtheChildProtectionActthatstatedthatprocurement,enticementorexploitationofadultsandchildrenforpurposesofprostitutionwereconsideredanoffenceandweresubjecttopenalties.2 .2Article7181.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteewantedtoknowwhathadbeendonetoencouragewomen'sparticipationinthediplomaticserviceandhowtheirparticipationinthediplomaticservicecomparedwiththeprogressmadebytheminthejudicialsystem.182.2 .2TherepresentativeofMauritiusrespondedthattheforeignservicewasopentobothmenandwomenandthatrecruitmenttotheforeignservicewasonthebasisofanentranceexamination.Currently,theMauritiandiplomaticservicewascomprisedof51members,including7women.Thedisparityinnumberswasprimarilyduetothelackofqualifiedwomencandidatesandnottodiscriminationagainstwomen.Therewascurrentlyonefemalepuisnejudge(outofsix)andboththeMasterandDeputyMasterinBankruptcywerewomen.Also,3ofthe12DistrictCourtmagistrateswerewomen.Thus,ingeneral,womenwerewellrepresentedinthejudicialsystem,althoughtheirparticipationwassomewhatlowinthevariouslevelsofcourtadministration.183.2 .2OneexpertaskedwhetherthemulticulturalandmultiracialfabricofMauritiansocietyhadcreatedinternalproblemsand,ifso,whatimpactthoseproblemshadonwomen.TherepresentativeofMauritiusrepliedthattherewasnoindigenouspopulationinhercountryandthatpeopleofvariousracesandculturesfromEurope,AsiaandAfricalivedinperfectharmony.GiventheextremediversityofthepopulationinMauritius,theGovernmentwasextremelycautiousandprudentindealingwithissuesthatcouldupsetthebalanceanddisruptthesocialfabric.Shestatedthatcommentsmadebymembersregardingdangersofculturalstrifeanditsadverseimpactonwomenhadbeennoted.2 .2Article10184.2 .2MemberscommentedthatthecoursesofferedbytheadulteducationprogrammesrunbytheMinistryforWomen'sRightswereprimarilyinindustrialsewing,secretarialskills,embroideryandhandicrafts.ItwasaskedwhetheranyothertypesoftrainingwasavailabletowomenandwhattheMinistryforWomen'sRightsintendedtodoaboutthatsituation.185.2 .2Replyingtothequestion,therepresentativeofMauritiusinformedtheCommitteethattheMinistryofWomen'sRightsprovidedtrainingprimarilytolowacademicachieverswhodidnothaveaccesseithertotrainingprovidedbytheIndustrialVocationalTrainingBoardortothatprovidedbyprivateinstitutions.ThemainobjectivesofthetrainingofferedbytheMinistrytothosewomenweretoprovidethemwithbasicskillstohelpthemintheirfamilylife,todiscovertheirtalentsandtoachieveacertaindegreeofselffulfilment.TheIndustrialVocationalTrainingBoard,responsiblefortheprovisionoftraininginMauritius,offeredtraininginelectronics,engineeringandotherprofessionalfieldsthatwereopentowomen.186.2 .2InresponsetothecommentontheconversionoftwocoeducationalStatesecondaryschoolsintoschoolsforgirlsonly,shesaidthatthatdecisionhadbeentakeninconsiderationoftheculturalenvironmentandeducationaltraditionofhercountry.Thepracticehelpedintheeffectiveteachingandlearningprocessandallowedteacherstoutilizedifferentapproachestoteachingboysandgirls.SheassuredtheCommitteethatthatspecificconversiondidnotleadtosegregation,butinstead,providedadditionaleducationalopportunitiesforgirlsattherighttime.2 .2Article11187.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthewithdrawalofthereservationtoarticles11.1(b)and11.1(d).TheywantedtoknowwhatnewlawshadbeenadoptedinMauritiustoallowthereservationstobewithdrawnandifallthelegalprocedureswithrespecttothewithdrawalofthosereservationshadbeenfollowedproperly.188.2 .2Inherreply,therepresentativeofMauritiusstatedthatallthenecessaryproceduresregardingthewaivingofthereservationsonpartsofarticle11(aswellasofart.16)hadbeenfollowed.ThoseproceduresincludedconsultationswiththeStateLawOfficeandatCabinetlevel.Giventhechangesintheeconomicandsocialsituationinthecountrythathadtakenplacebetween1984and1991,theStateLawOfficehadagreedtothewithdrawalofthosereservations,whichhadbeenfollowedbygovernmentapproval.189.2 .2Membersnotedthatthereportindicatedthat,undertheLabourLawandtheexportprocessingzoneact,womeninMauritiuswereentitledtomaternityleaveforonlythreepregnancies.Theyaskedwhatwouldhappenwhenafourthpregnancyoccurred,particularlyinthelightofthestrictlawsonabortion.TherepresentativeofMauritiusrespondedthatpaidmaternityleavewasrestrictedtothreeconfinements.Femaleemployeesweregrantedleavewithoutpayafterthethirdconfinement.Shealsopointedoutthatthatprovisionwasinlinewiththenationalpopulationpolicytodiscouragelargefamilies.190.2 .2Astothepolicyofgrantinganemployedwomanaonehourbreaktobreastfeedherchild,memberswantedtoknowhowthatprovisionwasimplementedandwhetherthatlawwasnecessaryforworkingmothers.Therepresentativerepliedthatpracticaldifficultieswereencounteredinimplementationofthatprovisionbecausetherewerefewnurseriesnearthefactories.Shesaidthatthelawhadbeenenactedtoencouragebreastfeeding.191.2 .2Astowhenthelabourlawcoveringemploymentwithintheexportprocessingzonewouldbeamendedsothatwomenworkinginthatsectorcouldenjoythesameworkingconditionsasthoseinthepublicsector,therepresentativeofMauritiuspointedoutthatthepublicandprivatesectorsinhercountryoperatedunderdifferentconditionsandthatitwasnoteconomicallyfeasibleatthepresentstageofeconomicdevelopmenttoprovidethesameworkingconditionsinbothsectors.Shenoted,however,thattheExportEnterprisesRegulationsenactedin1983fixedwagesandsomeotherconditionsofemployment.192.2 .2Regardingwhatimpactchangesinfiscalandtaxationpoliciesandinthepriceindexhadonwomen,sherepliedthatithadnotbeenscientificallystudied.However,thereductionincapitalexpenditurehadledtoafreezeintheconstructionofStatesecondaryschoolsandsubsidizedhousingthatmighthavereducedwomen'saccesstoeducationandproperhousing.Shealsopointedoutthatthattrendhadbeenreversedsincethelate1980sandthatthosesectorswerecurrentlyinfulldevelopment.WomenhadbeendirectbeneficiariesoftheGovernment'spolicytoadoptnewtaxationpoliciesinthattheycouldnowfiletheirincometaxreturnsseparatelyandcoulddeductbenefitsindividually.193.2 .2Membersnotedthatwomen'sparticipationinthelabourforcewasgrowingrapidlyinMauritiusandaskediftheGovernmenthadprojectstomeettheincreasingdemandforhealthcare,daycareandretraining.Theyalsowantedtoknowiftheincreasingemploymentratewasassociatedwithpositivedevelopmentsonlyorifithadsomenegativeaspectsaswell.TherepresentativeofMauritiusstatedthattherapidlygrowingparticipationofwomeninthelabourforceinhercountryhadtripledtheburdenonwomenandthattheyneededtobeprovidedwithcommunitysupportservices.HerGovernmenthadembarkedontheprovisionofsuchservicesincollaborationwithnongovernmentalorganizations,localgovernments,theprivatesector,etc.194.2 .2Membersnotedwithconcernthatthereportindicatedthatminorsundertheageof16wereallowedtowork,which,accordingtotherelevantInternationalLabourOrganizationConvention,waswrong.Itwaspointedoutthatthereportdidnotprovideanyinformationonwhereminorswereworking,whethertherewereanyspeciallawsgoverningtheiremploymentandwhethertheiremploymentwasmonitoredbytheGovernment.TherepresentativeofMauritiusinformedmembersthattheLabourLawinhercountryprohibitedtheemploymentofapersonunder15yearsofageandthatin1990herGovernmenthadratifiedILOConventionNo.138onminimumageforemploymentandwasdeterminedtoeliminatechildlabour,whichatthemomentrepresented0.7percentoftheMauritiusworkingpopulation.ShepointedoutthatthereportofherGovernmentreferredtoage16astheagewhenminorswereallowedtowork.2 .2Article12195.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeaskedwhattheMinistryforWomen'sRightswasdoingtoimprovethepoorqualityoflifeofwomeninRodrigues.WhatwasdonewithrespecttotheprovisionofhealthservicesandjobopportunitiesforwomeninRodriguesandtotheimprovementofsocialinfrastructure?TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethattherewasaMinistryforRodrigues,whichdealtexclusivelywiththesituationthere.Shealsostatedthatnewinformationhadbeencollectedandupdated.ThesituationinRodrigueswasimproving:water,sanitationandroadswerewidelyavailablebutalotremainedtobedone.FiguresthatreflectedthesituationinRodrigueswouldbeprovidedinthenextreport.196.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeaskedhowfamilyplanningreachedallwomen,includingpoorwomen.Theyalsowantedtoknowwhattheprospectswereforarevisionoftheantiabortionlegislation.TherepresentativeofMauritiusrepliedthatfamilyplanninginhercountrywasavailabletowomenofallages,marriedandunmarried,andwasspecificallytargetedtoteenagewomen.Inspiteofthewideavailabilityofcontraceptivemethods,about2,000complicationsfromabortionwerereportedeachyearanditwasnotclearwhetherthosewerenaturalorinduced.2 .2Article14197.2 .2Membersrequestedmoreinformationonwhetherwomencouldownland,whattheGovernmentdidtoenhancewomen'srighttolandownership,andhowthatissueaffectedruralhouseholdsheadedbywomen.Onememberfounditencouragingthatwomeninruralareashadthechoicetoworknotonlyinagriculturebutalsoinindustry.She,however,wantedtoknowaboutwomenandlandownership:insomecountries,womencouldnotownlandowingtosocial,legalandculturalimpediments.AnothermemberalsoaskedifMauritianwomencouldownland.Inherreply,therepresentativeofMauritiusstatedthatwomeninhercountryhadaccesstolandownershipandthattheyhadthesamerightswithrespecttolandownershipandlandinheritanceasmen.198.2 .2Onememberrequestedclarificationofthecontradictionbetweenthestatementregardingshortagesoflabourintheagriculturalsectorandthefollowingstatementthatindicatedthattheworkdayinagriculturewasfrom6a.m.to12noon,i.e.veryshort.Therepresentativerepliedthattheshortageoflabourinagricultureexistedbecausewomenaswellasmennolongerwantedtoworkintheagriculturalsectorinspiteoftheshorterhoursofworkandacomparablerateofpay.Theyshowedstrongpreferencesforworkinmanufacturingindustryinspiteoflongerhours,presumablybecauseworkinthatsectorwasregardedas"cleaner"andhadmorestatus.Furthermore,sheindicatedthatithadbeenthepracticeinMauritius,especiallyinsugarcanefields,toworkfromsunrisetonooninviewoftheclimate.199.2 .2Aquestionwasraisedbymembersastohowenvironmentaldegradationaffectedruralwomenandwhatmeasuresweretakeninthatrespect.Membersnotedthatchangesinfoodhabitswerementionedandaskedformoreinformationandwhetheritimpliedaworseningofnutritionalstandards.Inresponse,theCommitteewasinformedthatasurveyconductedin1988revealedthat38percentofwomenwereanaemicandthatobesitywasmostprevalentamongthefemalelabourforce.Therewasatendencyamongthepopulationtogoforfastfoodanddisregardnutritionalstandards.TheMinistryofHealthandtheMinistryofAgriculturewereengagedindevelopingafoodandnutritionpolicyinordertohelpfamiliestoadjusttonewpatternsoflifeinanewlyindustrializedsociety. .SheinformedmembersthatenvironmentaldegradationwasespeciallyvisibleinRodrigues,mainlythroughsoilerosionanddeforestation.Measurestosustaintheenvironmenthadbeeninitiatedandinvolvedterracingofland,reforestation,sensitization,wastemanagementandothers.2 .2Article16200.2 .2Astoaquestionontherecognitionofreligiousmarriage,theprocedureforthedissolutionofreligiousmarriagesandwhetherornotreligiouslawwasapplicabletodivorce,shestatedthatreligiousmarriagesinhercountryhadalltheeffectsofcivilmarriages,thatchildrenofsuchmarriageswereconsideredlegitimateandthatthecivillawappliedtothemaswellastodivorceprocedures.201.2 .2MembersinquiredifmarriedwomeninMauritiuswereallowedtoliveintheparentalhome.Theyalsowantedtoknowifamarriedwomanhadarighttoshelterinahouseotherthanherhusband'sorhisfamily's.Therepresentativerepliedthatamarriedwomaninhercountryhadarighttoliveinthefamilyhomeuntilherdeath,evenafterherhusband'sdeath.Thelawinhercountrydidnotprovideforarighttoshelterinanyotherhouse.202.2 .2Membersaskedwhetherjudgesweretrainedregardingdivorceandtheinterestsofthechildintheeventofdivorce.OnemembersuggestedthattheGovernmentneededtoreformthe"300days"stipulation,keepingwomenfromre-enteringmarriage.Anothermemberwantedtoknowhowmanymarriageswerearrangedbyparents.Inherreply,therepresentativeofMauritiusstatedthatnosuchtrainingforjudgesexistedinhercountry.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction203.2 .2TheCommitteecongratulatedthedistinguishedrepresentativeoftheGovernmentofMauritiusonpresentingthecomprehensivecombinedinitialandsecondperiodicreport,whichwaspreparedonthebasisoftheCommittee'sguidelinesandprovidedamplestatisticaldata.204.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedthankstotheGovernmentofMauritiusforratifyingtheConventioninfullandurgedittousetheConventiontofurtherimprovewomen'sstatusinMauritius.2 .2Positiveaspects205.2 .2TheCommitteewasoftheopinionthatMauritiuswasacountrywhichhadachievedcommendablesuccessinsocialintegrationwhilepromotingequalopportunitiesforwomenthroughastrongsocialprogramme.ItcommendedMauritiusforhavingmadeadeterminedefforttoensureequalrightsforallethnicgroups.206.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherappreciatedthefactthatdespitethestructuraladjustmentprogrammestheGovernmenthadnotcutdownoneducationalandsocialbenefitprogrammesconcerningwomen.̇207.2 .2ThepositivemoveonthepartoftheMauritiusGovernmentinwithdrawingitsreservationsonarticles11.1(b),11.1(d)and16.1(g)washighlyappreciatedbytheCommittee.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern208.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedconcernthattheConstitutionofthecountrydidnotcoverdiscriminationonthegroundsofsex.TheCommitteefeltthatthishadtobereflectedintheConstitution.209.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthatthereportdidnotprovideenoughinformationonprostitutionandtraffickinginwomenandrehabilitationprogrammesinthisrespect.Thenextreportshouldprovidemoreinformationinthisregard.210.2 .2TheCommitteeobservedalackofclarityonthenationalitylawofMauritius,especiallyinareaswhererightsenjoyedbymenandwomenmarryingforeigncitizensvaried.211.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthatthereasonsforthehighrateofteenagepregnancydespiteimprovedfamilyplanningprogrammeswerenotexplained.TheCommitteealsonotedthatthereportdidnotspecifyclearlywhetherfamilyplanningservicesweremadeavailabletowomenirrespectiveofmaritalstatus.212.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotedwithconcernthatthedevelopmentofwomenintheRodriguelaggedfarbehindthatonthemainisland.213.2 .2TheCommitteebelievedthatnon-academictrainingsuchasembroidery,industrialsewing,etc.,conductedasapositivediscriminationprogrammewouldonlycontributetokeepingwomentothefeminizedsectoroftheeconomy.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations214.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatinthesubsequentreport,furtherinformationshouldbegivenonthenationalmachineryandonwhathadbeendonetoinstitutionalizeitatthelocallevels.215.2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatmoreinformationshouldbegivenonprostitutionandgovernmenteffortstodecreaseitandrehabilitatewomeninvolvedinprostitution.Italsorequestedmoreinformationonthepotentialriseofsextourism.216.2 .2TheCommitteealsoencouragestheGovernmentofMauritiustoamendlabourlawsfortheexportprocessingzonesandproviderespectiveinformationonsucheffortsinthesubsequentreport.217.2 .2TheCommitteerequestsmoreinformationinthesubsequentreportonthevocationaltrainingprogrammesforgirlsandwomenwithspecificemphasisonnontraditionalvocationaltraining.@ .Tunisia( $(218.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthecombinedinitialandsecondreportsofTunisia(CEDAW/C/TUN/12)atits269thand273rdmeetings,on23and26January1995(seeCEDAW/C/SR.269and273).( $(2219.3  2 .2Inintroducingthereport,therepresentativeofTunisia,emphasizedtheimportantchangesthathadoccurredin1987,whichassertedwomen'sfundamentalrightsandpromotedtheireconomicandsocialstatus.ThefirstaccomplishmentafterTunisia'sindependencewastheadoptionofthePersonalStatusCode,whichlaidthefoundationsforaneworganizationofthefamily,basedonlegalequalityofmenandwomen.Tunisiahadalonghistoryofwomen'semancipation,whichledin1936tothecreationofitsfirstwomen'sorganization.TheTunisianleadersadoptedadynamicinterpretationofIslam,andsince1956,Tunisianlegislationhadgraduallybeenestablishingtheconditionsnecessaryforwomen'sequalstatusinthepolitical,economicandsociallife.Thisnewvisionofsocietyhadbeenwidelydisseminatedandhadgraduallybeenadoptedbywomen.Equalityofopportunitywasbeginningtoemergeandwasgivenconsiderableimpetusthroughnewwomen'sorganizations.2220.3  2 .2Therepresentativestressedthatinasocietysuchasthatofhercountry,women'sfreedomandtheirrightsascitizensremainedvulnerable,andmustbecontinuallyreinforced.AmongthemechanismscreatedtoachievethatendwastheMinistryofWomen'sandFamilyAffairs,theResearch,DocumentationandInformationCentreandtheNationalWomenandDevelopmentCommission.Womenhadbeenappointedtohighlevelpoliticalpostsandaseriesoflegislativereformshadbeensoughttoremoveanyarchaicelementsremainingfromthepast.Thenewvisionofthefamilyhadbeenbuiltontheprincipleofpartnershipbetweenthespouses.ThemostimportantamendmentsreferredtothePersonalStatusCode,thePenalCodeandtheLabourCode,andthuswomencurrentlyenteredmorefullyintotheeraofhumanrights.Thegreaterinvolvementofwomenintheinformalsectorhadalsobeenabletolimitthenegativeeffectsofthestructuraladjustmentplan.2221.3  2 .2Therepresentativeillustrated,throughconcretefigures,theadvancesmadebywomeninmanyprofessions,indecisionmakingpositionsandinschooling,thankstothepoliciesofuniversaleducation,healthandfamilyplanning.Since1956,TunisianlegislationhadbeenmodellinganewsocietywithintheframeworkofmodernIslam,graduallyabandoningthestaticmodelsofthoughtinheritedfromtraditionalsociety,andtheTunisiansocietyoftodaywasconcernedwithfollowingtheprinciplesofreligionwithoutsacrificingprogress.Majorconcernswereilliteracyandtheresurgenceofbackwardmodelsundertheinfluenceofcurrentfundamentalism.Tunisiawasawarethatitcouldnotsuccessfullyembarkuponthetwentyfirstcenturywithoutallowinganirreversibleinvolvementofwomeninitsdevelopmentpolicy.2 .2Generalobservations2222.3  2 .2TheCommitteecommendedthewellstructuredandcomprehensivereport,supplementedbyextensivestatisticaldata,anditsfrankandsuccinctpresentationandexpressedappreciationforthefactthattheMinisterforWomen'sandFamilyAffairsherselfhadintroducedthereport.BearinginmindTunisia'sgeopoliticalenvironment,itpaidtributetothebigstridesmadebythecountryfortheadvancementandempowermentofwomenandstatedthatTunisiacouldbeconsidered,evensincethe1950s,asashiningexampleforothercountries,becauseofitsprogressiveandprogrammativeinterpretationofIslam.ThemembersemphasizedtheadoptionofthePersonalStatusCodein1956andallthereformsitbroughtabout.However,theyexpressedconcernatthereservationsenteredconcerningarticles9and16,andinparticular,atthelanguageofthegeneraldeclarationandthedeclarationmadewithregardtoarticle15,whichseemedtoclosethedooronanyfuturerevisionsofnationallegislation.Theyexpressedthehopethatthereservationsanddeclarationswouldbewithdrawninthenearfuture.Inreplying,therepresentativesaidthatTunisiahadnotenteredanyreservationsregardingotherinternationaltreatiesdealingwiththestatusofwomen.TheConventionhadbeenratifiedinaparticularsociopoliticalcontext,whichwasmarkedbyrisingfundamentalism,conservativetraditionsandrelatedissues.AlthoughthepoliticalvisionwasenlightenedandmostoftheprovisionsoftheConventionwerealreadybeingappliedinthecountry,thespecificitiesofinternallawshouldnotbedenied.Thegeneraldeclaration,however,didinnowayintendtodetractfromtheGovernment'scommitmenttotheConvention.Itwasonlymadetoexplainthereservationsentered.Sinceratificationmanylegalreformshadbeenintroducedinfavourofwomen,whichshowedthatthecountrywasslowlybutsurelymovingtowardsgenderequality,andthereservationswouldcertainlybewithdrawnbeforenottoolong.2223.3  2 .2WhilerecognizingtheeffortsundertakenbytheGovernmentintheareaofeducation,memberswereconcernedatthehighrateofilliteracyamonggirlsbetweentheagesof14and24,atthelowleveloftheparticipationofwomeninpoliticaldecisionmakingdespitesubstantivegainsmadeinlegalequalityandatthecurrentprovisionsregardingwomen'sinheritancerights.TheystatedthatTunisiahadnotyetsucceededinfillingthegapbetweentheeliteandthebroadersectorsofthesociety.Whilepraisingalltherightsgiventowomen,furtherinformationwasrequestedonthedefactosituationofwomenandonstepstakenbytheGovernmenttoprotecttherightsofindividualwomen,irrespectiveoftheirfamilystatus.Inreply,therepresentativestatedthatageneralpolicyofemancipationandfaithinthehumanbeingwasthedrivingprincipleforallpoliticalaction,andthemeasurestakenbythePresidentin1992markedacertaindynamisminthewomen'smovement.TheparticipationofwomenatthelastelectionshadbeenfourtimeshigherthaninthepastandthePresidentemphasizedinhisstatementsthatwomenshouldtakeadvantageoftheopportunitiesprovidedtothembydemocracytodevelopfurthertheirachievements.Women'srightswerefundamentalrights,whichbenefitedwomenirrespectiveoftheirfamilystatus.Atthesametime,whilethefamilyneededtobepreserved,decisionmakinginthefamilyneededtobesharedbywomenandmen.Astudyhadbeenmadeontheissue.2224.3  2 .2ReferringtopressureexercisedbyreligiousextremistgroupsinneighbouringcountriesandtoquestionsraisedastowhethertherewasanylongtermplanthatwouldguaranteewomentheirfulldemocraticrightsandavoidanysetbacksandwhetherTunisiawascollaboratingwithotherIslamiccountriesinthatrespect,therepresentativerepliedthat,inTunisia,democracywasaprocessbasedontheprinciplethatitsconditionswerefulfilledandthathumanrightsencompassedalsoeconomicandsocialrights.Politicallibertywasmeaninglesswithouteconomicindependence.Shesaidthattheterroristswhodeniedwomentheirrightswerealsoinveteratedenemiesofhumanrightsingeneral,anddemocracymustdefenditselfagainstthoseforces.YetTunisiacouldnotremainisolatedinfollowingtherightpathandothercountriesshouldfollowthatexample.2225.3  2 .2Inmakinganadditionalcomment,amemberinquiredwhetherTunisiawasintendingtointroducewomen'sissuesintotheOrganizationoftheIslamicConference.2 .2Article32226.3  2 .2Membersinquiredthroughwhichmeansthenationalmechanismfortheadvancementofwomenwasimplementingitspoliciesattheregionallevel,whatitsfinancialresourceswereandwhichstepswerebeingtakentoinvolvemorewomeninthemainstreamofthesociety.̇&  2 .2Article52227.3  2 .2Memberspraisedeffortsmadetocorrectstereotypesthroughpresentingamorepositiveimageofwomeninschooltextbooksandthroughhumanrights'  education.Furtherinformationwasrequestedonviolenceagainstwomenofanykind,i.e.,domesticviolence,rape,sexualharassmentattheworkplace,violenceagainstfemaleprisoners,inparticularpoliticalprisoners,violenceagainstprostitutesandanyothervulnerablegroups,andsexualabusepractisedbypoliceofficers.2228.3  2 .2Therepresentativeexplainedthatthephenomenonofviolenceagainstwomenhadonlyrecentlybecomeasubjectofinvestigation,anditwasdifficulttoobtainreliablestatisticaldatabecausethevictimsonlyrarelyreportedsuchincidentstothecompetentauthorities.Sofar,only7percentofcasesofmaritalviolencehadbeensubmittedtotheMinistryofWomen'sandFamilyAffairs.Thesubjectwasnolongertabooandwomen'sassociationswerecarryingoutstudiesandsettinguphotlineservicesforbatteredwomen.Theresultsofthoseeffortswouldbeoutlinedinthesubsequentreport.Itwasequallydifficulttoobtaintrustworthystatisticaldataoncasesofrapeandsexualharassment,andonlyrarelywerecasesreported.ApartfromtheimportantchangeinthePenalCoderegardingconjugalviolence,whichmaderapewithinmarriageapunishableoffence,othernewmeasurestodealwiththeproblemweretheinstitutionofafamilyjudge,thecreationofdefenceandsocialintegrationcentres,hotlineservices,centresforbatteredwomensetupbynongovernmentalorganizationsandmediacampaignsdirectedatyoungpeople.Violenceagainstwomenwasdealtwithintheframeworkofaglobalnationalstrategyofawarenessraising.Inadditiontothat,theResearchDocumentationandInformationCentre(CREDIF)hadissuedalittlebooklettodisseminatethecontentsoftheConventionintheschools.2 .2Article62229.3  2 .2Respondingtoquestionsregardinghealthcareplansforprostitutes,therepresentativeemphasizedthattheauthoritiesfocusedonthehealthaspectandinstitutedmandatorymedicalvisitsforprostitutesinordertopreventsexuallytransmitteddiseasesandhumanimmunodeficiencyvirus(HIV)/acquiredimmunedeficiencysyndrome(AIDS).2230.3  2 .2Inreplytoquestions,therepresentativeexplainedthatregulatedprostitutionwasnotbannedbecauseitcurtailedclandestineprostitutionandprotectedminorsfromabuses.ClandestineprostitutionwasseverelypunishedinTunisia.Replyingtoaquestionaboutthepercentageofregulatedprostitution,therepresentativesaidthatithaddrasticallydecreased.Currentlyonly68womenwereregisteredinTunisas"regulatedprostitutes".Thedecreasewasattributabletotherisinglivingstandard,theprogressiveeradicationofpovertyandwomen'sentryintothelabourforce.2231.3  2 .2Replyingtoquestionsraisedbymembersabouttheexistenceofchildprostitutionandtraffickinginwomen,therepresentativestatedthatneitherofthetwohadeverexistedinTunisiadespiterisingtourism.Askedaboutmeasurestopreventminorsfromengaginginprostitutiontherepresentativesaidthatitwasbannedbylaw.Judgescoulddecidetoplacedelinquentminorsinspecialcentresinordertopreparethemfortheirreintegrationintosociety.2232.3  2 .2Furtherquestionsreferredtothesocialreintegrationofprostitutes,andtotheprotectionoftherightsoffemaleprostitutesinpractice.Membersrequesteddetailedstatisticaldatainthesubsequentreportandaskedwhetherthecurrentlegislationwasnotdiscriminatoryinthatitmadeadistinctionbetweenfemaleprostitutesandtheirmaleclients.2 .2Article72233.3  2 .2Askedaboutmeasurestakentochangewomen'sapproachtopoliticallifeandtoencouragegirlstoaltertheirviewsonpoliticalmatters,therepresentativestatedthattheMinistryofWomen'sandFamilyAffairshadsetupanevaluationcampaigntoassesstheimpactofdevelopmentprojectsonwomen.TheMinistrywasalsoplanningtosetupseveralplansofaction,suchasoneaimedatruralwomenandanotherthatfocusedonbettertimesharingbywomenbetweenprofessionalandhouseholdtasks,andwasconductingseveralcommunicationandinformationcampaigns.TheMinistrywasassistedinitseffortsbytheNationalCouncilforWomenandtheFamilyandnongovernmentalorganizations.2234.3  2 .2MemberswantedtoknowhowtheGovernmentwascopingwiththeapparentresistancebymentoinstitutionalizingwomen'sintegrationinpoliticallife.Therepresentativesaidthatalthoughsomemenhadshownresistance,itwasgraduallywaningbecauseofwomen'soutstandingcompetenceanddevotion,andatthelastelectionsawomanhadscoredhighestinthemainparty.Moreandmorewomenhadbecomevisibleatlowerpoliticallevelsandsensitizationcampaignsshouldhelpwomeningainingmorevotes.2235.3  2 .2Asmembersnotedthatwomendidnotseemtoberepresentedintradeunionsnorinbankinginstitutions,therepresentativesaidthatpresentlyanationalwomen'scommissionconsistingofcooptedmembersparticipatedactivelyintheelaborationofanactivityprogrammefortradeunions.2 .2Article92236.3  2 .2WhenaskedwhywomenweregivenunequaltreatmentwherethetransmissionofnationalitytoalienspousesandtotheirchildrenwasconcernedandwhethertheNationalWomenandDevelopmentCommissionwastakinganystepstoremovethesedifferentials,therepresentativesaidthattheinequalityhadbeensoftenedasaresultoftheamendmentofarticle12oftheNationalityCodeinJuly1993.Currentlythetransferofnationalitystillrequiredtheconsentofbothspouses.Itwastobehopedthatthereservationinthisarticlecouldbeliftedinthenearfuture.2237.3  2 .2Membersalsoinquiredwhatwasbeingdonetodisseminateinformationonthelegalrightsofwomentothepublicatlarge.2 .2Article102238.3  2 .2MemberscommendedtheGovernmentfortheparticularattentiontoeducationandfordedicatingtoitasmuchas10percentoftheStatebudget.Theypraisedthestridesmadeinincreasingtheenrolmentlevelofgirlsinsecondaryschools.Theynoted,however,ahighconcentrationofgirlsintraditionalfemalefieldsofeducationandatendencyoffemalestudentstoembarkoncareersthatwerefinanciallylessrewarding.Theyaskedwhethertherewasaparticularpreferenceforgirlstofollowthetraditionalfemalepathsandwhethertherewereanyplanstoencouragethemtobreakintonontraditional,socalled"men'sfields".Askedwhetherschoolcurriculamightberesponsibleforthatfact,therepresentativestatedthatschoolbooksdidnotallowforanydiscrimination.However,girlsappearedtochooseeconomicsmorefrequentlythanindustrialvocations,andartsandliteratureovermathematicsandscience.Girls'optionswerealsodeterminedbythecurrentlabourmarket,whichwasstilldominatedbycertainstereotypes.Theeducationalreformintroducednewschoolorientations.Anotherinnovationwastheintroductionofhumanrightseducationatprimaryandsecondarylevel.Othermeasuresinthatdirectionwerenationalseminarsandannualcampaigns,orientationcoursesforparentsandtheirchildrenandpilotprojectstoencouragegirlstotaketechnicalsubjects.2239.3  2 .2Inreactiontothestatementbytherepresentativethat,forthefirsttime,awomanhadbecomeregionaldirectorofsecondaryeducationandawomanhadbeenappointedasuniversityrector,memberswarnedagainstthe"tokenwoman"syndrome.Theysaidthatexperienceinothercountrieshadshownthattheappointmentofa"tokenwoman"reinforcedstereotypes,ratherthanimprovedthestatusofwomen.2240.3  2 .2Commentingonthelowerschoolenrolmentofgirlsandreplyingtoquestionsastowhetheranystudieshadbeencarriedouttodeterminethecausesforthehighdropoutrateofgirlsfromschool,therepresentativeexplainedthroughstatisticaldatathatthegapbetweengirlsandboysinschoolenrolmentwasgraduallyshrinkinginthedirectionofattainingagenderbalance.Whereasoriginallytheschooldropoutratewashigherforgirlsthanforboys,especiallyinruralareas,thattendencyhadbeenalmostreversedatalllevels.Studiesthathadbeenundertakenonthesubjectgaveasmajorreasonssocio-economicandculturalfactorsintheruralareas.Toalleviatethatproblem,schooltimetableshadbeenchanged,schoolaidshadbeenintroduced,schoolinghadbeenmademandatoryfrom6to16yearsandnoncompliancehadbeenputundersanction.Itwassaidthattheneedtopromoteequalityofopportunitiesforchildrenofbothsexesinurbanandruralareashadbecomeoneoftheparametersforeducationalplanningandinfrastructure.2241.3  2 .2Referringtoobservationsmadeaboutthehighilliteracyrate,therepresentativesaidthatoneofthereasonsforthehighpercentageofilliterategirlswasthatgirlsenteredschoollaterthanboys.Itwastobehopedthattheschoolreformandthenationalprogrammethathadbeenelaboratedwithintheeighthdevelopmentplanwouldachievethetargetssetforreducingfemaleilliteracy,particularlyinthe18to29agegroup.Anationalcommissionhadbeensetupincollaborationwithseveralministriestomonitortheprogramme.2 .2Article112242.3  2 .2Commentsweremadeaboutthelowpercentageofwomen'seconomicparticipationintheagriculturalsector,andmembersaskedwhethereffortswerebeingmadetogivemoreimportancetotheinformalsector.Therepresentativestatedthatnumerousstudiesshowedtheextenttowhichinformalsectorhadcontributedtothenationaleconomy,anditwasalsoprovedthatwomen'scontributiontotheinformalsectorcouldreducethenegativeeffectsofthestructuraladjustmentplan.Forthcomingmeasuresforthatsectorwereanassistancefundforsmallruralenterprises,asensitizationcampaignaboutfamilyeconomyandthepublicationofaguidebooktoinstructwomenaboutpossibilitiesofcredit.2243.3  2 .2Askedaboutanyplanstoexplorethetrainingpossibilitiesforwomeninnontraditionaljobs,therepresentativesaidthatthankstothecurrentreformofprofessionaltraining,womenshouldgetaccesstonewvocationalandprofessionalqualifications,inparticularinnontraditionalfields.Atthesametime,thequalityoftrainingwasimprovedinwomen'straditionalfields.2244.3  2 .2Membersinquiredaboutplanstoabolishtheprohibitiononnightworkforwomen.2 .2Article122245.3  2 .2WhilecommendingtheGovernment'seffortsmadeintheareaoffamilyplanning,membersaskedwhetherplansexistedtoexpandthehealthcoverageforwomenandgirls.Therepresentativeconfirmedtheexistenceofsuchplansandprogrammes.2246.3  2 .2Askedwhetherawomancoulddecidetohaveanabortionorwhethersheneededthepermissionofherhusband,therepresentativesaidthatabortionwasallowedundercertainconditionsandifitwascarriedoutinahospitalbyanauthorizedphysicianwithinthefirstthreemonthsofpregnancy.Afterthattimeabortionwasallowedonlyforhealthreasons.2247.3  2 .2Furtherclarificationwasrequestedonwomenwhoallegedlysuffereddepressionorhysteriaastheysoughttoreconcileliberaleducationwithtraditionalnorms.Therepresentativecommentedthatthoseallegationswerenotsupportedbyanyreliabledataandseemedtobepartofthepropagandaoffundamentalists.2 .2Article152248.3  2 .2MembersaskedwhytheGovernmenthadenteredadeclarationonthisarticleuponratificationoftheConventioninsofaraschoiceofresidenceanddomicilebywomenwasconcerned,despitetheentryintoforceofthePersonalStatusCode.Therepresentativeexplainedthatthedeclarationhadbeenmadebecausearticles23and61oftheoldPersonalStatusCodecontradictedtheprovisionsoftheConvention.SincetheamendmentoftheCode,theclauseof"obedience"hadbeenremoved.Currently,thefreechoiceofthewoman'sresidencecouldonlybecurtailedinthelightofhercustodydutiesforachildofschoolage.Judgesalwaystookintoconsiderationthechild'sinterestsasparamount.&  2 .2Article162249.3  2 .2MemberscommendedtheGovernmentontheprogressmadeintheabolitionofpolygamyandthefreechoiceofahusband,buttheyrequiredmoreinformation'  andarealanalysisofthedefactopositionofwomeninthefamily.MemberswereinterestedinknowingwhetherthenationallawofthecountrywasthereligiouslawasinterpretedfromtheKoran,whethertherewasaseparatesecularlawandwhathappenedincasesofconflict.Therepresentativeexplainedthatoriginallytherehadbeennounifiedlegalsystem.WhenTunisiagainedindependencein1956,theSharialawandinstitutionshadbeenreformedandoneunifiedlawappliedtoallTunisiansofanyfaith.Religiouscourtshadbeenabolished,andthenewFamilyCodeof1956wasapplicablethroughout.TheamendmentofthePersonalStatusCodegavewomenabetterstatusinthefamily.Thenewfamilywasfoundedontheconceptofmutualrespectandcooperationbetweenthespousesinallfamilymatters,includingtheeducationoftheirchildren,theobligationofwomentocontributetofamilyexpensesandtheabolitionofthe"obedience"clause.Thelegislationstillpreservedthehusbandasheadofthefamily,butitwaslikelythataswomengraduallybecamemoreindependenteconomically,theroleofthehusbandaseconomiccustodianwoulddisappear.Anothernewprovisionwasthatwomencouldgetguardianshipoftheirchildrenafterdivorce.2250.3  2 .2Inreplytoarequestforfurtherexplanationoftheprohibitionofpolygamy,therepresentativesaidthatoneoftheconditionsforenteringintoamarriagewasthattheindividualwasfreefromanyothermarriagebond.Whoeverinfringeduponthatprovisionwasliabletosanction.Marriageshadtobeenteredintothecivilregistryandcustomarylawmarriagesandfreeunionswereprohibited.Therightsofchildrenfromfreeunionswereprotectedthroughasystemofjudicialmachinery.2251.3  2 .2Askedwhytheminimumageformarriagewasdifferentforgirlsandboys,therepresentativesaidthatbeforetheentryintoforceoftheFamilyCodetherewasnominimumageatall.Thecurrentminimumageswereconditionedonmentality,traditions,educationandaccesstothelabourmarket.2252.3  2 .2InrelationtoquestionsraisedaboutwhetherpropertyacquiredduringmarriagewasequallysharedbetweenthespousestherepresentativeexplainedthatTunisianlawenshrinedtheseparationofconjugalproperty.Eachofthespousesmaintainedexclusivecontroloverhisorherpropertyandwasinchargeofhisorherdebts.Thespousescould,however,chooseanothersystemwhentheyenteredintomarriage.Whilemaintainingseparationofthepropertythatwasbroughtintothemarriage,thespousescouldoptforcommunityofpropertyacquiredduringmarriage.Asthatsystemwasnotgenerallyknown,itwasrarelyapplied.2253.3  2 .2Membersaskedwhethergirlshadthesamerightstoinheritasboysandwhetherthewife'srightofinheritancefromherdeceasedhusbandwasequaltothehusband'srightsvisvishiswife.TherepresentativeexplainedthattheinheritancelawwasbasedontheKoran.Consequently,meninheritedtwicetheshareofwomeniftheywereequallyrelated.ItwastobehopedthatwiththeevolutionoftheTunisiansocietythatinequalitywouldbeovercome.2254.3  2 .2Referringtothepersistenceoftheinstitutionofdowrytherepresentativestatedthatitwasmaintainedsymbolically,inordernottobreakcompletelywiththeMuslimtradition.TheamendedFamilyCode,however,nolongercontainedafixedamount.2255.3  2 .2Regardingquestionsaboutthepossibilityofinterfaithmarriages,therepresentativesaidthatamarriageofaTunisianwomanwithanonMuslimwaspossibleonlyifthehusbandconvertedtoIslam.2256.3  2 .2AskedaboutreservationsenteredbyTunisiauponratificationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildtherepresentativesaidthosereservationsweresimilartothosewithrespecttotheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.2257.3  2 .2Membersaskedwhatthereasonswereforthereservationtoarticle16,paragraphl(c),whetheritwassociallyacceptedforawomantoliveindependentlywithoutaspouse,andwhohadtheguardianshipoverchildrenlivingoutsidethecountry,whowereborninTunisiatoaforeignwoman.TheyexpressedconcernatthenonrecognitionoffreeunionsandinquiredwhethertheGovernmentwasintendingtoratifytheConventionontheCivilAspectsofInternationalChildAbduction.&  ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction2258.3  '  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedappreciationtotheGovernmentofTunisiaonitscombinedreport,presentedinaccordancewiththegeneralguidelines,andonthefactthatthereportcontainedimportantinformationonlegislationandmeasuresrelatingtotheimplementationoftheConvention.2259.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithgreatappreciationthehighlevelrepresentationsenttodiscussthereport,whichservesasanindicationoftheimportanceattachedbytheGovernmenttoitsobligationsundertheConvention,andthecomprehensiveandconstructiveapproachthatcharacterizedthedialoguewiththedelegation.2260.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsappreciationfortheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheministerialdelegation,whichhadendeavouredtoanswerallquestionsfromtheCommitteeinanopenmanner.&  2 .2Positiveaspects2261.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoted,fromthenewprovisionsofthePersonalStatusCode,'  thattheGovernmenthadremainedsteadfastinguaranteeingandprotectingtherightsandpropertyofwomen.2262.3  2 .2TheCommitteestressedthatthepromotionofwomen'srightswasthebestsafeguardagainstextremistandretrogrademovements.2263.3  2 .2TheCommitteetooknoteofeffortsmadebytheGovernmenttosecuretheimplementationoftheConvention'sprovisionsthroughoutthecountry.2264.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithsatisfactiontheprogressbeingmadeinintroducinglegislativemeasurestoimprovetheapplicationoftheConvention.TheinclusionofmeasuresfortheadvancementofwomenintheEighthNationalDevelopmentPlanofthecountryconstitutedastepforwardinthatregard.2265.3  2 .2TheCommitteeequallynotedwithgreatadmirationtheexistingpoliticalwilltomaintainprogressiveinterpretationofwomen'srightsunderbothcivilandreligiouslaws.&  2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern'  2266.3  2 .2TheCommitteewasconcernedaboutthegeneraldeclarationmadeatratificationinrelationtoreservationsmadetotheConvention.2267.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsconcernwiththehighrateofilliteracyamongwomeninTunisia,sinceaccesstoeducationwasfundamentaltotheempowermentofwomen.Equallyimportantwasthefactthatthenumberofschooldropoutsamonggirlswashigh.2268.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotedthatinhighereducationwomenwereconcentratedinspecificareasofstudiesandthereforeinprofessionswhichhadlowreturnorlessjobopportunities.Womenneededtobeencouragedtojoinscientificfieldsinordertohavebetterchancesofemployment.2269.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotedthelackofinformationonviolenceagainstwomeninthefamily.̇2270.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotedthat,althoughtherewasapoliticalwillbytheGovernmentconcerningsupportofwomen'srights,thepoliticalparticipationofwomenwasstillunsatisfactory.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2271.3  2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttoconsiderwithdrawingitsreservations.2272.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoseeinthenextreportmoreinformationontheissuesofwomen'silliteracyandschooldropout.2273.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatmoreinformationonviolenceagainstwomeninthefamilyandthecommunityshouldbeprovidedinthenextreport.2274.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofTunisiatofurtherincreaseitseffortsforwomen'spoliticalparticipationatalllevels.2275.3  2 .2TheCommitteeproposesthatmoretrainingcoursesforwomeninnon-traditionalareasbeconducted,aswellasmoresupportbegiventowomenintheareaofagriculture.2276.3  2 .2Waysandmeansshouldbeenvisagedtoencouragewomenandgirlstoenrolinsciencefields.2277.3  2 .2Morecooperativeactivitiesshouldbeencouragedattheregionalleveltoconsolidatewomen'srightsthathadbeengainedsofarandtopreventanysetbackasaresultofthethreatofreligiousextremisttrends.@ .Uganda882 2278.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialandsecondperiodicreportsofUganda(CEDAW/C/UGA/12andAdd.1)atits270thand273rdmeetings,on23and26January(seeCEDAW/C/SR.270and273).2279.3  2 .2Inintroducingthereport,therepresentativeoftheStatepartypointedoutthatwomenaccountedforupto80percentoffoodproductionintheagriculturalsectorandthattheywerewidelyemployedintheinformalsectorinurbanareas.ShestressedthatUgandawasoneofthefewsubSaharancountriesthatwasselfsufficientinagriculturalproduction.2280.3  2 .2ShealsoemphasizedthatthemainobjectiveoftheGovernmentwastoensurethepositiveintegrationofwomenandgenderissuesintothemainstreamofalldevelopmentprocessesfromtheplanningthroughimplementationtoevaluationstages.SheinformedtheCommitteethattheGovernmenthadaddressedtheintegrationstrategyatnationalandsectorallevels.2281.3  2 .2Furthermore,therepresentativementionedthattheGovernmentwascommittedtoenhancingtheparticipationofwomeninpoliticsanddecisionmakingatnationalandlocallevelsthroughlegislativeandadministrativemeasures.2282.3  2 .2SheinformedtheCommitteethatmajorstepshadbeentakentowardsthefullobservanceofthelegalrightsofwomenandondefactodiscriminationagainstwomenintheareasofthefamily,education,employment,healthcareandnutritionpoliciesandnaturalresourcesmanagement.However,shepointedoutthatalotremainedtobedoneonboththedejureanddefactolevelsandthatobstaclessuchastraditionalcustomsandattitudes,theeconomicrestructuringprocessandhealthandecologicalcrisesimpededtheefforts.Generalobservations2283.3  2 .2MembersoftheCommitteecommendedthefranknessandobjectivityofthereportandcommentedthatthereportfollowedthegeneralguidelines.TheywelcomedthefactthattheConventionhadbeenratifiedwithoutreservations.TheypraisedtheGovernmentofUgandaforinvolvingnongovernmentalorganizationsinthepreparationandevaluationofthereportinaveryinnovativeway.Theysuggestedthatasimilarcooperationshouldbefollowedregardingtheconstitutionalandotherlegalreforms.2284.3  2 .2MemberscommendedtheGovernmentand,inparticular,thePresident,forhavingappointedwomentohighpositionsintheGovernment,namely,thewomanVicePresidentandthefivewomenministersinthecabinet.MembersadvisedUgandatotakeadvantageofthepoliticalwill,includingfromthePresident,atthoselevelstomakefurthernecessaryreforms.TheywelcomedtheestablishmentofaMinistryofGenderandCommunityDevelopment.2285.3  2 .2OthermembersnotedthattherewerestillvariousobstaclestotheimplementationoftheConvention,suchasreligiousandculturalpractices,whichhadnotyetbeenadequatelyaddressed.Itwasalsomentionedthattraditionsandcustomswereverydeeplyrootedandverydiversified.2286.3  2 .2MembersoftheCommitteenotedwithconcerntheeffectsofstructuraladjustmentprogrammesonwomenandchildren.TheCommitteewantedtoknowwhatmeasureshadbeentakentodealwiththenegativeeffectsofthoseprogrammes.TherepresentativeexplainedthatvariousstudieshavebeencarriedoutontheeffectsofstructuraladjustmentprogrammesonwomeninUganda.Informationonthefindingsofthosestudieswouldbeincludedinthenextreport.Questionsrelatingtospecificarticles2 .2Article22287.3  2 .2SomemembersoftheCommitteewantedtoknowwhatmeasureshadbeentakentoamendtheConstitutiontowardsgrantingwomenequalrightsinaccordancewiththeConvention.OnememberindicatedthattheConstitutionwassilentontheissueofgender.ShethereforesuggestedthattheGovernmentshouldtakethematterintoconsiderationwhenrevisingtheConstitution.OthersexpressedtheirconcernthattheConstitutionhadfailedtoprovideanaccuratedefinitionofsexdiscrimination.Oneexpertreferredtoparagraph64ofthereportoftheStatepartyandaskedifinitiativeshadbeentakenbywomen'sorganizationstomaketheGovernmentreformthelaws.2288.3  2 .2Therepresentativerepliedthat,asmentionedintheaddendumtothereportoftheStateparty,theissueofequalitywasbeingaddressedbythedraftConstitution.Hereferredtoclause50(2)and(3)ofthedraftConstitution.HealsopointedoutthattheGovernmenthasbeencommittedtotheeliminationofinstitutionalizeddiscriminationagainstwomen.Hereferredtoclause50(4)ofthedraftConstitution.2289.3  2 .2MembersoftheCommitteenotedthattheConstitutionreferredto"he"throughout,whilereferringtobothwomenandmen,andsuggestedthatthemattershouldbecorrected.TherepresentativeansweredthatthedraftConstitutionwouldspecifybothmenandwomen,particularlyregardingcriticalissuesonequalitybeforethelaw,fundamentalhumanrightsandotherconstitutionalrights.2290.3  2 .2ThereportoftheStatepartyindicatedthattheGovernmenthadintroducedthedeathpenaltyformenconvictedofrapeanddefilement.However,becausemendominatethepoliceforceandcrimedetection,itwasdifficulttoproverapeincourt.TheMembersthereforeinquiredwhatstepsweretakentoconvictmenwhowereguiltyofcrimessuchasrapeanddefilement.Also,moreinformationwasrequestedonthestepsthathavebeentakentoimprovelawenforcementproceduresinthecontextofrape.TherepresentativestatedthattheGovernmenthadtakenmeasurestoaddressthedifficultyofprosecutingrapeoffenders.Inthatcontext,theMinistryofGenderandCommunityDevelopmenthadbeencarryingoutastudyonthenonprosecutionofrapecases.Findingshadindicatedthatthereweresocial,economic,legalandculturalfactorscontributingtothenonprosecutionofrapeoffenders.Thefindingshadbeenforwardedtotheinstitutionsconcernedtocallfortheiractiontoremedytheseproblems.ThisMinistrywasalsoengagedinsensitizationprogrammes,especiallyforthepoliceandotherlawenforcementofficers,concerningtheproblemofrape.Also,theGovernment,incollaborationwithnon-governmentalorganizations,bothlocalandinternational,hadbeenundertakinginterventionsduringthetrainingofpoliceofficerstospecificallysensitizethemonissuesaffectingwomenincriminalmatters.2291.3  2 .2TheLawReformCommissionwaspresentlylookingintothecontroversysurroundingtheissueofthedeathpenaltyforrapeoffenders.Resultswouldbeincludedinthenextreport.2 .2Article32292.3  2 .2OnememberwantedtoknowhowmanywomenwereintheLawReformCommission.Therepresentativerepliedthatfiguresweregivenintheaddendumtothereport:theLawReformCommissionshouldconsistofsixmembers,includingatleastonewoman.However,theCommissioncurrentlyhadthreeCommissioners,oneofwhomwasawoman.TheSecretaryoftheCommissionwasalsoawoman.2293.3  2 .2Onememberwantedtoknowwhetherwomen'snon-governmentalorganizationswereinvolvedintheconstitutiondraftingprocess.Therepresentativerespondedthattheinitialandsecondreportsstatedthatindividuals,aswellasorganizationsrepresentingvariousinterestgroups,hadbeeninvolvedinsubmittingmemorandaoftheirviewstotheConstitutionalCommission.Women'snon-governmentalorganizationshadalsobeeninvolvedinthatprocess.2294.3  2 .2Inthatcontext,somememberswantedtoknowhowmanycomplaintsondiscriminationagainstwomenhadbeenreceivedbyinterestgroupsandhowmanyhadbeenjudiciallydisposedof.Therepresentativerepliedthatmanycomplaintsondiscriminationagainstwomenwerereceived;however,owingtothelackofgenderdisaggregateddatainthatoffice,itwasdifficulttoprocureinformationontheexactnumber.2295.3  2 .2AnothermemberaskediftheGovernmenthadaplantointroduceanequalopportunitiesbill.Furthermore,shewantedtoknowwhethertheGovernmenthadaddressedtheissueofviolenceagainstwomen.TherepresentativeexplainedthattheConstituentAssemblyhadconsideredthequestionofestablishinganequalopportunitiescommission.HeaddedthattheprocessofdraftingtheConstitutionhasbeenongoingsince1988andnowhadsixmonthstoreachaconclusion.2296.3  2 .2In1970,theLawDevelopmentCentrewasestablishedforthepurposeofextendinglegalaidforwomen.Thememberswantedtoknowwhythisschemehadnevertakenoff.Inthereport,itwasnotedthattheUgandaWomen'sLawyersAssociationcouldnotserveallwomeninneedoflegalaidinthecountry.MembersaskedwhethertheGovernmenthadestablishedadditionallegalaidagencies.TherepresentativeofUgandareferredtotheinformationcontainedintheaddendumtothereportandexplainedthat,inadditiontotheUgandaWomen'sLawyersAssociation,theUgandaLawSocietyhadbeenoperatingasimilarprojectinthefourregionsofthecountry.Furthermore,thelegaldepartmentoftheMinistryofGenderandCommunityDevelopmentofferedsimilarservices.2297.3  2 .2Somemembersemphasizedthattheinferiorstatusofwomeninthefamilyimpededlegalequalityofwomen;theystressedthattherewasaneedtoadoptanewfamilycodeintegratingstatutorylegislationandcustomarylaw.TherepresentativerepliedthatamongthestrategiestoaddresstheinferiorstatusofwomeninUgandansociety,theGovernmenthadembarkedonaprocessofreformingthelawsondomesticrelations.Adraftbillonsuchalawhadbeenputinplace,whichsoughttointegrateboththevariouscustomarylawsandstatutorylawintoonecode.Furtherconsultationsandresearchwerestillbeingcarriedout,especiallytoensurethatthelawwasinlinewithinternationalandregionalhumanrightsinstrumentsonthestatusofwomen.Moreover,hestatedthat,asreportedintheaddendumtothereport,theissueofdomesticviolencewouldbespecificallyaddressedinthenewlawondomesticrelations.Apartfromlegalmeasures,theMinistryofGenderandCommunityDevelopmenthadbeenconductinglegaleducationandsensitizationactivitiesontheprobleminvariouspartsofthecountry,togetherwithlocallybasednon-governmentalorganizations.2 .2Article42298.3  2 .2Paragraph79ofthereportreferredtoUganda'seffortstoincreasethelevelofparticipationofwomeninthepublicsector,basedonaffirmativeaction.Onememberwantedtoknowwhatactionhadbeentakenconcerningtheproblemofwifebeating.2 .2Article62299.3  2 .2Thereportindicatedthatprostitutionwasacrimebutdidnotstatewhethertheclientsofprostituteswerealsoconsideredguiltyofacrimeandwhethertheywereprosecuted;nordidthereportindicatewhethermeasurestopreventacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome(AIDS)wereappliedequallytoprostitutesandclients.Therepresentativerepliedthatbasedonthedefinitionofprostitutionandprostitutes,theamendedlegislationS.134AofthePenalCodeallowedfortheprosecutionofbothpartiesinvolvedintheact.2300.3  2 .2Aclarificationofparagraph100ofthereport,whichreferredtotheextensionoftheagecategoryofprotectedmalesandfemalesfrom14to18years,wasrequired.Therepresentativereportedthattheagelimitforstatutoryrapehadbeenraisedfrom14to18years.2301.3  2 .2MembersrequestedmoreinformationconcerningthetraffickinginwomeninUganda;whateffectivemeasureshadbeentakentodecreasetraffickinginwomenandtheirexploitationthroughprostitution?TherepresentativerepliedthatprostitutionandtraffickinginwomeninUgandawashighlycommerciallyorganized.Inthatregard,thelegalpositionremainedthattraffickinginwomenwasacrimeunderthelawsofUgandaandallmeasurestoaddressthecrimewouldbeemployedintheeventthatanybodywasarrested.̇2302.3  2 .2Paragraph95ofthereportnotedtheneedtoformpolicyandspecialprogrammestopreventthespreadofAIDSamongwomenprostitutes.Somememberswantedtoknowifsuchpoliciesorprogrammeshadbeeninitiated.Ifnot,whatplanswouldbeinitiatedinthefuture?InaddressingtheAIDScrisis,anothermemberaskedaboutproposalstoeliminatepolygamousmarriagesinordertostemthespreadofthedisease.ItwasaskedhowthesemarriageswereviewedbytheUgandanGovernment.2303.3  2 .2Therepresentativewelcomedtherecommendationsofmembersforprogrammestodecreasetheprevalenceofprostitution.Suchprogrammesshouldbeimplemented,especiallyinviewofthedangerofthehumanimmunodeficiencyvirus(HIV)/AIDS.Informationonfutureinitiativeswouldbeincludedinthenextreport.2 .2Article92304.3  2 .2UnlikemalecitizensinUganda,womendonotenjoytherighttoextendtheircitizenshiptotheirchildrenbornoutsidethecountry.Similarly,womendonotenjoytherighttoextendtheircitizenshiptoforeignspouses.Furthermore,amarriedwomancitizenisnotentitledtohaveapassportissuedwithouttheconsentofherhusband.Membersaskedwhatmeasureshadbeentakentocorrecttheseinequalities.TherepresentativerepliedthattheexistinglegalbiaspreventingUgandanwomenmarriedtoforeignersfromextendingtheircitizenshiptospousesandchildrenhadbeenaddressedinthedraftConstitution.Asindicatedintheaddendumtothereport,clause43(2)(a)ofthedraftConstitutionstatedthateverypersonmarriedtoaUgandancitizenmayapplytoberegisteredasacitizenuponprovidingproofofalegalandsubsistingmarriageofatleastthreeyearsstanding.ThedraftConstitutionfurtherstatedthatmenandwomenshouldhaveequalrightsatmarriage,duringmarriageandatitsdissolution.SuchaprovisionwithintheConstitutionwouldaddressthecurrentproblemsforUgandanmarriedwomenregardingpassportandtraveldocuments.2305.3  2 .2Onememberwantedtoknowwhetherahusbandorfathercouldpreventawifeorchildfromleavingthecountry.Itwasindicatedthatagirlchildbornoutofwedlockwasdiscriminatedagainst.OneexpertaskedwhethertheseissueswerebeingaddressedbytheGovernment.Therepresentativerepliedthatregardingdiscriminationofthegirlchildbornoutofwedlock,thelegalpositionwasthatallchildrenwhetherborninoroutofwedlockwereentitledtoinheritequallyfromtheirparents.̀2 .2Article102306.3  2 .2Paragraph158ofthereportreferredtopreprimaryschoolasa"privatebusiness".MemberswantedtoknowwhethertheGovernmentwouldreviseitsattitudetowardspreschooleducation.TheStatepartyrepliedthatthecompetitionforentryintogoodprimaryschoolshadmainlyoccurredinurbanareasandthatthemajorityoftheresidentscouldaffordthecost.However,theGovernmentofUgandahadtakennoteoftheconcernofthemembersaboutthedangerofabuseintheprovisionofeducationbyprivateinstitutions.Moredetailedinformationwouldbeprovidedinthenextreport.2307.3  2 .2InUganda,49percentofhouseholdsareheadedbyasingleyoungwoman.TheCommitteewantedtohavemoreinformationabouttheageoftheseyoungwomenandaskedwhatmeasureshadbeentakenbytheGovernmenttopreventearlypregnancy,whichdisruptseducation.2308.3  2 .2Accordingtothereport,81.4percentofgirlswhoshouldbeinprimaryschoolenterintomatrimonialrelationships.Membersinquiredwhethertherewasaspecialcurriculummadeavailabletothesegirlsinordertomakeupforthelostprimaryeducation,andifnot,howwastheGovernmentgoingtodealwiththatissueinthefuture.Severalmembersexpressedconcernregardingthehighnumberofpregnanciesamongyounggirlsthathadbeencausedbyteachers.Thatcouldaccountforthehighdropoutrateofgirlswhohadsufferedsuchviolence.Membersaskedwhatmeasureshadbeentakentoaddresstheproblem.Hadinformationbeenprovidedtoyounggirlsaboutthedangersrelatedtoearlysexualintercourse?2309.3  2 .2Therepresentativerespondedthat,asstatedintheaddendumtothereport,theMinistryofEducationwasincorporatingfamilylifeeducation,whichincludedsexeducation,intheschoolcurriculum.TheGovernmentaswellasnon-governmentalorganizationshadbeencarryingoutadulteducationandfunctionalliteracyprogrammestotargetwomenandmenwhohadnothadanopportunityforformaleducation.Statisticsindicatedthatthemajorityofpersonsattendingthoseprogrammeswerewomen.Specificstatisticswouldbeincludedinthenextreport.2310.3  2 .2Additionalinformationwasrequestedbymembersonprimaryeducation;wasprimaryeducationcompulsoryandwerethereanyagelimits?TherepresentativestatedthattheminimumageforentryintoprimaryschoolforchildreninUgandawassixyearsold.Hereferredtotheaddendumtothereport,whichstatedthatgovernmentpolicywasaimedatprovidingcompulsoryuniversalprimaryeducationbytheyear2003.Astothefinancialresources,therepresentativerepliedthattheprocessofprovidinggovernmentaidwouldbeagradualone;bygraduallytransformingthecurrenteducationalsystem,primaryeducationwouldbecomegovernmentaided,anduniversityandotherformsoftertiaryeducationwouldbeonacostsharingbasis.2 .2Article122311.3  2 .2AbortionwascarriedoutinUgandaeventhoughitwasillegal.Membersrequestedadditionaldataonabortion.Therepresentativeansweredthatstatisticsonwomendyingfromabortionhadbeendifficulttoobtainbecausetherecordsfromvarioushospitalswerenotcompiledatonefocalpoint.However,statisticsfromthemainnationalhospitalsindicatedthatin1992inducedabortionaccountedforonethirdofmaternaldeaths.WhileithadbeenpossibletoprovidestatisticsontheratioofHIV/AIDSinfectionbetweenmenandwomen,actualfiguresofpeopledyingofAIDShadbeendifficulttogetsincethemedicalreportsindicatedtheimmediatecausesofdeath,suchaspneumonia,tuberculosis,etc.,ratherthanAIDS.Furthermore,manydeathshadnotbeenreportedbyhospitalsbecausetheyhappenedathome,especiallyinruralareas.2312.3  2 .2MembersalsowantedtoknowifawomanwhowasinfectedwithAIDScouldhavealegalabortion.Therepresentativeexplainedthatthelegalpositiononabortionwasthatiftwomedicaldoctorsindependentlyagreedthatitwasnecessaryforthewoman'shealth,thenanabortioncouldbeperformed.2313.3  2 .2Inreferencetoparagraphs251and252ofthereport,theCommitteewantedtoknowhowsuccessfulgovernmentprogrammeshadbeenincombatingthespreadofAIDS.Also,inreferencetoparagraph259,thememberswantedtobeprovidedwithastatisticalupdateonAIDS.TherepresentativerepliedthatupdatedstatisticsontheprevalenceofAIDSinUgandawereincludedintheaddendum.WhereasthegovernmentprogrammestocombatthespreadofAIDSnowreached90percentofthepopulation,acorrespondingchangeinsexualbehaviourhadnotbeenachievedbecausethattooksometime.GovernmentprogrammestocombatthespreadofAIDShadtotargetallmembersofsociety,andshouldincludeinformationontheuseofcondoms.Toprovideforthelatter,however,wasamatteroffinancialresources.2314.3  2 .2Membersrequestedspecificstatisticsregardingtheincidenceofrapeandincest,particularlyofyounggirls.Therepresentativeexplainedthatthatinformationwasdifficulttoobtainsincetherewasnocoherentpatterninpolicerecords.2315.3  2 .2Astothedifferenceinthenumberofbirthsperwomanasstatedinthewrittenandoralreports,therepresentativestatedthattherecentincreaseoffertilityratescouldbeexplainedbyAIDSandhighinfantmortalityrates.2316.3  2 .2TheMembersraisedconcernsaboutfemalecircumcisioninUganda.Theywantedtoknowwhyimmediateactionhadnotbeentakentoabolishthattradition,whichwasstillpractisedinsomepartsofthecountry.Furthermore,whatpenaltywasgiventothepersonperformingthefemalecircumcision?Hadtherebeenanyprogrammestoreeducateorinformthosepersonsaboutthedangersofcircumcision?TheCommitteealsorequestedmoreinformationontraditionsandcustomsinUganda.Forexample,werethereanyfoodtaboos?2317.3  2 .2Therepresentativerepliedthatconcerninghealthrelatedcustomsandtaboos,thesituationwasthattherewereseveraltribesinUgandawithdifferentcustomsandpracticesaffectingwomen.Governmentpolicyhadbeentodiscouragecustomsandpracticeswithanegativeimpactandpromotethepositiveones.ThedraftConstitutionprovidedthatanycustomthatwascontrarytothefundamentalhumanrightsprovidedintheConstitutionshouldbedeclarednullandvoid.Itwashopedthatthatprovisionwouldprovideaneffectivechallengetothepracticeoffemalecircumcision.Furthermore,theInterCommitteeforAfrica,aregionalorganizationthatwasaddressingnegativecustomarypracticesinAfrica,hadbeenoperatingprogrammesinUganda.TheGovernmentofUgandahadalsobeencarryingoutsensitizationprogrammesonfemalecircumcisionandothernegativecustomarypractices.2318.3  2 .2AmembercommentedthattheGovernmentdescribedprostitutesasadangertosocietybecauseofHIV/AIDS.Table22ofthereportindicatedthatonly2percentofthepopulationhadbeenusingcondoms.HadanythingbeendonetoinhibitthespreadofAIDSamongprostitutesbydistributingcondomstothem?Werethereanyprogrammestoinformthepopulationabouttheuseofcondoms?TherepresentativerepliedthattherehadbeenvariousgeneralprogrammesforAIDSinUganda.Thatinformationhadalreadybeenincludedinthereports.2319.3  2 .2Table19inthereportstatedthattherewasashortageofhealthpersonnel.Membersbelievedthattraditionalhealersandtraditionalmedicinewerethekeytomakingassistedchildbearingafinancialpossibility.HadUgandamadeanefforttosystematizeitsnetworkoftraditionalbirthattendantsandtraditionalhealers?Weredevelopmentstrategiesmakinguseoftraditionalknowledge,asopposedtoimposingforeignapproaches?Whatkindoffamilyplanningfacilitieswereavailabletowomeninruralareas?Inresponse,therepresentativereferredtotheaddendumtothereport.2320.3  2 .2Memberssuggestedthatwomeninhighpoliticalpositionsshouldbecomeinvolvedininformationcampaignsabouttheuseofcondoms,thespreadofAIDS,etc.&  2 .2Article142321.3  2 .2'  Astowhatmeasureshadbeentakentodecreaseilliteracy,providehealthservicesandsocialprotectiontoruralwomenandprovidethemwithaccesstofamilyplanning,therepresentativereferredtotheaddendumtothereport.2 .2Article162322.3  2 .2Sometraditionalpracticessuchaspolygamousmarriages,aswellasincestandrape,hadfurtheredthespreadofAIDS.MembersinquiredwhatprogrammeshadbeenofferedbytheGovernmenttowomenandmeninordertopreventthetransmissionofAIDS.Therepresentativerepliedthattheissueofpolygamywasconsideredinthenewlawondomesticrelations.2323.3  2 .2Regardinginterferenceandharassmentbyfathers,brothersorotherrelativesagainstwidowedwomenwhentheyhadacquiredpropertyfromdeceasedhusbands,memberswantedtoknowwhatmeasureshadbeentakenbytheGovernmenttoprotectsuchwomen,legallyaswellasphysically.2324.3  2 .2Concerningtheissueofdoublestandardsinadulteryanddivorce,therepresentativerepliedthattheprovisioninthedraftConstitutionontheequalityofmenandwomeninmarriage,duringmarriageandatitsdissolutionwasaddressingtheissue.Currently,theMinistryofGenderandCommunityDevelopmentwasconductingaresearchprojectonwomenandinheritanceinordertomakerecommendationstoamendthecurrentlawinordertoempowerwomenininheritanceandsuccessionmatters.ExistinglegalprovisionstoprotectwomeninsuccessionmatterswerecontainedintheAdministratorGeneralsAct,theSuccessionActandcriminallaw.TheGovernmenthadbeensensitizingwomenthroughlegaleducationontheexistenceofthoseprovisionsandinstitutions.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction2325.3  2 .2TheCommitteecommendedUgandaforratifyingtheConventionwithoutreservationandforsubmittingthereportwhichfollowedtheguidelines.InspiteofthelongyearsofinternalconflictsUgandahadinstitutedmeasurestoimplementthevariousprovisionsoftheConventionthatwouldredresspastimbalances.2 .2Positiveaspects2326.3  2 .2Ugandaisabouttoputinplaceconstitutionalreformsthatrecognizeddiscriminationonthegroundsofsex.Thiswasreflected,interalia,bythecreationoftheMinistryofWomeninDevelopment,CultureandYouthrenamedtheMinistryforGenderEqualityandCommunityDevelopment.2327.3  2 .2Commendableprogresshasbeenmadeinincreasingtherepresentationofwomeninpubliclifethroughaffirmativeaction.2328.3  2 .2TheclosecollaborationbetweentheNationalMachineryandnon-governmentalorganizationsinthedevelopmentofgenderspecificprogrammesisaverypositivemove.2329.3  2 .2Measureshavebeentakentoimprovetheconditionofruralwomenwithcredittargetedto70percentofthemandthroughlegalservices.2330.3  2 .2TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanhasbeenestablishedtoreceiveandinvestigatecomplaintsontheviolationofhumanrights.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2331.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedseriousconcernoverthealarmingdeathratesamongwomenasaresultoftheAIDScrisis,particularlyamongwomenofchildbearingage,anditsassociationwithhighfertilityrate.2332.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedconcernattheprevalentreligiousandculturalpracticesstillexistingthatperpetuateddomesticviolenceanddiscriminatedagainstwomeninthefieldofinheritance.2333.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedseriousconcernaboutthecontinuingpracticeofgenitalmutilation,suchasspecificallyfemalecircumcisioninoneareaofUganda.2334.3  2 .2TheCommitteewasconcernedattheprivatizationofpreschooleducation,whichwasanimpedimenttoearlyeducationforchildren,particularlyforthoseintheruralareas.2335.3  2 .2TheCommitteewasconcernedattheveryhighpercentageofhouseholdsheadedbygirlchildren.2336.3  2 .2TheCommitteewasdeeplyconcernedbythesexualabuseagainstschoolchildrenbytheirteachersandotheradults.Theynotedthatthishadseriousconsequencesontheirlives,amongothers,highrateofschooldropouts.2337.3  2 .2TheCommitteewasseriouslyconcernedabouttheharassmentpractisedbythepoliceagainstwomenwhoreportedoncasesofviolence.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2338.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatexistingmeasuresbereassessedtocombatAIDS.Foremostoftheseshouldbetheintensificationofpreventivemeasures,suchaspubliceducationinsexualandreproductivehealth,aswellasmoreeffectivehealthdeliverysystemsintheseareas.2339.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatbettermethodsofdatacollectionontheincidenceofAIDScasesamongstwomenanddeathsduetoAIDSshouldbedeveloped.2340.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoraisetheawarenessofteachersandcitizensinordertohaltsexualabuseagainstchildren.TheCommitteerecommendsfurtherthatcampaignsbeinitiatedtopreventchildrenfromformingafamilytooearly.2341.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatlegalmeasuresbetakenagainstallreligiousandcustomarypracticesthatdiscriminateagainstwomen.Furthermore,awarenessprogrammesmustbeputinplacetochangementalityandattitudes.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatlawsbeamendedtoempowerwomeninmattersofinheritanceandsuccession.2342.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatpreschoolfacilitiesbemadeaccessibleandaffordable,particularlyforlowmeansfamilies.2343.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggestsfurtherthatprogrammesbeinstitutedthatallowforcontinuededucationforschooldropoutsandthatfamilylifeeducationbepartoftheschoolcurriculum.2344.3  2 .2TheCommitteefeelsthatitisnecessarytodevelopanoverallprogrammeofpreventionofviolenceagainstwomenandofattentiontobegiventothevictims,whichincludestheneedtoeducatethepolicetotreatandhandletheviolatedwomaninsuchawaythattheirpredicamentwillnotbeworsened.ThiscreationofawarenessisnecessarysinceUganda'sdraftConstitutionrecognizesthiskindoftreatmentasillegal. % UK     \R3'\ X      +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO( $ $(882     G@ .3.Secondperiodicreports345.2 .2FollowingtheprocedureadoptedbytheCommitteeatitsninthsession8/fortheconsiderationofsecondandsubsequentperiodicreports,issuesthatappearednecessarytobediscussedwiththerepresentativesofStatespartiessubmittingsecondorsubsequentperiodicreportswereidentifiedinadvancebyapre-sessionworkinggroup.Inadditiontothose,membersraisedquestionsduringtheconsiderationofthereports.@ .Finland346.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportofFinland(CEDAW/C/FIN/2)atits272ndmeeting,on24January1995(seeCEDAW/C/SR.272).347.2 .2Inhisintroductorystatement,therepresentativeofFinlandrecalledhiscountry'sofficialequalitypolicyofmorethan20yearswiththeobjectofalteringthedivisionofpowerandworkbetweenthesexesinfamilylifeandpublicdecisionmaking.Itimpliedeconomicindependenceandtherighttoreconcileworkandfamilylifeforbothwomenandmen.Itrequiredconcreteactivemeasuresinadditiontocreatingequalopportunitiesandare-evaluationofthetraditionalroleofmen.Theperiodofrecessionbetweentheyears1991and1994hadcreatedadditionalchallengesforthepolicymakersandbecauseofunemploymentithadreducedthestandardoflivingofallhouseholds.But,whereastheeconomicdevelopmentwasclearlygender-divided,theunemploymentofwomenhadbeenlowerthanthatofmen,regardlessoftheeconomictrends.Povertyamongsingleparentswasin1990thesameastheaveragelevelamongtheentirepopulation.348.2 .2Therepresentativeunderlinedtheroleofthepublicsectorasasupplierofservices,whichwerecrucialtoequalityofwomen,suchasfreeschoolmeals,children'sdaycareandthecareoftheelderlyandpeoplewithdisabilities.Thepublicsectorwasalsothemainemployerofwomen.Women'scontributiontotheFinnishnationaleconomywasequaltothatofmen.Amajorproblemthathadnotbeensolvedyetwasthewagegapinthatwomen'swageswerestillonly80percentofmen'swagesalthoughwomenhadhigheducationallevels.Anotherproblemthatwasseriousanddeeplyrootedincultureandinpowerstructuresofthesocietywasviolenceagainstwomen.Althoughithadonlyrecentlybecomevisible,itseliminationhadbecomeoneofthemainobjectivesinpromotingequality.349.2 .2Thestrongrepresentationofwomeninpoliticswas,asstatedbytherepresentative,theresultofintensiveworkofpoliticalandotherwomen'sorganizationsandoftheelectoralsystem.Inspiteofthat,decision-makingespeciallyineconomicpolicywasstillfirmlyinthehandsofmen.Asitwaseasierforwomentoachievepositionsinelectedbodiesratherthanasappointedmembers,therecentadoptionoftheamendedEqualityActwasimportantbecauseitstipulatedaquotaof40percentforbothsexesingovernmentalandlocalgovernmentcommittees.Italsoobligedauthoritiestopromoteequalityinasystematicmanner.350.2 .2Aftertheintroduction,whichwasgivenbytheMinisterResponsibleforGenderEquality,therepliestothequestionsraisedbytheCommitteeweregivenbyawholeteamrepresentingtheGovernment.2 .2Generalobservations351.2 .2Memberscommendedthereportpresented,inparticularbecauseofitsextensivestatisticaldataandcharts,whichwerehelpfultounderstandthedevelopmentprocessandchangesthathadtakenplacesincethepresentationoftheinitialreport.TheycongratulatedtheGovernmentonhavingheldapublichearingbeforefinalizingthereport,inwhichrepresentativesfromdifferentorganizations,includingnon-governmentalorganizations,wereinvited,andonhavingusedtheircommentsandsuggestionstorevisethereport.Theyfeltthatthereportingprocessseemedtobeobjectiveandunbiased,whichwasanindicationoftheGovernment'scommitmenttoimplementdefactoequalityofwomenaccordingtotheprovisionsoftheConvention.TheystatedthattheperiodcoveredbythereportwaslongenoughtoevaluatetheimpactsoftheEqualityActandothermeasurestakentoimplementtheConvention,andconsequentlytheyfeltthatthereportwouldhavebeenenrichediftheimpactoftheEqualityLawindifferentareashadbeenreflected.352.2 .2RegardingobservationsastowhethertheConventionwasincludedintheStatuteBookofFinlandandwhatimpactithadonthedailyjudgementsaffectingtherightsofwomen,therepresentativessaidthattheConventionwas,indeed,includedintheStatuteBookofFinlandof1994,whichhadbeenpublishedrecently.However,althoughtheConventionhadtheforceoflaw,ithadnotbeendirectlyinvokedbythecourtsofjusticeandtheadministrativeauthorities.Thiswasattributabletothefactthatjudgeshadnothadaprofoundtraininginhumanrightsissues.As,currently,theuniversityeducationoflegalprofessionalsincludedteachingonhumanrightsinstruments,itwastobehopedthattheprovisionsoftheConventionwouldinfuturebedirectlytakenintoaccountincourtdecisions.However,furtherinformationoftheimportanceoftheConventionwasstillneeded.Nonetheless,theprovisionsoftheConventionhadbeentakenintoconsiderationindraftingnewlegislation,forexampletheEqualityAct,andtheprocessofpreparingthesecondperiodicreporthadsomeimpactonFinnishadministrationandlegislation.353.2 .2IntheirconcludingobservationsthemembersoftheCommitteecommendedthepresenceofsuchalargeandhigh-leveldelegationandthedetailedrepliesgiven.Theyconsideredparticularlylaudablethenewlegislationregardingdomesticviolence,theemphasisonchangingmen'sroles,theamendmentsinthechild-caresysteminanefforttoreconcilefamilylifeandwork,thedecreaseintherateofabortion,thequotasystemandtheattentiongiventospeciallymarginalizedgroupsandunderlinedasparticularlyremarkablethatinFinlandequalitywasconsideredahumanrightsissue.Questionsrelatingtospecificarticles2 .2Article2354.2 .2Regardingobservationsmadeonwaystoimprovewomen'spossibilitiesofparticipatinginnationaldefenceservices,therepresentativessaidthattheGovernmentbillforthevoluntarymilitaryserviceforwomenhadjustbeenadopted.Itallowedwomentoperformvoluntarymilitaryservice,toparticipateinnationaldefenceasreservistsoftheDefenceForcesortoenterthemilitaryprofessiononthesameconditionsasmen,providedtheywereFinnishcitizensandagedbetween17and29.355.2 .2Askedaboutprotectivemeasuresofwomenwhohadbecomevictimsofdiscriminationagainstpossiblereprisal,therepresentativessaidthatthenewEqualityActprohibitedreprisalsandentitledtheemployee,whohadbeensubjectedtotheprohibitedactionsofreprisal,toseekdamagesfromtheemployer.TherepresentativesexplainedthatcompensationcausedbydamagesthroughdiscriminationinemploymentaccordingtotheEqualityActcouldamounttobetween15,000and50,000markkaa.Theamountcouldbedoubledinseverecasesofdiscrimination.Inaddition,itwasalsopossibleforthevictimtoclaimdamagesforfinancialloss.2 .2Article3356.2 .2RegardinginitiativestakenbytheGovernmenttoupdatetheActondomesticviolenceandtogivewomentherightofrecoursetotheEqualityAct,therepresentativesexplainedthatlegalremediesincasesofdomesticviolencewerecontainedinthePenalCode,whichwascurrentlyunderrevision.Themostimportantlegalchangewastoconsiderrapewithinmarriageacriminalact.Afurtherchangewouldprovidethatallactsofviolencewereequallypunishable,whethercommittedinoroutsidethehome.Assaultandbatterywouldalwaysbeprosecutedbythepublicprosecutor,apartfrompettycases.Assaultandbatterywerealwaysprosecutedbythepublicprosecutorifcommittedagainstchildrenunder15yearsofage.357.2 .2Inadditionalcomments,membersexpressedconcernatthespreadofsexualviolenceandaskedhowthatphenomenonwascompatiblewitheconomicindependenceofwomen.Theyconsiderededucativemeasuresandpublicityasmostimportanttocurbthelevelofviolenceagainstwomenandaskedwhetherparticularprogrammesexistedtodealwiththeproblemofviolenceagainstparticularlymarginalizedgroups,suchasrefugee,pooranddisabledwomen.Inreplytofurtherquestions,therepresentativesstatedthatassaultandbattery,whethercommittedinsideoroutsidethehome,couldbeprosecutedwithouttheconsentofthevictim.Sinceassaultandbatterywereconsideredtobeseriouscrimes,however,theaccusedcouldonlybetriedinthepresenceofthevictim.Counsellingservicesforvictimsofincestandrapewereavailablefreeofcharge.Aspecialhelp-lineservicewassetuptoassistfemalevictims.Menwithatendencytoviolencewereofferedapossibilitytodiscusstheirpatternsofbehaviourinanefforttobreakthem.Specialtrainingwasadministeredtopoliceofficers,socialworkers,doctorsandschoolnurses.358.2 .2GiventhesmallsizeoftheFinnishpopulation(4million)livinginonly450localcommunities,itwasexplainedthatanombudsmanatthemunicipallevelwasnotconsiderednecessary.2 .2Article6359.2 .2Inreplytoquestionsaboutattemptstomonitorthetraffickinginwomenforpurposesofprostitution,sextourismandbridetradeandtheroleoftheEqualityOmbudsmaninthematter,therepresentativesstatedthatafterhavingstudiedwaysofcurtailingthesexbusiness,theMinistryofLabourhadstoppedemploymentservicesforsexworkinemploymentexchangeofficesandcutofffinancialsupportforstartingenterprisesinthesexindustry.TheEqualityOmbudsmanhadchairedaworkinggrouptomakeasurveyontheapplicabilityofthepresentlegislationtorestrictsexindustry,andhadproposedconcretemeasurestolimittheincreasingtraffickinginwomenandexpandingsexbusiness,andclarifythelegalrightsofsexworkers.TheyalsomentionedthattherewouldbeaNordicConferenceonprostitutionwherethesocalled"movingprostitution"fromtheRussianFederationandtheBalticStateswouldbeoneofthetopicsofdiscussion.360.2 .2AdditionalquestionswereraisedaboutwhetheranincreaseinprostitutionandtrafficinwomenwasnoticeableinviewofthedireeconomicsituationoftheBalticStatesandwhetherrelatedinterimmeasureshadbeentaken.Therepresentativesstatedthatitwasoftenpartofothercriminalactivitiesandthatspecialservicesweresetuptohelpprostitutesandreintegratethemintosociety.&  2 .2Article7361.2 .2Regardingquestionsaboutpoliciestocombatdiscriminationwithregardtowomen'srepresentationontheCouncilforEqualityandinplanningand'  decision-makingbodies,itwasstatedthattheCouncilwascontinuouslydrawingattentiontothecompositionofimportantplanninganddecision-makingbodiesandprocesses.Itputwomen'sissuesonthepoliticalagenda,promotedgenderstudiesandhadestablishedin1988aSubcommitteeforMentoactivatemeninpromotingequality.362.2 .2Askedabouttheimpactonlegislationandpoliticsoftheincreaseinthenumberofwomenelectedtoparliamentinrecentyears,therepresentativessaidthatsofardecisionshadnotbeengreatlyaffected,partiallyowingtotherecessionandthenecessarycutsinthebudget.However,throughnetworking,womenmembersofparliamenthadsucceededinimprovingchild-carearrangements,inmakingwomen'sissuesmorevisibleandinsensitizingthelegislativeworktothegenderissue.363.2 .2AskedaboutaclarificationoftheapparentcontradictionbetweenthebreakthroughsmadebywomeninthepoliticalsphereandtheirlownumbersintheStateadministration,therepresentativesexplainedthatthebreakthroughsintheStateadministrationtookseveralyearstomaterialize.RecentexamplesweretheappointmentofwomentothepostsofGovernoroftheBankofFinland,ofuniversityrectorandofpermanentsecretaryoftheMinistryofJustice.Women'srepresentationinimportantbodieswaspresentlymuchdiscussedinpublic.364.2 .2MembersmadeadditionalcommentsaboutthediscrepancybetweentheGovernment'scommitmenttoequalityandthescarcityofwomeninhigheradministrativepostsandaskedwhetherspecificsanctionsexisted,andwhethertheGovernmentwasdeterminedtocombineresultmanagementwithequalitypromotion.Theywelcomedthefactthatastudywouldbeundertakenonthepoliticalimpactofwomen'sincreasingpoliticalparticipationandrequestedthatthesubsequentreportgivefurtherinformationonsucheffects.365.2 .2Inreplytoadditionalquestionsaboutthefinancingofwomen'selectioncampaigns,therepresentativesstatedthatwomenusuallyusedlessmoneyontheircampaignsandcollecteditfromasmallernumberofsourceswhereasmenmoreoften"institutionalized"supporters.Speciallyinthepast,women'spoliticalorganizationshadplayedacrucialroleinwomen'scampaigns.2 .2Article9366.2 .2RegardingtheresidencesituationofaforeignwomanmarriedtoaFinnishcitizen,whowasabandonedorseparated,itwasexplainedthatthewomanwasexpectedtoleavethecountryafterthedivorceifthemarriagehadlastedlessthantwoyearsorifthecohabitationperiodhadbeenbrief.ThatdecisioncouldbeappealedtotheSupremeAdministrativeCourt.&  2 .2Article10367.2 .2Inreplytothequestionwhetherhumanrightseducationwasincorporatedintheschoolcurricula,therepresentativesstatedthatattemptswereunderwayto'  develophumanrightseducationbasedonanationalevaluationofthecomprehensiveschoolsystem,whichsetasbasiccriteriatherespectforhumandignityandforlife.Oneoftherequirementsofthemostrecentnationaleducationplanwasthatmaterialsadvancingtheequalityobjectiveswereavailabletoteachersandpupils.368.2 .2Inreplytoadditionalcommentsmadebymembersaboutthewayinwhichforeignwomenwereinformedabouttheirrights,therepresentativesmentionedabookletthathadbeenpreparedbytheMinistryofSocialAffairsandHealth,providinginformationonresidencepermitissuesandthestatusofwomenandchildreninFinland.FinlandhadalsotheinstitutionofanOmbudsmanforalienstowhomalienscouldturnforinformation.2 .2Article11369.2 .2Membersaskedwhythepaydifferentialsbetweenwomenandmenwerestillratherwide,whethertherewasaconnectiontothefeminizationofunionsandhowthemarketeconomyhadinfluencedthebargainingpowerofunionsandreducedadirectbenefittowomen.TherepresentativesexplainedthattheFinnishlabourmarketwasstronglysegregatedintowomen'sandmen'sjobs.Thefemale-dominatedfieldsinthepublicsectorhadalowercapacitytopaywagesand,evenwithinthesamefield,women'swageswerenormallylowerthanthoseofmen.Whereasforthecollectiveagreementsmale-dominatedindustrialtradeunionshadmoreweighttobackuptheirdemands,thefemale-dominatedunionsmainlyinthepublicandprivateservicesectorsdidnothaveenoughpowertoadjustwages.Askedabouttheeffectsofjobre-evaluations,itwassaidthattheywereexpectedtohelpresolvetheproblemandseveralsuchprojectswerepresentlybeingcarriedoutbyseverallabourmarketorganizations.Membersrequestedmoreinformationonthetopicinthenextreport.TherepresentativeexplainedfurtherthatequalpayhadbeenamainconcernoftheCouncilforEquality.370.2 .2Regardingmeasurestoimprovewomen'sworkingconditionsandtoovercomegendersegregationinthelabourmarket,therepresentativesstatedthatoccupationalsegregationhaddiminishedfrom1985to1990.TheamendedEqualityActrequiredtheemployerstotakecertainmeasurestopromoteequality.Employerswithmorethan30employeeswereobligedtodrawupannually,incooperationwiththeworkscouncils,aplanofactionforequalemploymentopportunities.Inreplytoaspecificquestion,therepresentativessaidthattherewerenorulesastogoalsandtimetablesinthecontentsofsuchequalityplans.However,itwasnecessarythattheycontainedconcreteactions.Theequalityplanswouldbeapartofpersonnelandeducationplansorlabourprotectionplans.Specificmeasurestoovercomegendersegregationwerein-servicetrainingforphysicsteachersingeneraleducation,mentoringservicesforwomenintechnicalvocationaltraining,andtechnicalcoursesforgirlsingeneraleducation.TheEqualityActdidnotprovidesanctionsifequalityplanswerenotmade,butemployerscouldbesuedfordiscriminationwhenfailingtodrawupsuchplans.Theobligationtomakeequalityplanswasplaceduponbothprivateandpublicsectoremployers.371.2 .2ConsideringtheproposaltoreduceStateexpenditure,questionswereraisedregardingday-carefacilitiesandpossibleactionsundertakenbywomen'sorganizationstoforestallwithdrawaloffinancialsupportsothatwomencouldcontinueworkingoutsidethehome.Therepresentativesexplainedthatthegoalwastoensureadiverserangeofservices,suchasachoicebetweenpublicday-careandhomecareallowanceforchildren,asystemofchildcareleaveforbothparentsandanexperimentwithservicevouchers,whichwouldenableparentstochoosetheplaceofday-carefortheirchild.372.2 .2Regardingseveralquestionsaboutsexualharassmentintheworkplace,therepresentativessaidthatinadditiontothenewEqualityAct,whichreferredtothatoffence,severalactshadbeeninterpretedtocoversexualharassment.However,astheoriginalEqualityActdidnotexplicitlymentionthatoffenceandrelevantcaseshadbeenprosecutedasillegalterminationofemploymentcontract,assault,batteryorrape,noconcretedatawereavailableonthenumberofcourtdecisionsorcasespending.373.2 .2Asregardsquestionsaboutmeasurestoreducethedeteriorationinthequalityofworkinglifeforwomencausedby"timepressureandstress",therepresentativesstatedthattheemphasisoflabourprotectionlayonindustrialworkandpreventionofaccidents.Labourprotectioninfieldsdominatedbywomenwasonlyjustemerginganditwasnecessarytodevelopmethodsofsupervisionandtrainingofpersonnelinthatfield.374.2 .2RegardingadditionalquestionsraisedaboutwhethertheLabourLawswereinlinewiththedirectivesissuedbytheEuropeanUniontherepresentativessaidthattheywereincompliancewiththosedirectivesandsomeofthemwerestillundergoingchange.375.2 .2Concerninganadditionalobservationaboutthelowerwagelevelinthepublicsector,therepresentativesstatedthatinaperiodofrecessiontheGovernmentconsidereditmoreopportunetosavejobsinthatsectoratlowerwagesthanhavelessjobsathighersalariesandfeltthatsalariesinsomeareasoftheprivatesectorweregenerallytoohigh.376.2 .2Inreplytoanotheradditionalobservationtherepresentativessaidthatstatisticsshowedthatwomenoccupied2percentofhighmanagementpositionsintheprivatesector.377.2 .2Anotheradditionalobservationreferredtoanyplansthatmightexisttodealwithgirls'continuingchoiceoftraditionalfieldsofstudyandwiththegendersegregatedlabourmarket.Therepresentativescommentedthatboysandgirlswereencouragedtochoosenon-traditionalareas,butunderlinedalsothatsocalledwomen'sjobswereofgreatimportance.2 .2Article12378.2 .2Regardingquestionsaboutinvestigationsintothecausesofthegradualdecreaseinthenumberofabortionsandrequestsforspecificstatisticaldataonthesubject,therepresentativesrepliedthatin1992asurveyhadbeencarriedout.Itbroughttolightthatthenewfamilyplanningstrategyadoptedinthe1960s,whichwasbasedoneducationalmeasuresandoneasyaccesstofamilyplanningmeans,adviceandservices,hadledtoadecreaseinabortions,ingeneral,andteenagepregnanciesandabortionsinparticular.Birthcontrolserviceshadbeenfreeandthefocushadbeenonareductionofthehealthrisksassociatedwithsexualactivityratherthanonitsrepression.Theaverageratesoflegalabortionshaddecreasedfrom12.3perthousandin1980to8.1in1993.379.2 .2Thebirthratehadbeencontinuouslyrisingsince1986.AbookletabouttheevolutionofreproductivehealthinFinlandentitled"HowWeDidIt"aswellasFinland's"ReportontheImplementationoftheNairobiForward-LookingStrategies"weredistributed,whichcontainedtherequestedstatisticaldataanddetailedinformationaboutthemethodsofcontraceptionused.380.2 .2Inreplytoadditionalcommentsabouttheriseinbirthrate,whichwasunusualforaEuropeancountry,therepresentativessaidthatitwasaresultoftheimprovementoftheday-caresystemandtheincreaseinchildallowances.TheuseofthepillRU486wasnotallowed,however.Inreplyforanexplanationsoughtofthestatementthat"thefirstcontraceptivemethod"wasprovidedwithoutchargetherepresentativessaidthatthebirthcontrolserviceswerealwaysprovidedfreeofcharge.Thebirthcontrolmethods(forexamplepills)hadtobepaidfor,apartfromthefirstcontraceptivemethod,whichwasprovidedfreeofcharge.Womenwerefreetochoosethemethodofbirthcontroltheywanted.2 .2Article13381.2 .2Membersraisedanadditionalquestionregardingwomen'spensionrightsandinquiredwhethersinglewomenhadsufficientmeanstobeeconomicallyindependentatanolderageinspiteofworkingshorterhoursandlivinglongeryearsthanmen.2 .2Article16382.2 .2InresponsetoquestionsaboutequaldivisionofpropertyacquiredduringthemarriageatitsdissolutionandincomeprovidedtowomenwhenthemarriageendedtherepresentativesrepliedthattheFinnishMarriageActrestedontheprincipleofseparateownership.Bothspouseswerethesoleownersoftheirproperty,includingthepropertyacquiredinmarriageand,atdivorce,theirpropertywasusuallydividedintotwoequalpartsunlessamarriagesettlementagreementprovideddifferently.UndertheMarriageActthespouseswererequiredtocontributetothejointfinancesofthefamilyandtothemaintenanceofthespouses.Duringthedivorceproceduresthecourtmayorderthespousetopaymaintenancetotheotherspousetotheextentitdeemedreasonable.Maintenanceorderforspouseshadbeengrantedveryrarely.AccordingtotheNordicmodelthefoundationofaperson'smaintenancewastheperson'sownincomeorindividualsocialsecurity.383.2 .2Respondingtoadditionalcommentstherepresentativesexplainedthatthedivorceprocedurehadbecomeeasierandthatevenifwomenendedupinaworsefinancialsituationafterdivorce,thesocialsecuritysystemguaranteedtheminimummeansforliving.Ifparentscouldnotagreeonthecustodyoftheirchildren,thecourtsdecided.Iftheyreachedagreementamongthemselves,thatagreementhadtobeconfirmedbythemunicipalboardofsocialaffairs.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction384.2 .2TheCommitteeapplaudedtheStatepartyforanexcellentpresentation,basedontheCommittee'sguidelines,ofathoughtful,stimulatingandinspiringreportonprogressintheimplementationoftheConventionandinthepromotionofgenderequalitywithinFinland.385.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedtheStatepartyonconsiderationgivenandactionstakeninresponsetotheCommittee'scommentsontheStateparty'sinitialreport.386.2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithsatisfactiontheconstructivedialoguethatalsoensuedfromthequestionsitposedtothesecondperiodicreportundercurrentdeliberation.2 .2Positiveaspects387.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedtherecentpublicationoftheConventionintheStatuteBookofFinland1994,aswellasthecontinuingamendmentoftheEqualityActtofurtherenhancetheequalityofwomenandmen.388.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomedthepositiveapproachoftheStatepartytothereconciliationoffamilyandwork,andtoreexaminationofthetraditionalrolesofmeninthiscontext,asaprimaryconditiontothepromotionofequality.389.2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithsatisfactiontheinclusioninthereportofspecialinformationonminoritywomen,becauseoftheirparticularvulnerabilitytodiscrimination,andsimilarlytheplanstofostereducationforequalityasamatterofhumanrightanddignity.390.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedappreciationforthedecreaseinteenagepregnancyandintheincidenceofabortion,asaresultoftheStateparty'scomprehensivepolicythatincludesfamilyplanningeducation,freebirthcontrolservicesandtheavailabilityoflegalabortionasameasureoflastresortincasesofcontraceptivefailure.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern391.2 .2TheCommitteevoicedconcernoverpatternsofviolenceagainstwomen,includingincest,thathadonlyrecentlybecomeapparentandwerepresentlyasubjectofgovernmentalconsideration,thoughnotingtherecentcriminalizationofmaritalrapeasapositivesteptowardsremovingthepublicprivatedistinctionthathadhithertohinderedgovernmentalintervention.Itsimilarlyexpressedconcerninthisrespectonthematteroftraffickinginwomenfromforeigncountriesandsextourism.392.2 .2Anotherconcernpertainedtopatternsofoccupationalsegregationandtodisparitiesinwagesbetweenmenandwomen,despitetheofficialgovernmentalpolicyofeconomicindependenceascentraltoattaininggoalsofequality.393.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressedconcernabouttherelativeabsenceofwomenfromhighdecisionmakingprofessionalandadministrativepositionsinboththepublicandprivatesectors(theglassceilingphenomenon),thoughnotingtherecentlegislationmandating40percentrepresentationofbothsexesingovernmentalappointedbodiesatnationalandlocallevels.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations394.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatthethirdperiodicreportshouldincludeinformationoneffortsmadetoachieveequalpayforworkofequalorcomparableworth,especiallytakingintoaccounttheroleofgovernmentasemployerinthefemaledominatedpublicsector.ItrecommendsthatconcreteguidelinesinthisrespectalsobeissuedtothoseemployerssubjecttoadutytodesignplansforimplementingequalityundertherecentamendmenttotheEqualityAct.395.2 .2Itfurthersuggeststhatattentionbepaidtoissuesofviolenceagainstwomen,sexual,domesticandotherwise,withparticularsensitivitytothevulnerabilityofforeignandminoritywomen.396.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoeducateandtrainjudicialandadministrativeofficialsinapplyingtheprovisionsoftheConvention,asamatterofhumanrights.397.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatthecurrentdiscussionoftheFinnishConstitutionActreferstothesuggestionsmadebytheCouncilforEqualityandtheEqualityOmbudsmanthatthepromotionofequalitybetweenthesexesshouldbeincludedintheobligationsoftheState.@ .$Peru398.2 .2Atits275thmeeting,on27January1995,theCommitteeconsideredthesecondperiodicreportofPeru(CEDAW/C/13/Add.29).399.2 .2Inpresentingthereport,therepresentativeunderlinedtheimportancethattheGovernmentofPeruattachedtotheimplementationoftheConvention,whichithadratifiedin1982.SheinformedtheCommitteethatshewaspresentinganupdatedversionofthesecondperiodicreport,whichhadbeensubmittedin1991.TherepresentativefocusedonthemainfeaturesofPeruviansociety,highlightingthewidedifferentiationexistingbetweenruralandurbanareas,withspecificlawsforeach,andtheeffortstoincludethesedifferencesintheConstitutionof1993,includingsomeancientcustomsoftheindigenouspopulation.Shehighlightedthefactthatterrorism,economicrecessionandhyperinflationhadnearlyledthecountrytoastateofcollapse,towhichtheGovernmenthadreactedwithemergencymeasuresforpoliticalstabilizationandreconstructionofthecountry.Themainmeasurestakenincludedstructuralchangesintheeconomyandininternationaleconomicrelations,thepromotionofhumanrightsanddemocracyandtheadoptionofanewconstitutionadaptedtotheeconomic,politicalandsocialchangesthathadoccurredduringthepastfewyears.ShepointedoutthatthenewConstitutionwasbeingimplementedthroughthedevelopmentofrulesandinstitutionsthatwouldensureitsviability.Since1993,aProgrammefortheEliminationofPoverty,financedfrombothnationalandinternationalresources,wasbeingimplementedinthemostaffectedareasofthecountryandwithspecificfocusoneducation,healthandjustice.400.2 .2Therepresentativereportedonthemaincurrentaspectsofwomen'slifeinPeru.Thepublicvisibilityofwomenwasevidentinthelargenumberwhoparticipatedinvariouslevelsofdecision-makingandascommunityleaders.Thiswasexplainedbythehighlevelofparticipationwomenhavehadduringthepastdecade,asprofessionalandcommunityleaders,inactionsfordefenceagainstviolenceandofprovidingforthebasicneedsofthepeople.ShereportedthattheGovernmentgavespecialimportancetowomen'sorganizationsandnongovernmentalorganizations,forwhichithadcreatedalawensuringthesupportandfinancingoftheiractivities.SheinformedtheCommitteethataPermanentCommissiononWomen'sandChildren'sRightshadbeencreatedintheMinistryofJustice.ThisCommission,whichhasacoordinatingfunctionbetweentheStateandcivilsociety,developsanddisseminatesstudiesandpromotesthedefenceofhumanrightsforwomenandchildrenaswellaslegislativechanges,andcoordinatesandpromotesactionsregardingwomenandchildrenincoordinationwiththeexecutive,civilsocietyandinternationalorganizations.Itevaluatesitsactivitiesanddevelopsaplatformofactionforwomen.TheCommissionincludesmembersfromgovernmentalinstitutions,theChurch,theprivatesectorandnon-governmentalorganizationsconcernedwithissuesrelatedtowomenandchildren.401.2 .2Shealsopointedoutthat,asaresultofterrorism,therehadbeenagrowingnumberofwomenheadsofhouseholds.Equalityinaccesstoeducationhadnearlybeenreachedandgirlsrepresented50and40percentofstudentsenrolledinprimaryandsecondarylevelsofeducation,respectively.Women'saccesstoformalmarketlabourcontinuedtoberestrictedbytheirparentingactivities,whichwerenotyetsharedbymen.Although,atthenationallevel,fertilityhaddeclinedandmorewomenknewaboutmethodsofcontraception,therewasawidedifferencebetweenruralandurbanareas.ShestatedthattheConstitutiongaveequalitybetweenwomenandmenclearlegalsupportandthattheCivilCode,theLabourCodeandtheChildren'sCodewereunderreview.TheGovernmenthadappointedagrowingnumberofwomentotopdecision-makinglevelsinallsectorsoftheexecutive,legislativeandjudicialsystems.Generalcomments402.2 .2ThemembersoftheCommitteewelcomedthefactthatPeruhadratifiedtheConventionwithoutanyreservations,thattheConventionwasanintegralpartofdomesticPeruvianlegislation,andthat,intheeventofanyconflict,theConventionwouldprevail.403.2 .2MembersnotedthatPeru'ssecondreportdidnottakeintoaccountobservationsmadebytheCommitteeonthefirstreportanddidnotevenfollowtheCommittee'sguidelines.Therepresentativeemphasizedthat,in1990,atthetimeofthepreparationofthesecondreport,thecountry'ssituationhadbeenespeciallydifficultandhadimpededthenormalfunctioningofseveralinstitutions.SheinformedtheCommitteethatsubsequentreportswouldtakeintoaccounttheguidelinesforthepreparationofthereports.404.2 .2Whentheinitialreportwassubmitted,theCommittee,whilerecognizingtheenormousdifficultiesfacingthecountry,hadaskedformoredetailedinformationconcerningtheexistenceofwomen'sorganizations.Membersnotedthatthecurrentreportdidnotproviderelevantinformationonthatpoint.Membersalsoaskedwhetherthereporthadbeenpublished.Inreplytoaquestionastowhethernon-governmentalorganizationshadbeenconsulted,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethatinPerutherewere110women'snon-governmentalorganizations,includingeightnetworks,andthatcommonactionwasbeingdevelopedinordertopromoteanewsocialperceptionofwomen,genderperspectiveinsocialandeconomicpoliciesandwomen'sparticipationindecision-making.405.2 .2Membersexpressedconcernthatthelackofofficialstatisticsonthestatusofwomen,towhichthereportreferred,wasasourceofsexistprejudicewhichimpededtheunderstandingofthesituationofwomeninPeru.TheywantedtoknowwhattheGovernmentwasdoingtoupdateorimprovedatapertainingtothestatusofwomen.Therepresentativerepliedthatsubsequentreportswouldincludestatisticsonwomenwhichwerecollectedinthe1993nationalcensus.TheNationalInstituteofStatisticsandComputinghadformedtheInter-institutionalCommissionfortheSystemofSocialIndicatorsonChildren,YouthandWomenforthegenerationandsystematizationofstatisticsonthesegroups.406.2 .2Inthecontextoflegalinitiativesundertakensincetheinitialreport,onememberaskedwhichofthetwoActsNo.25011andNo.23506affordedbetterprotectionagainstdiscrimination.TherepresentativerepliedthatlawNo.23506,concerninghabeascorpusandamparo,hadbeenpromulgatedin1982.Thatlawhadbeenmodifiedin1989throughlawNo.25011,andin1992bylegislativedecreeNo.25433.ThoselawsseektoguaranteeindividualfreedomtomenandwomenwhichcanbeenforcedthroughtheConstitution.Shenotedthat,consequently,womencanenforcetherightsestablishedintheConventionthroughthoselaws.Questionsrelatingtoarticles2 .2Article2407.2 .2Article101oftheConstitutionprovidesthatinternationaltreatiessubscribedtobyPerushallsubsequentlyformanintegralpartofnationallegislation,andthattheConventionthussupportsandprotectswomenagainstallformsofdiscrimination.InreplytoconcernsraisedbytheCommitteerelatingtotherealforceofthisprovision,therepresentativestatedthat,effectively,theConstitutionofPeruprovidedthatinternationaltreatiesconcludedbyPeruformedpartofmunicipallaw,and,accordingly,article2,whichestablishedthateverybodyisequalandcannotbediscriminatedagainstbyreasonofsex,waspartofthelawoftheland.Sheagreedthatdespitetheincreaseintheintegrationofwomeninpubliclifeduring1990,defactoinequalitybetweenwomenandmenwasstillpersistent.408.2 .2AskedaboutthespecificcontentoftheequalityclauseintheNationalPopulationLawandwhetherrecoursewasavailableintheeventthatnationalequalitylegislationwasnotappliedatthelocallevel,therepresentativesaidthattheNationalPopulationLawestablishedequalitybetweenmenandwomenwherefamilyplanningwasconcernedandprovidedrecoursetocourts.409.2 .2ThereportstatedthatrelativelyminorprovisionsoftheformerCivilCodeconcerningwomenhadbeenretainedinthenewCode,whichwaspromulgatedin1984.MembersoftheCommitteerequestedinformationonhowmanycaseshadbeenheardbythecourtsunderthenewCivilCodewithaviewtohaltingactivitiesthatdiscriminateagainstwomen.TherepresentativesaidthattheCivilCodeof1936,whichdiscriminatedagainstwomen,hadbeenreplacedbythe1984CivilCodeafterthepromulgationofthe1979Constitution,andthatthemainchangesintroducedconcerningdiscriminationwerewithrespecttomarriedwomen.SheinformedtheCommitteethattherewasnoinformationoncasesofdiscriminationortheirprosecutionbythejudiciaryandthatstudiesarerequiredinthisregard.2 .2Article3410.2 .2AstothenewConstitutionwhichenteredintoforceinDecember1993,variousconcernshadbeenexpressedwithrespecttoanumberofelements,especiallythefactthattheprincipleoffundamentalequalityhadbeeneliminatedandthateconomic,socialandculturalrightshadbeenomittedfromthecategoryoffundamentalrights.Itwasalsopointedoutthat,byandlarge,theStatenolongershoulderedtheresponsibilityforsocialwelfare,suchastheprovisionofhealthservices,educationandlandredistribution;itwasfearedthatallthishadnegativerepercussionsforwomenandhadaffectedtheirstatus.Therepresentativeemphasizedthatthe1993PoliticalConstitutionofPeruincludedchapterson"TheFundamentalRightsofthePerson","SocialandEconomicRights"and"PoliticalRightsandObligations".ThesethreechaptersmadespecificreferencetotheroleoftheStateintheareaofemployment,health,education,security,publicservicesandinfrastructure.Furthermore,shepointedout,theGovernmenthadgivenprioritytotheeliminationofpovertybytheestablishmentofalargeprogrammeofpublicexpenditureoneducation,healthandbasicjustice.Thissocialpolicyputspecialemphasisonthemostvulnerablesectorsofthepopulation,specificallywomenandchildren.Furthermore,article4oftheConstitutionclearlystatedthatthecommunityandtheStatearebothresponsiblefortheprotectionofabandonedchildren,adolescents,mothersandtheelderly.Followingthe1993Constitution,landdistributionwaseffectedthroughmarketmechanisms.411.2 .2Astothequestionsofspecificintegratedpoliciesforwomen,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteeofthepublicpolicyregardingwomenanditsobjectives.Theseinclude:accesstodecision-making,equalityandequityinthebenefitsofdevelopment,equalitywithmeninpoliticalparticipationandcitizenship,incorporationofgenderequityinthemainstreamofpublicpoliciesandeliminationofculturalandattitudinalsexstereotypes.ShefurtheremphasizedthattheGovernmentwascoordinatingitsactionwiththatofwomen'sNGOs,specificallyinnutrition,health,educationprogrammesandinruralareas.Shealsomadereferencetoothercoordinatingactivitiesaroundspecificissues.412.2 .2AskedwhetheraPoliceCommissioner'sOfficeforWomenhasbeencreatedand,ifso,howitoperated,therepresentativerepliedthat,since1988,theGovernmenthadopened12women'spoliceoffices.Theseoffices,whichhavethesupportofwomen'sNGOs,offeraffectedwomenlegal,psychologicalandsocialadvice.Theseactionshavethesupportofwomen'sNGOs.2 .2Article5413.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteenotedthathumanrightsorganizationshaddocumentedcasesofrapeperpetratedagainstruralandindigenouswomeninareassubjecttocivilstrife.Therearereportsof40instancesofrapeallegedlycommittedbysecurityforcesinthecourseofinterrogationsinsuchareas.Ithadbeenestimatedthatonly10percentofallrapevictimsofficiallyreportedthecrimebecauseitisdifficulttoprosecuteperpetrators.TherewerealsoreportsofrapebymembersofShiningPath.Inreplytorequestsformoreinformationaboutthecausesofviolenceexperiencedbythesewomenandpreventiveactionthathasbeentaken,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethat,accordingtoinvestigationscarriedoutbytheGovernmentandNGOswomenhadbeenthevictimsofterroristactivitiesbytheShiningPathandtheRevolutionaryMovementofTupacAmaru,aswellasinsomeinstancesbythesecuritypoliceforce.Investigationswereunderwaytoprosecutesuchcrimes.414.2 .2Peruviannon-governmentalorganizationshavecompiledverythoroughdataonviolenceagainstwomen,andmembersoftheCommitteewantedtoknowwhatconcretestepsorinitiativestheGovernmenthadtakentoprotectthefundamentalhumanrightsanddignityofwomenandthephysicalintegrityofitscitizens.Inreply,therepresentativesaidthatlawNo.26260,promulgatedin1993,establishedthelegalframeworktoconfrontdomesticviolence.Thatlaw,whichwascurrentlybeingimplementedanddisseminated,hadbeenaccompaniedbythecreation,inthecapital,ofadvicecentresforwomen.Othermeasureswerebeingimplemented,includingchangesinschoolcurricula,campaignsforthedisseminationofthelawanditsimportanceandtheopeningofagreaternumberofwomencommissioner'soffices.&  2 .2Article6415.2 .2Whentheinitialreporthadbeenconsidered,furtherinformationhadbeensoughtwithrespecttotheextentofprostitution,theroleplayedinthatphenomenonbypovertyandthestepstakentocombatit,includingthe'  establishmentofhealthidentificationcards.Whilethecurrentreportdescribedadisturbingincreaseinthenumberofwomenengagedindrugtraffickingandterrorism,nomentionwasmadeoftheproblemofprostitution,eventhoughtheaforementionedactivitiesgenerallyledtoprostitution.TherepresentativewasrequestedtoinformtheCommitteewhetherhousesofprostitutionwerewidespreadandhealthcheckseffective.TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethatthePenalCoderegulatedprostitutionandincludedobligatorysanitarycontrol.ShepointedtostudiescarriedoutbyNGOsandtostudiesplannedbytheGovernmenttoobtainmoreinformationandstatisticsonthisissue.Childprostitutionwascondemnedinthelegalcode.416.2 .2ReplyingtoaquestionastowhethertheMinistryofJusticehadtakenanystepstoimprovetheconditionoffemaleprisoners,therepresentativesaidthatwomenprisonersrepresentednearly10percentofthetotalofprisonersandthattheywereplacedinprisonsexclusivetowomen,mostlyattendedbywomenofficers.SupremeresolutionNo.047-92-JUSspecifiedthatchildrenoffemaleprisonersuptotheageofthreecouldbeaccommodatedinseparatechildcarecentres.Shenotedthatmanyoftheleadersoftheterroristmovementwerewomen.Shealsonotedthattrainingprogrammesinhumanrightsweredevelopedforpoliceofficersinthisrespect.2 .2Article7417.2 .2AskedaboutspecificmeasurestakenbytheGovernmenttoincreasewomen'sparticipationinthedecision-makingprocess,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethattheGovernmenthadappointedtwowomenministersandincreasedwomen'svisibilitybynominatingthemtovariouslevelsofdecision-makingincentralgovernmentanditsautonomousagencies.418.2 .2Regardingtherequestforspecificinformationonwomeninthevarioussectorsofpublicaffairs,andespeciallyinpolitics,sheinformedtheCommitteethatin1979therighttovotehadbeenextendedtoilliterates,whoweremostlywomen.However,thepoliticalparticipationofwomenwasverylowanditsgrowthslow;shequotedstatisticsshowingthatatthelocallevel,inthecountryandLima,respectively,5percentand11.6percentofmayorswerewomen.In1990,womenrepresented40percentofmembersintheprofessionalorganizationofaccountants,and20to25percentofmembersinprofessionalorganizationsofdoctors,lawyers,architectsandodontologists.However,shealsoemphasizedthatthepoliticalcrisishadplacedmanywomeninleadershippositionsinimportantpoliticalpartiesandthat,atthelocallevel,povertyandpoliticalviolencehadgivenwomenaleadershiprole,wheretheyhadacquirednegotiatingandmanagerialskills.419.2 .2TherepresentativewasaskedforinformationontheparticipationonwomeninthecurrentParliamentascomparedto1991.TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethat,in1992,theproportionofwomenintheCongresswasslightlyhigherthaninthepast,i.e.,currently8percent.2 .2Article11420.2 .2Accordingtothereport,81percentofallwomenareunemployedorunderemployed.Problemsrelatingtowomen'semploymentwereparticularlyimportantbecause23percentofallPeruvianhouseholdswereheadedbywomen.Thiswasalsosignificantinviewofthefactthatwomenhaveaccesstovariousvocationaleducationandtrainingprogrammes.Inaddressingthereasonsfortheunemploymentratesofwomen,therepresentativeemphasizedthattheheavyburdenoffamilyresponsibilitieswasstillimpedingwomen'semployment.SheinformedtheCommitteethatchildcarealternativeshadbeenintroducedbycivilsocietyandthattheGovernmentwasworkingincooperationwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFund(UNICEF)tosetupchildcarecentresandtoopenupjobopportunitiesforwomen.421.2 .2TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethatlawNo.24705of1987,whichqualifiedhome-makersasindependentworkersand,inconsequence,allowedthemtohaveaccesstohealthservicesandpensionschemesguaranteedbysocialsecurity,wasbeingimplemented.422.2 .2Inreplytoaquestionconcerningtheproportionofwomenwhocouldobtainaccesstosocialsecurityprotection,therepresentativesaidthatarticle12oftheConstitutionestablishedthattheGovernmentguaranteessocialsecuritytoall.Workingwomen,whetheremployed,orself-employedindependentworkers,haveaccesstosocialsecurity,asdothosewhoare55yearsoldandhavecontributedtothesocialsecuritysystemforatleastfiveyears.423.2 .2Askedaboutthesectorsinwhichwomenandmenweretypicallyemployed,therepresentativesaidthat,in1991,67percentofeconomicallyactivewomenwereengagedintertiaryactivities.Thatrepresenteda10percentincreasecomparedwith1981.2 .2Article12424.2 .2Sincefamilyplanninginformationandadvisoryservicesareprovidedbyprivateagenciesandfinancedbyinternationalorganizations,memberswantedinformationonthepercentageofthepopulationinvolvedinfamilyplanning,ontheprofileofthepopulationservedbyfamilyplanningandontheinitiativestheGovernmentwastakinginthiscontext.InreplytotheCommittee'sconcerns,therepresentativeinformeditthatknowledgeaboutfamilyplanningmethodsamongmarriedwomeniswidespread.Fiftyninepercentofwomenoffertileage(15to44years)hademployedsomeformofcontraception:56percentofthemusedmodernmethodsand44percentpreferredtraditionalmethods.Thenaturalrhythmmethodseemedtobeontherise.Sheindicatedthatthechoiceofmethodwasdirectlylinkedtolocation(urbanorrural)andtothelevelofeducation,withwomenlivinginurbanareasandwithahighlevelofeducationtendingtochoosemodernmethods.Insofaraspublicactioninthiscontextwasconcerned,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethattheNationalFundforCompensationandSocialDevelopment,oneofthemainprogrammesdirectedtotheeliminationofpoverty,haddirected7percentofitsbudgettothehealthsector,mostlyfortheimprovementandexpansionofhealthcentres.Althoughthecurrentcoverageofthehealthinfrastructurepercapitawasinadequate,shenotedthatithaddoubledsincethelastdecade.PublicinstitutionsinchargeoffamilyplanningweretheNationalCouncilofPopulation,theMinistryofHealthandthePeruvianInstituteforSocialSecurity.425.2 .2Inreplytoquestionsregardingthelegislationrelatingtoabortionanditspractice,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethatthePenalCodeof1991,whichreplacedthatof1924,providedforimprisonmentuptotwoyearsinpractice,howeverserviceforillegalabortionwasimplemented.ShestatedthatthePeruvianGovernmentconsideredabortiontobeaseriouspublichealthissueandtheprincipalcauseofmortalmaternity,especiallyamongpoorwomen.Sheaddedthatthelawprovidedonlyfortherapeuticabortion,whichwasavailableonlywhenthemother'shealthorlifewasindanger.Doctorshadtofaceamoreseverepunishmentdependingonwhetherthewomanhadconsentedandwhethertheabortionhadledtoherinjuryordeath.426.2 .2Membersrequestedinformationonthecountry'spopulationpolicy,aswellasmorestatisticaldataonthehealthsituation.Theyalsoaskedwhetherdatawereavailableontheprevalenceofcontraception.Therepresentativequotedstatisticswhichshowedthatin1993,thematernalmortalityratewas261per100,000,adecreasesince1981,whentheratehadbeen321.SheinformedtheCommitteethatmaternalmortalityratesamongwomenwithoutformaleducationwerehigherthanthenationalaverageandhigherthantherate10yearspreviously.Themainfactorsidentifiedascauseswereabortionandinadequatesanitation.Estimatesofratesofinfantandchildmortalitywereanaverageof64and92,respectively,perthousandfortheperiod1981-1991.TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethatinPeruonlyhalfofchildbirthswereattendedbyprofessionals.However,inruralareasonly18percentofbirthswereattended.Shepointedoutthatthenumberofpersonsaffectedbyhumanimmunodeficiencyvirus(HIV)/acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome(AIDS)wasincreasingandthattheregisterednumberin1992-1993washigherthanthetotalregisteredfrom1983to1991.Shesaidthattherewasagrowingproportionofwomenandchildrenamongtheaffected.Sheemphasizedthat,despitethegrowingincidenceofHIV/AIDS,insufficientattentionhadbeenpaidtothediseaseandtheresponseofthejudicial-legalsystemtoitwasinadequate.SheinformedtheCommitteethatwhenthediseasehadbeenfirstdiscovered,therewasonlyonewomanvictimforeach20affectedmen;today,theproportionwasonewomanforeachfourmen.Shestatedthatthisincreasereflectswomen'ssocial,biologicalandepidemiologicalvulnerability.2 .2Article14427.2 .2MostruralwomeninPeruweresaidtobeoccupiedinthemosttraditionalformsoffarming,inwhichtheyundertookthemostmenialtasks.Inreplytoaquestionaboutwhetheranymeasureswereplannedtoimprovethatsituation,therepresentativesaidthatruralwomenhadaleadingroleintheircommunitiesbecauseduringthepastdecademanymenhaddiedormigrated.Sheconfirmedthatmostwomenwerenotinvolvedinincomegeneratingactivities.SheindicatedthattheGovernmentwasimplementingaprojectwhichrecognizedwomen'srightstohaveaccesstothelandwhichtheydirectlyworkedandthusaccesstowealth.Anotherproject,designedtoallowthetransferoftechnologytoruralareas,includedtheparticipationofwomenasextensionagents.Shesaidthatanetwork,ledbytheFoodandAgricultureOrganizationoftheUnitedNations(FAO)andmadeupofseveralinstitutionsfromthepublicandprivatesectors,hadbeencreatedforthesupportofruralwomen.428.2 .2Membersexpressedconcernatthefactthat,intheabsenceofdecentralizationcalledforunderthenationalregionalizationplan,womenweredeniedanyinvolvementindecision-making.Therepresentativerecalledthatviolenceandeconomiccriseshadinducedruralwomentoassumevariouspublicduties.Sheemphasizedthat,duringthepreviousdecade,theroleofwomenandtheperceptionsocietyhadofthem,aswellastheexpectationsofwomenthemselves,hadchanged.Nevertheless,shenotedthat,althoughwomenwereincreasinglyintegratedandacceptedinthepublicsphere,women'sequalitywithintheprivatesphereremainedaproblem.429.2 .2InreplytoaquestionaboutconcretestepstheGovernmenthadtakentoraisethelivingstandardsofindigenouswomen,therepresentativesaidthattheGovernmenthadprimarilydirecteditseffortstosupportingthebasicneedsofruralwomen.Atthepresenttime,theMinistryofAgriculturewasdevelopingprogrammesforwomen'saccesstoresources.Itwasalsocoordinatingthenetworkofinternationalandnationalorganizationsforthesupportofruralwomen,throughtheirorganizationandthemanagementofcredit.2 .2Article16430.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteerequestedmoredetailedinformationontheFamilyCode,divorceanddifferentialviewsonadulterybymenandwomen.TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethatthePeruvianCivilCodeincludedachapterondivorcewhichdidnotdiscriminatebetweenwomenandmen.Replyingtoquestionsrelatingtotheprovisionofalimonyafterdivorce,therepresentativesaidthatalimonywasawarded,withoutdistinctionbetweenwomenandmen,tothepartnerwhohadfewereconomicresourcesandthisobligationceasedautomaticallyifthepersonreceivingalimonyremarried.431.2 .2ReplyingtotheCommittee'srequestthatitbeprovidedwithstatisticsondivorceandchildcustody(maternal/paternal/other),therepresentativesaidthattheGovernmentwasintheprocessofdevelopingstatisticsonthesubjectandidentifyingthemainvariablesfortheirstudy.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction432.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedtheGovernmentofPeruforratifyingtheConventionwithoutreservations.Thereportdidnotfollowthegeneralguidelinesandlackedimportantdetailssuchascomparativestatisticsovertime.InformationrequestedbytheCommitteewhentheinitialreportwassubmittedwerenotprovidedinthesecondperiodicreport.Onesuchinformationwastheinvolvementofwomen'sorganizationsinthepreparationofthereport.2 .2Positiveaspects433.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthattheConventionwasanintegralpartofthePeruviandomesticlegislationandintheeventofanyconflict,theConventionprevailed.434.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthatalthoughtheSpecialCommissiononWomen'sRightswasterminatedin1990,aPermanentCommissiononWomenandChildren'sRightshadbeenestablishedin1994tocoordinateactivitiesrelatingtowomen'srights.435.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthepassageofaDomesticViolenceLaw,whichhadbeensupportedbymanywomen'sgroups.ItwouldcomplementtheworkofPoliceStations(ComisariasdePolicia)indealingwithcasesrelatedtoviolenceagainstwomen.Likewise,alawprohibitingdiscriminationagainstpregnantwomenhadbeenpassed.436.2 .2TheCommitteenotedtheincreaseinwomenjudgesinPeru.&  2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern437.2 .2TheCommitteeassertedthatpeaceanddevelopmentwereessentialforpromotingwomen'srightsandshouldbepursued,evenastheGovernmentwas'  tryingtoextricateitselffrompoliticalcrisis.ConcernwasraisedabouttheeffectsofrecentpoliticaldevelopmentsinPeruonwomen,particularlyintheexerciseoftheircivilliberties.438.2 .2TheCommitteeraisedconcernaboutreportsofrape,gangrapeandcustodialrapewhichhadbeendocumentedbyhumanrightsorganizations,especiallythoseoccurringinthe"emergencyzones"andaffectingindigenousandpeasantwomen.439.2 .2SpecialconcernwasexpressedbytheCommitteetotheplightofdisplaced/refugeewomenandchildreninresettlementareas.440.2 .2HighunemploymentratesamongwomenwasanothermatterofconcernoftheCommittee.Ithadforcedwomentoseekemploymentintheinformalsectorwithoutaccesstocredit,socialbenefitsandothersupportiveinfrastructure.441.2 .2TheCommitteewasalarmedtonotethatwomenwereresortingtosmallscaledrugtraffickingasameansofsurvival.442.2 .2Whereaswomenhadbeenenteringuniversitiesinincreasingnumbers,illiteracyamongwomenstillremainedhigh.443.2 .2ThehealthstatusofwomenandchildreninPeruwasofgreatconcerntotheCommittee,particularlyasregardshighmaternalmortalityratesresultingfromclandestineabortions.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations444.2 .2TheCommitteecallsupontheGovernmenttoensuretheprovisionofsocialservicesaseducation,employmentandhealthasthisgreatlyaffectswomen.445.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthestrengtheningoftheNationalCouncilforHumanRightsinitsinvestigationofhumanrightsabusesagainstwomendetaineesandciviliansandcallsformoreupdatedandgenderdisaggregatedinformationontheNationwideRegisterofDetaineesaswellascasesofenforceddisappearances.446.2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttolookintothecausesofhighmaternalmortalityratesarisingfromclandestineabortionsandtoreviewthelawonabortion,takingintoconsiderationthehealthneedsofwomenandtoconsidersuspendingthepenaltyofimprisonmentforwomenwhohaveundergoneillegalabortionprocedures.447.2 .2TheCommitteesuggestsfurtherthattheGovernmentseekthecooperationofmedicalassociationsandofjudgesandlawyerstoconsidermoreexpansiveuseofthetherapeuticexceptiontothecriminalprohibitionofabortion,incasesofdangertothemother'shealth.448.2 .2TheCommitteecallsformoreeffectivemeasurestohastenthereintegrationofdisplacedandrefugeewomenintosociety.449.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofPerutotakemeasuresthatthestrengtheningofthefamilyleadssimultaneouslytoastrengtheningofindividualrightsofwomenandtoanequaldistributionofresponsibilitiesbetweenwomenandmen.450.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheorganwhichwascreatedtocoordinatetheactivitiesregardingwomen'srightsbepoliticallyandadministrativelystrengthenedinordertocoordinatepublicpoliciesaimedatimprovingthesituationandpositionofwomen.451.2 .2TheCommitteeasksthatthesubsequentreportbewritteninconformitywiththereportingguidelinesandcontaincomparativestatistics. % UK     \R3'\ X      +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO( $ $(882     Y@ . 4.Thirdandfourthperiodicreports@ .Norway452.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdandfourthperiodicreportsofNorway(CEDAW/C/NOR/3andCEDAW/C/NOR/4)atits277thmeeting,on30January(seeCEDAW/C/SR.277).453.2 .2Inintroducingthereport,therepresentativepointedoutthattheprioritiessetoutintheWhitePapertotheParliament(Storting)inthespringof1993includedanactivechild-carepolicywithafocusonsharedfamilyresponsibilitiesbetweentheparents,renewedeffortstoreachthegoalofequalpay,andmoreeffectiveactionsagainsttheabuseofwomenandsexualviolence.ShenotedthateffortstochangetherulesandtasksofmenandtoseethegenderquestionasoneofNorwegianhumanresourcedevelopment,wasoneofthetopprioritiesoftheGovernment.Shealsofocusedontheinstrumentsusedinthegenderequalitypolicy,includingtheproposedrevisionoftheNorwegianGenderEqualityActof1978andthediscussionofequalityasaconcernforbothlocalandregionalauthorities.Generalcomments454.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteecommendedthedetailedandthoroughwrittenandoralreports.TheypraisedtheGovernmentofNorwayfortheconceptualizationandimplementationofitsgenderpolicies,therebyservingasarolemodelformanycountries,andtheywelcomedthefactthattheConventionhadbeenratifiedearlywithoutreservations.455.2 .2MembersapplaudedthefactthatinpreparingthethirdperiodicreporttheGovernmenthadcarriedoutconsultationswithnon-governmentalorganizationsandtransmittedthereporttomajorwomen'sorganizationsinthecountryforcomments.MembersnotedthatthegeneralviewoftheNGOswasthattheGovernmenthadrepresentedthesituationofwomenextremelywell,butthattheyfeltthattherewerestillproblemsinlegalareasandintheparticipationofwomeninpublicandprivatelife.456.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteewantedtoknowwhetherthemeaningoftheconceptofequalityinNorwayreferstotherecognitionofequalityintheConstitutionasmeaningequalitybetweenthesexesandanequaldivisionofwork,paidornot,andanequalavailabilityofresources.TherepresentativeexplainedthattheNorwegianConstitutionisgender-neutralinitsformulation.Itcontainsnoexplicitprovisionofgenderequalityorprohibitionagainstgenderdiscrimination.TheGovernmentiscurrentlyconsideringwhethertoincludevarioushumanrightsconventions,suchastheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.In1995,theGovernmentwillpresentawhitepaperonthissubject.EqualitybetweenthesexesisregulatedbytheGenderEqualityAct(1978),article1ofwhichstates:"ThisActshallpromotegenderequalityandaimsparticularlyatimprovingthepositionofwomen.Norwegianwomenmust,nevertheless,todaybeconsideredtohaveachieveddejureequalstatuswithmen".TherepresentativenotedthatthegenderperspectivewascurrentlymainstreamedinallareasoftheGovernment,andallMinistrieshadestablishedafocalpointforgenderissues.Theyhadtheobligationtomakegenderissuesvisible,toincludetheminpolicyformulationattheearlieststagepossibleandinallroutines,tofollowupandevaluateimplementationandtoinfluencerecruitmentpolicies;theyplannedtocreategenderbalanceandtherebyimprovesubstantiveresults.457.2 .2Memberswantedtoknowhowtheeconomicchangesinthecountrywhichaimedatareviseddistributionofsocialinvestmentshadaffectedprogrammesforwomen.Therepresentativerepliedthatthebudgetarysituationhasbeenstrainedsincethelate1980s.However,importantreformshadbeenimplementedinthesameperiod,includingimprovedandflexiblesolutionstargetedatharmonizingworkandfamilyresponsibilities.Thewelfaresystemisatpresentunderrevision.Theaimistoachieveamorecost-effectivesystemandtobebetterabletotargetservicesandbenefits.Furthermore,therepresentativesaidthattherehasbeenanincreasedawarenessofgenderrolesbothamongpoliticiansandintheadministration,whichhasservedtocounteractanypossiblenegativeimpactonwomen.458.2 .2Membersrequestedmorestatisticsandwantedadditionalinformationregardingarticles6,13,18and19oftheConvention.&  Questionsrelatingtospecificarticles2 .2Article2459.2 .2ThereissomeconcernthattheEqualStatusActisbeinginterpretedin'  somequarterstomeanequalaccessbymentooccupationswheretheyseemtobeunderrepresented,suchashealthandwelfareoccupations.Memberswantedtoknowif,atthesametime,thereareplanstoincreasethenumberofwomeninareasdominatedbymen.TherepresentativetoldmembersthattheGenderEqualityActpermitsdifferenttreatmentofthesexeswhenthatpromotesgenderequality.Sofar,differenttreatmentwithrespecttowomenhasonlybeenpermittedinfavourofwomen.TheActisatpresentunderrevision,andtheGovernmenthasproposedmodestformsofpositiveactioninfavourofmenrelatedtojobsinchildcareandtheteachingofyoungchildren,indaycarecentres,primaryschoolandchildwelfareinstitutions.ThiswillnotalterthefactthatthemainpurposeoftheGenderEqualityActhasbeentopromotethesituationofwomen,andthiswillremainthecaseinthefuturetoo.TheNorwegianstatementalsoreferredtotheNordicproject"BRYT",aprogrammedesignedtobreakdownthesexdifferentiatedlabourmarket,asdescribedinthethirdperiodicreport(seeCEDAW/C/NOR/3,para.137).2 .2Article3460.2 .2ThereportstatedthattheNorwegianEqualStatusActcoversallfieldsincludingeducation,employmentandpolitics.However,astheActdoesnotcoverfamilyandpersonalaffairsinreality,thereisahighpossibilitythatsomecriticalareasofconcernofwomenareleftunaddressedbythislegislation.TheCommitteewasespeciallyconcernedwithprovisionsintheNorwegianlegislationtoexemptcertainreligiouscommunitiesfromcompliancewiththeequalrightslaw.Sincewomenoftenfacegreaterdiscriminationinfamilyandpersonalaffairsincertaincommunitiesandinreligion,theyaskedtheNorwegianGovernmenttoamendtheNorwegianEqualStatusActtoeliminateexceptionsbasedonreligion.TherepresentativerepliedthattheNorwegianGenderEqualityActstatedthat"TheActrelatestodiscriminationbetweenwomenandmeninallareas,withtheexceptionofinternalconditionsinreligiouscommunities".Thereasonforthisexceptionisarticle2oftheConstitution,whichestablishestherightofallpersons,includingboththosefromdissentingcommunitiesandtheChurchofNorway,tothefreepracticeofreligion."Internalcondition"maybewhatthereligiouscommunitiesthemselvesreasonablyconsidertobetheologicalquestions.Theappointmentofclergymen,preachersandchaplainshasbeenexemptedfromthereachoftheAct.However,theappointmentofstaffwhosetaskshavenotbeenconnectedwithreligiouspractice,forexample,caretakersorwelfareofficersatthechurchfamilyguidanceofficers,hasnotbeenexemptedfromtheAct.ThefamilyisnotregardedasareligiouscommunityandthereforetheActalsoappliedtofamilylifeandservedasaguidelineforfamilylife.461.2 .2ConcerningthefactthatimmigrantwomenconstituteasizeablepercentageofthoseabusedinNorway,membersaskedwhatspecialprogrammesareinplacetoassistthem.Therepresentativeansweredthatthedisproportionatelylargenumbersofimmigrantwomenwhoarereportedasseekingrefugeatthecrisiscentrehavebeenaphenomenonlimitedtothecapital.Moreover,ajointNordicsurveyconcerningimmigrantwomenandthecrisiscentreshasincludedsuggestionsforimprovementofthecentres.Specialprogrammeshavenotbeenappliedandthepolicyconcerningimmigrantshasfocusedmoreonintegrationinexistingservicesandmainstreamprogrammes.InOslothereis,however,aresourcecentreforimmigrantandrefugeewomen(MIRA).ThisResourceCentreassistsimmigrantandrefugeewomen,includingwomenvictimsoffamilyabuse,andconstitutesausefullinkbetweenNorwegianauthoritiesandimmigrantwomen.Itdoesnotrepresentanalternativetomainstreamcrisiscentres,buthas,rather,servedasupplementaryfunction.462.2 .2Memberswantedtoknowwhatmeasureswerebeingundertakentopreservethewelfareprogrammeespeciallyaimedatwomenwithinthegeneralframeworkreviewingthewelfaresystem.Therepresentativestatedthat,atpresent,theNationalInsuranceSchemeandotherwelfareprogrammeshavebeenscrutinizedinordertoprovideabasisfortheGovernment'sviewontheneedforchangeswhichwillbepresentedduringthespringof1995.Itwouldbeamisinterpretationifthiswasconstruedas"cutbacksunderway".Thegeneralbackgroundtothisactivityincludedtheneedforamoreefficientresourceallocation,whichmayleadtocutbacksinareaswherepresentspendingisfoundtobeunjustifiedorevenunreasonablecomparedwithspendinginotherareas.Themotivationforthescrutinyhasbeentoavoidthewelfarestateturningintoarigidstructureunabletoadapttotheneedsofasocietyundergoingrapidchanges.Specialattentionwillbegiventofemaleheadedhouseholdstofurtherthereintegrationofthesewomenintothelabourmarket.OneofthemainobjectivesoftheNorwegianpolicywillcontinuetobetopromoteequalitybetweenmenandwomeneveninthewelfarefieldandtoadaptwelfareprogrammesaccordingly.2 .2Article4463.2 .2Memberswantedtoknowtowhatextentaffirmativeactionmeasuresareactuallybeingapplied.Inwhatsectorsarethemajorobstaclestobefound?Inwhatsectorshasthepresenceofwomenincreasedandwhatbenefitshaveflowedfromthis?Therepresentativeaddressedaffirmativeactionaspreferentialtreatmentandspecialquotaarrangements.TheGenderEqualityActincludesaprovisionrequiringatleast40percentrepresentationofeachsexinallofficialcommittees,boards,councils,andsoforth.Althoughthisprovisionisnotbindingforpoliticalpartiesinthecourseofthe1980s,mostpoliticalpartieshaveadoptedgenderquotasonavoluntarybasisandhavebeensuccessfulinpromotingwomen'spoliticalparticipation.Inthefieldsofemploymentandeducation,affirmativeactionhasbeenpermitted,butnotprescribed.Moderateformsofpreferentialtreatmenthavebeenineffectinthepublicsectorsincethefirsthalfofthe1980s,sothatwomencandidatesaretobepreferredinsectorswherewomenarenumericallyunderrepresented,whenqualificationsareidenticalorroughlyequal.Arecentresearchprojectfoundthataquotasystemhasnotbeenappliedtoanygreatextentinemploymentandeducation.Rather,advertisementsforvacantpostswithstatementslike"womenareencouragedtoapply"havebeenprovedtobeeffective.Thereare,however,someobstaclesinthisarea.Preferentialtreatmenthasnotbeensufficientlyintegratedintocollectiveagreementsandregulationsinthepublicsector.Also,therehasbeenagenerallackofsuchagreementsandactionsintheprivatesector.Thismustbeseeninthelightoftheparties'reluctancetoacceptanyinterferencewiththeirfreedomofchoice,andthefactthatuseofquotashasbeencontroversial.Moreover,women'semploymenthasincreasedprimarilyinthepublic,socialandprivateservicesectors.Twooutofthreeemployeesinthesesectorsarewomenandmorethan50percentofallworkingwomenareinthepublicsector.Furthermore,thestructuralchangesinthelabourmarketinthe1980shavebeenfavourableforwomen-dominatedoccupationsandforwomen'semployment.Increasedunemploymentaffectedwomenless,becauseofthesex-segregatedmarket.464.2 .2NotingthattheOmbudsmanhascalledforamoreeffectiveaffirmativeactionpolicy,thememberswishedtoknowwhethersuchaffirmativeactionlegislationhasbeenadoptedsofar.Therepresentativerepliedthatthethirdperiodicreport,whichnotedtheOmbudsman'srequestforamoreeffectiveaffirmativeactionpolicy,explainedthattheviewoftheGenderEqualityOmbudsmanwasthatexistingaffirmativeactionmeasuresshouldeitherbestrengthenedtogainpropereffect,orabolishedaltogether,asinheropiniontheexistingarrangementsservedtogivethepublicunrealisticnotionsofwomen'sopportunitiesinthelabourmarket.ShewasparticularlyworriedthattheproposedamendmenttotheGenderEqualityAct,whichwouldallowaffirmativeactionformen,mightchangethepresentbalanceinfavourofmen.Theeffectsofaffirmativeactionmeasuresarebeingevaluatedatpresent.TheproposedamendmenttotheGenderEqualityActwaspresentedinthefourthperiodicreport.Theintentionbehindtheproposaltoallowpositiveactioninfavourofmeninalimitednumberofoccupationsinthecaringsectoristoactivatemen'scaringpotential,whichwouldservetocounteractthestrictsex-segregationinthelabourmarketandalsoprovidechildrenwithlessstereotypedconceptionsofgenderroles.AnotherconcernexpressedbytheGenderEqualityOmbudsmanhasbeenwithrespecttotheenforcementofthequotaarrangementincollectiveagreements,sincethesocialpartiesarereluctanttoacceptanyinterference.Inordertostrengthentheobligationtoputinplaceactivemeasuresforequalstatusinallpartsofthelabourmarket,theMinistrywishestogofurther.LegalizationofthePlanofActionisnowunderconsideration.Thiswouldmeanthatemployers,incooperationwiththeemployees'organizations,wouldhavetoactandfulfiltheobligationsaccordingtoagreementsinvolvingpreferentialtreatment.465.2 .2Amemberwantedmoreinformationregardingmainstreampoliciesandtheirvariousprocedures.ArethesepoliciesincludedinthelaworaretheyjustaconsensusbytheCabinet?Therepresentativerepliedthat,atpresent,themainstreamingpoliciesareonlyaconsensusoftheGovernment.However,extensiveeffortsweremadetointegratethemintotheroutineprocedureoftheGovernment.2 .2Article6466.2 .2Despiteallthestepstakentoassistandsupportvictimsofsexualabuse(incest,rape,etc.),violenceagainstwomendoesnotseemtohavebeenreduced.Thememberswantedtoknowifanystudyhasbeencarriedoutonthecausesofthisphenomenonsoastofindoutwhichaspectsofthesocietyareresponsibleforthesecrimes.Therepresentativestatedthatseveralstudieshavebeencarriedoutinordertounderstandthecausesofviolenceandwhichaspectsofsocietymayberesponsibleforsuchcrimes.Thefindingsonthesestudies,however,differdependingontheirtheoreticalframework.Moststudieshavebeenbasedonpsychoanalytictheory,systemtheoryorfeministtheory.Studieswithinapsychoanalyticframeworkseeviolenceasaconsequenceoftheindividualhistory.Insystemtheory,thegenerationperspectiveisimportant,explainingviolenceasanissueofrevictimization.Manyvictimsrepeattheabusethattheythemselvesexperiencedaschildren.Thefeministperspectivefocusesonthepowerrelationbetweenmenandwomen.Itiswellknownthatmostabusersaremenwhilethevictimsmaybeboys,girlsoradultwomen.Empiricalevidencesuggeststhatgenderpowerandfamilypatternhavebeencentralinunderstandingtheprevalenceofsexualviolenceinsociety.467.2 .2Norwaydeservestobecommendedforattemptingtolookattheothersideofprostitution-namely,itsmaleconsumers.Astudyonprostitutionhasprovidedananalysisofprostitutionasaproblemwhichisnotsimplyaproblemofwomenbutofmalesexualneedsanddesireto"controlsexualrelations".Asaresultoftheinstructiveinsightsofthestudyofprostitutionreferredtointhereport,thememberswantedtoknowiftheGovernmenthadintroducedmeasurestosensitizethepopulationingeneral,andmeninparticular,onthisissue.TherepresentativeexplainedthatthenationalauthoritieshadrecentlygiventheNationalCentreonProstitutionaresponsibilitytodevelopstrategiesthatmightpreventprostitution,interalia,onthebasisofresearchfindings.Thecentrewasopenedon1January1994.Furtherinformationwillbeprovidedinthenextreport.468.2 .2Astorehabilitationeffortstoassistprostitutesthroughinformationcampaignsandseminarsforpolice,healthandsocialofficials,andsoforth,memberswantedtoknowwhattheresulthadbeenoftheseseminarsandifthisisacontinuingprogramme.Theyrequestedadefinitionof"rehabilitation"andtheprogrammesunderit.Therepresentativesaidthatthenationalprogrammeforregionalseminarsonprostitutionhadconcluded,andtheresponsibilityforup-gradingknowledgeconcerningprostitutionatpresentlaywiththeNationalCentreonProstitution.Tworegionalseminarswereheldunderthenationalprogrammeandwereconsideredtobeusefulbytheparticipants,whoweredrawnfromdifferentinstitutionswithinwelfareandservices.Furthermore,"rehabilitation"referstoassistanceaimedatthepreventionofprostitution.Thismayincludegeneralinformation,guidance,economicassistance,paidvocationaltraining,psychologicalhelp,participationinself-helpgroupsandotherindividualsupport,developmentof"careerplans",andsoon.469.2 .2Astotheincreasingincidenceofchildabuse,theCommitteenotedtheestablishmentofcentresforincestvictims.Thememberswantedtoknowifpreventiveandrehabilitativemeasuresalsoaredirectedtotheabusers.Istherelegislationdealingwiththisissue?Therepresentativestatedthatthefourthperiodicreportdescribedtwomeasuresdirectedtoabusers.TheMinistryofSocialAffairshasprovidedfundsforthreetreatmentprojectsforpersonsconvictedofsexualcrime.Areferencegroupwillevaluatetheprojectsandpresentproposalsfortreatmentofsexualcriminals.Onemajorissueoftheresearchprogramme(1992-1996)onsexualviolencewastheroleofmenasabusersandthepreventivemeasuresrelatedtoabusers.470.2 .2ThememberswantedtoknowwhatthesituationisconcerningthesexbusinessinNorway.WhatistheGovernment'spolicyhere?TherepresentativeexplainedthatinNorway,sexbusinesshasbeenconsideredtobecomparativelylimited.Inrecentyears,atendencytowardsmorehardcorepornographyhasbeenobserved.Itisalsoassumedthatprostitutionmaybeincreasingbecauseoftheinternationalizationofthesextrade.SextradeinvariousformshasbeenregardedasaseriousmatterbytheGovernment.Inthisrespect,combatingchildpornographyandfocusingonthepersonsthatprofitfromprostitutionhavebeenamongtheconcernsoftheGovernment.ThemajorapproachhasbeentosharpentheprovisionsinthePenalCoderelatingtopornographyandpimping.Inrelationtoprostitutes,theauthoritieshaveinitiatedandsupportedseveralprojectsaimedatbothpreventingprostitutionandmotivatingprostitutestoleaveprostitution.Detailedinformationwaspresentedinthefourthperiodicreport.2 .2Article7471.2 .2Astothequotaof40percentrepresentationofeachsexonallpubliclyappointedboards,councilsandcommittees,whichisasbeneficialtowomenastomen,memberswantedtoknowwhatthepublicreactiontothishasbeen.Whatisbeingdonetoensurethatwomencanbenefitmorefromthispolicy?Therepresentativestatedthattodaythereseemstobeageneralagreementthatmenandwomenshouldbeequallyrepresentedinboards,committees,etc.appointedbypublicbodies.Asearlyas1981,whentheGovernmentfirstintroducedtheamendmenttotheGenderEqualityAct,themajorityofwomen'sorganizations,unionsandpoliticalpartiesexpressedtheirsupport.Inboardsandcommitteesappointedbygovernmentalbodies,theaveragepercentageofwomenisatpresentcloseto40percent,whilewomenonboardsandcommitteesappointedbylocalgovernmentis36.4percent.OwingtoquotaprovisionsinthenewLocalGovernmentAct,women'srepresentationmayincreaseafterthenextlocalgovernmentelection.Women,however,arestillunderrepresentedonboardsandcommitteesinanumberoftraditionallymale-dominatedfields,forexample,defence,foreignaffairsandtrade.Therepresentativealsostatedthatstricterenforcementofthequotaprovisionsmustbeaccomplishedinthesesectors.472.2 .2TheCommitteewouldhavelikedtoseeafullerdiscussionofwomenandpower,particularlysinceincreasingwomen'spowerandinfluenceisacrucialpartoftheequalstatuspolicy.Thoughwomen'sparticipationinpubliclifehasincreasedsubstantiallyinNorway,insomeotherimportantsphereswomenarestillasmallminority-especiallyintheareasoftrade,industryandthemedia.Withregardtopoliticalparticipation,theCommitteewantedtoknowwhetherwomentodayreallyhavemorepowerinNorwegianpoliticsthaninearliertimes.Therepresentativerepliedthattherehasbeengreatconcernregardingwomen'spoorrepresentationinmanageriallevelsintheprivatesector.Intheonehundredlargestenterpriseswomenarenotrepresentedamongexecutivedirectors.Onboards10percentarewomen.Onereasonforthismaybethatwomenseemtopreferthepublicsectorratherthantheprivatesector.Furthermore,todaywomenaccountfor52and55percentofthetotalnumberofstudentsenrolingatuniversitiesandcolleges.Inthetraditionalmaledominatedfieldssuchaslaw,economicsandengineering,thepercentageofwomencandidatesis53percent,30percentand38percent,respectively.Also,tradeunionsandemployers'organizationsdevoteincreasedattentiontotheabsenceofwomeninhighpositionsinprivateenterprises.Someenterpriseshaveintroducedwomen'strainingprogrammes.Moreover,accesstothemediausuallyimpliespower.Inrecentdecades,theproportionofwomenamongjournalistshasincreased.In1992,theproportionofwomenamongjournalistswas33percent.Amongmediastudents,thepercentagehasbeen58percent.Women'sparticipationinpoliticshasmadewomenandwomen'sinterestsmorevisibleinthemedia.Also,themediahavecontributedtothedegreeofequalityenjoyedbyNorwegianwomentoday.473.2 .2Thememberswantedtoknowwhatsubstantivechangehasbeenbroughtaboutbytheincreaseofwomeninthepublicsectorandpolitics,andprimarilyinwhichsectorthechangehasbeenmostsignificant.Therepresentativestatedthatahighnumberofwomeningovernancehasmadeadifference.InNorway,themostprominentresulthasbeentheprogressachievedinpoliticsregardingfamilyresponsibilities.Inthelastfewyears,arapidexpansionofgovernment-subsidizedchildcareinstitutionshasbeennoted.Since1986,parentalleavehasbeenexpandedfrom18to42weekswithfullwagecompensationoronefullyearwith80percentwagecompensation.Thecostshavebeenprovidedbysocialinsuranceandnotbytheemployer.Thetimeaccountschemeandthefather'squotahavebeenotherimportantreformsinthisarea,whichhavebeenimplementedinperiodsotherwisecharacterizedbyeconomicrecession.TheGovernmentofNorwaybelievesthatthiswouldnothavehappenedwithoutthehighrepresentationofwomeninpolitics.2 .2Article10474.2 .2Thememberswantedtoknowifthereareanyspecialeducationalbenefitsforwomenespeciallydisadvantagedwomenandsingleparents.Therepresentativeexplainedthatsinglemothersare,onthewhole,bettereducatedthanmarriedwomen.Thereis,however,alimitednumberofveryyoungsinglewomenwithfewformalqualifications.Singlemotherswithchildrenuptotheageof10areentitledtobenefitsregardlessofwhethertheyhavebeenundergoingeducation.Furthermore,singleparentshavebeenentitledtobenefitsundertheNationalInsuranceSchemetocovervariouscostsinconnectionwitheducation,whereeducationhasbeenconsiderednecessarytoqualifythesingleparentforthelabourmarket.TheaverageeducationalbenefitgrantedisaboutNKr10,000peryearandcoversthepurchaseofnecessarybooks,andsoforth.StudentshavealsobeenentitledtofavourableStateloansduringperiodsofeducation,andsingleparentstudentsmayaddsubstantiallytotheirincomefromotherbenefitsunderthewelfarestate.475.2 .2MemberswantedtoknowhowtheGovernmentissupportingwomen'sstudies.Therepresentativestatedthatwomen'sstudieshavebeenestablishedandhaveacquiredaconsiderablereputationinNorway.Sincethe1980s,theGovernmenthasassumedtheresponsibilityforincreasingthenumberofwomenresearchersinallfields,supportingwomen'sstudiesandintroducingthemineducationalinstitutionsandelsewhere.Asreferredtointhefourthperiodicreport,progresshasbeenmadeininstitutionalizingwomen'sstudies.Obstaclesremain,however,inthefieldofintegratingwomen'sstudiesinuniversityandcollegecurricula,andinmakingtheresultsusefulintheeducationofchildrenandyouth.Currently,specialattentionisgiventoteachereducation.TheprojectNord-LILIA,mentionedinthefourthperiodicreport,aimstostrengthenthegenderperspectiveinthemethodandcontentofteachertraining.TheGovernmenthasbeeninstructingtheNationalResearchCounciltoevaluatehowwomen'sstudiesareapproachedintheuniversities.2 .2Article11476.2 .2Astotheincreasedparticipationofwomeninnon-traditionalfields,memberswantedtoknowifthathadbeensufficientlyinstitutionalizedindifferentindustrialsectors.Therepresentativeansweredthatthethirdperiodicreportmentionedprojectswhichaimtoincreasetheparticipationofwomeninnon-traditionalfields.The"BRYT"policyhad,however,notchangedthegenderrolesinthefieldsofeducationandoccupation.Furthermore,structuralchangesandincreasingunemploymentinmanymale-dominatedsectorshadcontributedtorestructuring.Moreover,measurestoencouragewomentochoosetraditionallymaledominatedoccupationshadbeenactivelysupportedbytheGovernment.477.2 .2AlthoughNorway'spopulationishighlyindustrializedandeducatedwithextensivesocialsecuritycoverage,theoccupationalandwagedifferentialsstillremainsignificant.Memberswantedtoknowwhatwasbeingdonetoreducetheseinequalities.Whataretheobstaclesandreasonsthatimpedeequaltreatmentandequalsalaryforwomen?TherepresentativestatedthatNorwayhadcomealongwaytowardsthegoalofequalitybetweenwomenandmen,butpayequitywasstillamatterofgreatconcern.Equalpayisnottobetakenasamatterofcoursebecauseofthehighlevelofeducationandworkforceparticipation.Norwayexperiencedanegativetrendinthe1980sandfacedthefactthatprogressisnotcontinuous.Itisapparentlyeasytoreachagreementonthegoalofequalpay,butthechoiceofmeansisfarmorecontroversial.Thefactthatthelabourmarketisgender-segregatedwithwomeninthelowestpositionsrequiresmeasuresonthemacroeconomiclevel.TheGovernmentisworkingforanintegrationofthetopicintothelabourmarketpolicyandthewagesettingingeneral.TheNorwegianGovernmenthasmadeeffortstoaddressthegenderissueandthewagegapintheunions,inemployerorganizationsandthebargainingsystem.Furthermore,statisticsandfactsaboutthewagegapareatpresentintegratedinthedocumentthatformsthebasisforcollectivebargaining.Thepresentpoliciesseektoimprovetheworkingconditionsandpaymentinthetraditionalfemaledominatedsectors.Atoolforthiscanbejobclassificationsystems.TheGovernmentisnowdevelopingnon-discriminatoryprogrammesforjobevaluation.Theaimistodevelopjobevaluationforuseinallpartsofthelabourmarket.Theunionshaveshowngreatinterestinthesemeasuresandwilltakepartintheseprogrammes.478.2 .2However,therepresentativestatedthattheGovernmentisoftheopinionthatlegislationplaysalimitedroleineliminatingthewagegap.Legislationisaimed,primarily,atsecuringindividualrights.However,improvementsarecontinuouslybeingmadeinordertomakeitmoreeffective.TheGovernmentandtheGenderEqualityOmbudsmanaretakingjointactiontoinformthepublicmorethoroughlyaboutwomen'srightsundertheAct.Theaimistoencouragewomentomakeuseoftheserightsinallsectors,includinginworkinglife.Furthermore,theGovernmentplanstointroduceprovisionsonactionplansforgenderequality,whichwillapplytoemployerswhoengageacertainminimumofpersons.Theemployerswillbeexpectedtoconductanannualsurveywhichshowsthesituationwithrespecttogenderequalityandtomakeconcreteplansforpromotionofgenderequalityforthenextyear.Anotherprojectistoestablisha"checklist"onequalpay.Thislistissupposedtobeapracticaltoolfororgansworkingfortheachievementofequalpay,suchasgenderequalitymachinery,socialpartnersandemployees.479.2 .2Memberswantedtoknowwhytherehasbeenasignificantriseofwomeninthepoliticalhierarchy,while,atthesametime,discriminationpersistsintheareaofemployment,especiallyasregardsthetypeofwork,conditions,hoursandwagegap.Whatisthesituationinprivatesectorcompanies?Therepresentativerepliedthattheanswertothisquestionhadalreadybeencoveredinotherreplies.480.2 .2Thereportgivestheimpressionthatwomenhaveachoicebetweenalongworkingdayorashorteronewithalowerpayscale.Itwouldseemthatworkisnotequitablydistributedbetweenmenandwomen.Ontheotherhand,itseemsthatsupplementarypensionsarecalculatedonthebasisof"points",asystemthatfavoursthosewhohaveperformedregular,uninterruptedservice.Therevisedsystemforcalculatingsupplementarypensionshasnoteliminatedthegapbetweenthepensionsofmenandwomen.Memberswantedtoknowiftherewereplanstodraftalawtodoawaywiththisgap.TherepresentativestatedthattheNorwegianpensionsystemisatwo-tiersystem:abasicpensionforallcitizensregardlessoftheirsourceofincomebeforebeingpensioned,andasupplementarypensiononthebasisofearned"pensionpoints",calculatedeachyearinaccordancewithincomeandpaidforthroughtaxes.Thesystemasawholepositsacomparativelystrongredistributionofincome:thebetteroffgetasmallerpercentageoftheirincomeduringtheirworkingyearsthantherestofthesociety.Thebetteroff,however,stillgetahigherpension.Inthiskindofsystem,thegapbetweenmenandwomenwillreflectthegapsinparticipationinworkinglife.Themainfactorsbehindthedifferenceinmaleandfemaleaveragepointsareduetothefactthattypical"female"jobsaregenerallylesswellpaidthantypical"male"jobs.Atpresent,therearenoplanstochangethissystem.Thereasonforthisisthatauniformandcompulsorypensionsystemforall,paidforthroughtaxation,isanessentialpartofagoodwelfarestateandallowsamuchbetterbasisforequalityinstandardsoflivingfortheolderpopulationthanothersystems.481.2 .2Memberswantedtoknowifthereisastatuteforimmigrants.ThereportemphasizesthatimmigrationtoOsloisabnormallyhigh.Doallimmigrantscomewiththeirfamilies?Underthecircumstances,howarefemaleimmigrantsintegratedintoNorwegiansociety?Dothefamiliesofimmigrantshavetherighttowork?Whatsortofworkdotheydo?Therepresentativestatedthatapproximately30percentofallimmigrantsinNorwayliveinthecapital.Immigrantsconstitute14.7percentofthepopulationinOslo.ImmigrationpolicyisbasedongenuineequalityinthestatusofimmigrantsandNorwegians.Immigrantsshouldbegrantedthesameopportunities,rightsandobligationsastherestofthepopulation.Inthelastdecade,immigrationhasbeendominatedbypersonsseekingasylumandbyfamilyreunions,includingbothforeignwivesofNorwegianmenandwivesandchildrenofimmigrantmenwhoareestablishedinNorway.Familymembersofimmigrantswithalawfulresidencepermitaregenerallyentitledtowork.Immigrantsarefoundinseveralbranchesofindustry,suchaswithinoilandgasextraction,andinpublicservices.Immigrantsfromdevelopingcountriesareclearlyoverrepresentedincertainsectorssuchasthehotelandrestaurantsectors,cleaning,andcertainmanufacturingindustries.Immigrants,bothmenandwomen,experienceunemploymentmorefrequentlythantherestofthepopulation.Itisalsoageneralconcernthatthequalificationsofimmigrantsarenotfullyutilized.InsufficientcommandoftheNorwegianlanguageandvarioustypesofdiscriminationareamongnegativefactors.ProgrammestofacilitateintegrationintoNorwegiansociety,suchaseducationinlanguageandvocationaltraininginsegregatedwomen'sgroups,havebeenoffered.Someoftheseprogrammesalsoincludepsychotherapy.Furthermore,therearespecialtrainingandeducationschemesforimmigrantsintheemploymentservice.482.2 .2Memberswantedtoknowwhatcompensationawomancangetwhenshehasbeendiscriminatedagainstintheworkplace.TherepresentativerepliedthataccordingtotheGenderEqualityAct,apersonwhowilfullyornegligentlyviolatestheprovisionsoftheActshouldbeliablefordamagesinaccordancewiththerulesonordinarycompensation.Awomanwhohasexperienceddiscriminatorytreatment,thatis,inrelationtopay,recruitmentorpromotions,cansueheremployerforcompensationforeconomiclosscausedbythattreatment.Thecourtsalsohavethepowertooverrulediscriminatoryappointments.Normally,courtshesitatetousethispowerwhereanappointmenthasalreadybeenmade.&  2 .2Article16483.2 .2Thereportnotedtheincreasingviolencecommittedbyspouses.The'  CommitteecommendedthelegalmeasurestakenbytheNorwegianGovernmentinthisregard,inparticulartheamendmentofsection228ofthePenalCodewhichallowstheprosecutiontoprosecuteunconditionallycasesofviolenceinfamilies.Askedwhethertherewereanystatisticsavailableonthis,therepresentativeexplainedthattherearenostatisticsavailableontheeffectofthisamendment.Thereisreasontobelieve,however,thatthenumberofprosecutionsagainstviolentspouseshasincreased.Statisticsfromtheearly1980shaveshowedthatalmosthalfofthewomenwhoreportedviolencecommittedbyspouseseitherdidnotrequestprosecutionorlaterwithdrewtheirrequest.484.2 .2TheCommitteewantedtoknowiffatherstakeresponsibilityfortheirchildren.Howoftendotheyusetheirrighttopaternityleave?Arethereinvestigationsandrecordskeptofcomplaintsbyfathersthattheydonothaveaccesstotheirchildren?Therepresentativestatedthatsurveyshaveindicatedthatyoungfathersspendmoretimewiththeirchildrentodaythansuchfathersdid20yearsago.Ontheotherhand,fathersofyoungchildrenspendincreasinglymoretimeinpaidworkaswellasinovertime.SinceApril1993,fourweeksoftheparentalleavehasbeenreservedforthefather,whicharelosttothefamilyifnottakenbythefather.Therehasalsobeenasignificantincreaseinthepaymentofparentalbenefitstofathers.Norecordofcomplaintsbyfathershasbeenkept.Statisticsconcerningfamilylaw,especiallythoseregardinglawsuitsconcernedwithcustodyandrightofaccess,areverypoor.Thereisnoinformationregardingthenumberoffatherswhohavebeenpreventedfromaccessbytheotherparent.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction485.2 .2TheCommitteeapplaudedtheStatepartyonanexcellentpresentation.NorwaywasamongthefirstStatespartiestoratifytheConvention,andinfacthadsubmittedfourreportstotheCommitteeinduetime.2 .2Positiveaspects486.2 .2TheCommitteeapplaudedtheGovernmentofNorwayfordirectingattentiontothenecessarychangesinmen'srolesandtasksasanimportantelementinachievingtruegenderequality,includingmen'sencouragementtousetheirrighttopaternityleaveandtoincreasetheirinvolvementascaretakersinthelabourmarket.487.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedtheachievementsintheareasofpubliclife,education,andlabourmarketparticipation.Severalofthesixmajorpoliticalpartieshadfemaleleadersand,becauseofthequotasystem,womenconstitutedalmost40percentofallcommittees.Girls'educationhadimprovedanditseemedtocontinuetorise.TheCommitteenotedthatalmost50percentofthetotalnumbersofpupilsinuppersecondaryschoolwerewomen.488.2 .2TheCommitteecommendsthecontinuingamendmentto,andenhancementoftheEqualstatusActtostrengthentheroleoftheequalityapparatus.489.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomedtheGovernment'sholisticapproachtowardssolvingtheissuesconnectedwithprostitution.&  2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern490.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedconcernabouttheabsenceofwomenfromhigher'  levelmanagementpostsintheprivatesector.̇491.2 .2TheCommitteewasalsoconcernedaboutthepatternsofoccupationalsegregationinthelabourmarketanddisparitiesinwagesbetweenmenandwomen.TheCommitteeexpresseditsconcernaboutthehighnumberofwomenworkingparttime,aswellasaboutthepaydifferentialswhichwerereflectedalsointhepensions.492.2 .2TheCommitteevoicedconcernoverpatternsofviolenceagainstwomen,includingincest.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations493.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatthefifthperiodicreportincludeinformationontheresultsofthegeneralreviewofthewelfareprogrammes,includingthescrutinizationoftheNationalInsuranceScheme;itshouldalsoprovideinformationonhowandtowhatextentthechangesresultingfromthereviewhaveaffectedwomen.494.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttotakeseriousstepstoaddresstheproblemofviolenceagainstwomen.Itfurthersuggeststhatattentionbepaidtotheissueofviolenceagainstmigrantwomenandtraffickinginwomen.495.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatthenextreportincludemorestatisticaldataonthewomenlivinginNorway.TheCommitteewouldalsoliketohavemoreinformationconcerninggeneralrecommendations,inparticularongeneralrecommendations13,18and19.&  ԀRussianFederation882 496.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthethirdandfourthperiodicreportsofthe'  RussianFederation(CEDAW/C/USR/3and4)atits274thmeeting,on26January1995.497.2 .2Introducingthefourthperiodicreport,therepresentativeoftheStatePartyoutlinedthecurrenteconomic,politicalandsocialsituationintheRussianFederationandstressedthatthepositionofwomenshouldbeviewedwithinthecontextoftheproblemsgenerallyencounteredinthoseareas.ShestressedthedepthandpermanentnatureofthecurrentreformsintheRussianFederationandtheirinternationalimplications.ShealsopointedtothehigheconomicandsocialcostsofrestructuringandtoawholenewsetofissuesthattheRussianFederationhashadtodealwithinthecontextofthatprocess.Amongthemostacuteissueswerethecontinuingeconomicdeterioration,thedeclineinrealincomes,thespreadofpoverty,unemployment,massivemigrationandasharpworseningoflivingstandardsforwhatappearedtobethemajorityofthepopulation.Thoseproblemswerefurthercomplicatedbyseriousecologicalproblemsandthedeteriorationofthephysicalandsocialinfrastructurecausedbythesharpdeclineincapitalinvestment.498.2 .2Povertyhadbecomeawidespreadandself-perpetuatingconditionformanystrataofthepopulation.Therewasarealdangerofinter-generationaltransferofpoverty,sincemanychildreninpoorfamilies,particularlyinsingle-parenthouseholds,werefacedwithalimitedopportunitytodevelopastheylackedbooks,toysandotheraidstointellectualandspiritualgrowth.PovertyinRussiawasbecomingincreasinglyfeminizedandwomencomprised70percentofthecountry'sunemployed.ThehighrateofunemploymentamongRussianwomenwasprimarilyduetotherapidrestructuringandprivatizationofindustriesemployingalargeproportionoffemalelabour.Themajorityofunemployedwomenwerehighlyeducated,butthedurationoftheirunemploymentwastwiceaslongasthatofmen.Socialtensions,intensifiedbyreform,hadledtoaresurgenceofstereotypingoftheroleofwomenandtocallsfortheirreturntotheir"naturalfunctions".Althoughnationalmachineryfortheadvancementofwomenhadbeenestablishedanditsfunctioninghadprotectedwomenfromsomeoftheadverseconsequencesofreform,ithadnotasyetbeenablefullytoarticulatewomen'sinterestssoastoaffectthecourseofreform.Womenremaineddebarredfromeconomicandpoliticaldecision-making.499.2 .2TherepresentativeinformedthemembersoftheCommitteethattheGovernmentoftheRussianFederation,havingrealizedthatthemonetaristunderpinningofthefirstwaveofeconomicreformprovidedonlyalimitedsetofsocialprotectionmeasures,hademphasizedtheprovisionofaproperlevelofsocialprotectionasthemainrequirementforthecontinuationofeconomicreform.SheassuredmembersoftheCommitteethat,inspiteofthecurrenteconomicandpoliticalcrisisintheRussianFederationandthesharpreductioninthecapacityoftheStatetoachievethegoalssetbytheConvention,theGovernmentremaineddedicatedtothegoalsofwomen'sadvancementandtheeliminationofdiscriminationagainstthemandwouldcontinuetotakemeasuresdirectedatalleviatingthenegativeimpactoftransformationonwomenandimprovingtheireconomicandsocialposition.Generalobservations500.2 .2MembersthankedtheGovernmentforitsreportandnoteditscomprehensiveandfranknature.Theynoted,however,thatthefourthperiodicreporthadanumberofmajorweaknesses,amongwhichthefollowingshouldbementioned.Firstly,therewerefewreferencestospecificpolicies,programmesandactivitiesbeingundertakenbytheGovernmentinconnectionwiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.Inaddition,thelimitednumberofstatisticsprovideddidnotmakeitpossibletograsptherealdimensionsofthesituation.Thus,thereportwaslargelytheoreticaland,tosomeextent,incompleteinnature.ItwasratherdifficulttoassesshowthestatusofwomenhadevolvedandwhatinitiativeshadbeenundertakenbytheGovernmentsincetherestructuringofthecountryhadbegun.501.2 .2Membersexpressedconcernthatthespecialtemporarymeasuresadopteddidnotcoverissueslikeincreasingwomen'sinfluenceinpolicyorthemarketeconomy,theirpossibilitiesinhigherpositions,paydifferencesandotherformsofdiscriminationinworkinglifeandthehealthsituationofwomen.ItseemedtobeafactthatpovertyintheRussianFederationwasafemalephenomenon.502.2 .2Membersnotedwithconcernthatwiththeendofcommunismandtheintroductionofthenewsystem,changeshadtakenplaceinthepoliticalandeconomicspheres.Whiletherestructuringprocesshadentailedaseriesofprogressivedevelopmentsinsocietyasawhole,womenwereencounteringgreaterdisadvantagesasaresultoftheincreaseintheirworkload,inadequatechild-careservicesandshrinkingjobopportunities;socialchangeswereleadingtoastratificationthatwentbeyondthesocialplaneandwasalsodirectlyapparentbetweenthesexes.Yetthereportsaidlittleabouttheeconomiccrisisandtheimpactofstabilizationandadjustmentpoliciesonwomen.Amoredetailedexplanationshouldhavebeengivenofthewayinwhichtheburdenofinflationhadfallenonwomen'sshouldersandincreasedtheirworkload,giventhattheadjustmentprogrammeshadcausedpricestoriseandwagestobefrozen,presumablyforcingwomentoforgocertaincommonservicesthatwereformerlyavailabletothem.̇&  Questionsrelatingtospecificarticles2 .2Article3503.2 .2Respondingtoaquestiononnationalmachineryforthecoordinationof'  policiesdealingwithwomenandonitsresponsibilities,statusandauthority,therepresentative,referringtothefourthperiodicreport,informedmembersoftheCommitteethatsuchmachinery,withmandatesforwomen,thefamilyandchildren,hadbeenestablishedwithinfederal,regionalandlocalgovernmentsandthatitcooperatedwithpublicorganizations.ACommissionforWomen,theFamilyandDemographyhadbeenestablishedintheofficeofthePresidentoftheRussianFederation.TheCommissionwasacollectiveadvisorybodyfortheformulationandcoordinationofgovernmentpolicyforachievingequalrightsandopportunitiesformenandwomen.ACommitteeonWomen,theFamilyandYouthhadbeenestablishedintheStateDuma.ADepartmentforWomen,theFamilyandChildren'sQuestionsexistedwithintheMinistryofSocialDefence.ItcoordinatedStatepolicyonthefamily,thesocialequalityofwomenandchilddevelopment.TheDepartmentworkedincooperationwiththefederalexecutiveandlegislativebranchesoftheState.ANationalPreparatoryCouncilfortheFourthWorldConferenceonWomenhadbeenestablished.ItconsolidatedtheeffortsoftheStateandofnon-governmentalorganizationstoimprovethesituationofwomenandtodeveloptheState'ssocialpolicyanditslegalbase.504.2 .2ConcerningaquestionraisedonStateprogrammesfortheadvancementofwomen,therepresentativerepliedthattheaimofthoseprogrammeswastocreateconditionsfortherealizationoftheprinciplesofequalitybetweenmenandwomenintermsoftheiraccesstolegalrightsandfreedoms.Suchprogrammesincludedtheprovisionofsupporttowomencandidatesforelection,thenominationofwomenascandidatesforpostsatvariouslevelsoftheexecutiveandlegislativebranches,asystemofcontroloftheimplementationofdecisions,andcooperationwiththeGovernmentandwithtradeunionsandnon-governmentalorganizations.Oneofthemaingoalsofthoseprogrammeswastohelpwomenwiththeirfamilyobligationsandtoachieveanequaldistributionoffamilyresponsibilitiesbetweenmenandwomen.505.2 .2Replyingtoaquestionontheroleofwomenineconomicandsocialdecision-makingandtheintegrationoftheirconcernsintoeconomicandsocialplanning,therepresentative,referringtothefourthperiodicreport,informedtheCommitteethatwomenintheRussianFederationwerenotadequatelyrepresentedatthedecision-makinglevel.Theproblemsofwomen'sparticipationineconomicandpoliticaldecision-makinghadbeendiscussedataNationalConferenceonWomeninDevelopmentinDecember1994.Shefurtherstatedthatthecurrentstrategyforincreasingtheparticipationofwomenindecisionmakingwasdirectedattherestructuringoftheexistingsystemofsocietalgovernancebytheenactmentofthenecessarylaws,thecreationofthenecessaryconditionsandthedevelopmentofspecialprogrammesforthetrainingofwomen.506.2 .2InreplytoquestionsbymembersoftheCommitteeconcerningtheresettlementofrefugees,includingwomen,therepresentativerecalledtheextent,dimensionsandcausesofmigrationintheRussianFederation.ShestatedthattheFederalMigrationServiceoftheRussianFederationhadbeenestablishedin1991.Asat1January1994,447,900refugeeshadbeenregistered,ofwhichwomenaccountedfor53.4percent.Refugeesreceivedpaymentsequaltotheminimumwageandwereentitledtointerest-free,long-termcredit,whichhadbeenpaidto6,700refugeefamiliesin1992and1993.&  2 .2Article4507.2 .2Withregardtospecialmeasurestoguaranteedefactoequality,the'  representativestatedthatthelawdidnotallowdiscriminationonthebasisofsex.ShealsoinformedthemthatreformofthelegislationoftheRussianFederationforpurposesofensuringequalitywasunderway.&  2 .2Article5508.2 .2Inresponsetoaquestiononwhathadbeendonetoensurethatwomenwere'  fairlyportrayedinthemedia,therepresentativestatedthatthatissue,amongotherconcernsofwomen,wassystematicallyaddressedbytheprogrammesonStatetelevisionandradio.Thepurposeofthoseprogrammeswastoinformwomenoftheirrightsandtodrawpublicattentiontowomen'sproblems.Shenamedanumberofpopularprogrammesthataddressedwomen'sissuesandconcerns.Shenoted,however,thatthestereotypingoftheroleofwomenandtheirplaceinsocietysometimestookplaceinthemediaandinthepress.509.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteewantedtoknowwhethertheGovernmentmadesystematicstudiesofformsofviolencedirectedagainstwomenandtheconsequencesofabusesufferedbythem.Inreply,therepresentativestatedthatherGovernmentinterpretedviolenceagainstwomenasaviolationoftheirhumanrights.SheprovidedtheCommitteewithstatisticsonvariousformsofviolenceagainstwomenandinformationontheconsequencesofsuchviolenceforthelivesandhealthofthewomensubjectedtoit.InSeptember1994,theNationalPreparatoryCouncilfortheFourthWorldConferenceonWomenhadconvenedameetingtodiscussthe1993DeclarationontheEliminationofViolenceagainstWomen.TheNationalPlatformfortheAdvancementofWomencontainedaseparatesectiondealingwithactionforthepreventionofviolenceagainstwomen.ShealsoinformedtheCommitteethatin1993,14,400rapecaseshadbeenregistered.Inthatyear,thetotalnumberofcrimesinvolvingwomenasvictimswas331,800.Asaresultofthosecrimes,14,500womenhaddiedand56,400hadsufferedmutilationorotherbodilyinjury.TherepresentativestatedthatthelegislationoftheRussianFederationregardedrapeasacriminaloffencepunishablebylong-termimprisonment.Sherecognizedtheneedforsheltersandmentionedtheattempttoestablishrehabilitationcentresforthevictims.Attentionwasgiventotheidentificationoftheprofilesofviolatorsinordertoimprovethepreventionofsuchcrimes.Shealsosaidthat,inordertocombatviolenceagainstwomen,solutionsshouldbefoundtocurrenteconomicandsocialproblems,inter-ethnicconflictsanddeclineinthelivingstandardsofthepopulation.510.2 .2Respondingtothequestionconcerningtheroleofthefamilyduringtheperiodoftransitionandtheincreaseoftheburdenoffamilyresponsibilitiesonwomen,therepresentativesaidthatalthoughherGovernmentconsideredthedistributionoffamilyresponsibilitiesasaninternalfamilymatter,itneverthelessviewedegalitariandistributionofthoseresponsibilitiesasdesirableandconductedpoliciesdirectedattheencouragementofequalparticipationofmenandwomeninparentingandcaringforfamilymembers.ShealsostatedthattheexpansionofeconomicfreedomofRussianwomenwouldhelptoliberatethemfromtheeverydayburdenofdomesticwork.2 .2Article6511.2 .2OneexpertcitedanindependentnongovernmentalorganizationsourceofinformationonprostitutioninthemajorcitiesoftheRussianFederation,andrequestedmoreinformationonprostitutionandonmeasuresthattheGovernmenthadtakentoaddressthoseproblems.Inresponse,therepresentativestatedthatalthoughitwasnotappropriatetorefertoasourceotherthanthereportunderdiscussion,sheneverthelesswaswillingtocommentonsomeaspectsofthatphenomenon.ShereferredtheCommitteetothefourthperiodicreport,wherethelegislationdealingwithprostitutionwasdescribed.Shestatedthatthelawdidnotestablishcriminalliabilityforprostitution,butcorruptionofminors,keepingofbrothelsandprocuringforpecuniarygainwereconsideredcriminaloffences.ShealsoinformedmembersthattherewasnodepartmentintheRussianFederationdealingwithprostitutionand,therefore,therewasnoreliablesourceofinformationandstatisticsonthatissue.Shestatedthatprostitutesdidnotundergoanyadditionalmedicalexaminationandcouldbeheldresponsiblefortheiractionsonlyinanadministrativeway,inotherwords,theycouldbefined.512.2 .2TherepresentativestatedthattheGovernmentdidnotseektodeterminewhethermarriagesbetweenRussianwomenandforeigncitizensweregenuine.Shealsopointedoutthatbecauselegalilliteracywasquitewidespread,itwasconceivablethatsomeRussianwomencouldhavebeentakenabroadonfictionalcontracts.ShereferredtothefactthattheRussianFederationhadjoinedInterpol,whichmighthelptoaddressproblemsofprostitutionandassociatedcriminalacts.&  2 .2Article7513.2 .2InresponsetoaquestionconcerningtherepresentationofRussianwomenin'  Parliamentandthegenerallyundemocraticsituationwithrespecttowomen'sparticipationinpoliticaldecision-making,therepresentativerepliedthat,afteradecrease,therehadlatelybeenanotableincreaseintheactivitiesofwomenandintheirself-confidence.TherewerenowmorewomenleadersinpublicmovementsandpoliticalpartiesintheRussianFederation.Thepoliticalmovement"WomenofRussia"hadbeenfoundedinOctober1993andwasrepresentedintheParliament.Itsmaingoalwastopromotethesocio-politicalroleofRussianwomenandtoadvancethemtodecision-makingpositions.Althoughwomen'srepresentationinthelegislativeorgansofthefederalGovernmenthadsomewhatimproved,theywerestillsignificantlyunderrepresentedintheupperechelonsoffederalministries.In1995,therewereonlytwowomenministers.Thestrategyfortheintegrationofwomenindecision-makingwasdirectedatthedevelopmentandimplementationofspecialprogrammesforthetrainingandpromotionofdecisive,ableandcompetentwomen.514.2 .2InheranswertothequestionconcerningmeasurestakenbyherGovernmenttoensurethatthelevelofwomen'srepresentationinpubliclifedidnotdecline,particularlyinruralareas,therepresentativesaidthatlegislationintheRussianFederationcontainednodiscriminatoryruleslimitingtheparticipationofwomeninthepoliticallifeofthecountry.Shepointedoutthattheoldsystemofquotas,althoughhelpingtosoftentheeffectsofdiscriminationonwomen,wasanold-fashionedwaytoaddresstheproblemandnewmethodsshouldbesought.Inthatrespect,sheemphasizedthegreaterpoliticalparticipationofwomen,whichwasrising.Women'sorganizationswereanintegralpartofthecountry'ssocio-politicalstructure,butmanyofthemwerestillintheprocessofbeingbuiltandwerefacedwithavarietyofdifficulties.TherepresentativeinformedmembersoftheCommitteethatspecialmeasureshadbeenformulatedtofindcompetentwomentostandforelectiontoexecutivebodies.&  2 .2Article10515.2 .2Inresponsetothequestionongovernmentinitiativestoevaluatesexismin'  theeducationalsystem,therepresentativerespondedthatarticle5oftheEducationActoftheRussianFederationguaranteedaccesstoeducationregardlessofvariousfactors,includingsex.WomenintheRussianFederationhadequalaccesswithmentohigherandtechnicaleducationwiththeexceptionofsomeoccupationswhereoperationofhazardousmachineryorperformanceofphysicallystrenuoustaskswererequired.Somerestrictionsonwomen'sparticipationinthoseoccupationswerespeltoutinjobdescriptions.TherepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethattheproportionofwomeninhighereducationalestablishmentswasstable.&  2 .2Article11516.2 .2RespondingtothequestiononthehighrateofunemploymentamongRussian'  women,therepresentativesaidthattherighttoworkandtherighttonon-discriminatorytreatmentinthelabourmarketwerethemostdifficultandcontradictoryquestionstobeaddressedundertheconditionsofthefledglingmarketeconomy.Shestatedthatwomenhadaccountedforalmost70percentoftheunemployedin1993andexplainedthatitwastheresultoftherestructuringof"women'sbranchesoftheeconomy".Shepointedout,however,thattheproportionofwomenamongtheunemployedwasexpectedtodeclineto60to65percentasthefirststageofthereformhadnowbeencompleted.ShealsoinformedmembersthattheGovernmenthadjustbeguntoregulatelabourrelationsundertheconditionsofamarketeconomyandbaseditspoliciesontheprinciplesofassistancetotheneedyandofstrengtheningconditionsforthedevelopmentofemploymentopportunities.517.2 .2Regardingdiscriminationagainstwomeninthelabourmarket,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethattheGovernmenthadneverstatedexplicitlyorimplicitlythatwomenshouldconfinethemselvesexclusivelytomattersoffamilyandhomemaking.Atthesametime,freedomofexpressionallowedsomejournalistsandpoliticianstoexpresstheirpersonalviewsregardingtheroleofwomenintheeconomyandsociety.Shenotedthattherewasunequaltreatmentofwomenandmenintheprivatesector,thoughwomenwhohadbeendiscriminatedagainstwerefreetoturntothecourtsfortheresolutionofdiscriminationcases,evenwhencompanieswereclosing.518.2 .2Asregardsthedisparitiesinremunerationbetweenmenandwomen,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethatsalariesofwomenwerelowernotbecauseofdiscrimination,butbecausetheywereemployedinthesectorsdependentontheStatebudget.TheaveragesalaryofawomanintheRussianFederationwasonethirdlowerthanthatofmen.Ontheotherhand,whenwomenheldjobscomparabletothoseofmen,theywerepaidatthesamerate.519.2 .2Concerningspecialtreatmentgiventopregnantwomen,membersaskedhowthepoliciesofmaternityleaveandbenefitshadbeenimplementedunderconditionsofscarcity.Inresponse,therepresentativesaidthatsuchmeasureshadbeentakenandwerediscussedinthefourthperiodicreport.520.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteewishedtoknowthevalueoffamilyallowancesinrealtermscomparedwiththeperiodbeforeeconomicreform.Therepresentativesaidthattheanalysisofchangesintherealvalueoffamilyallowanceswascomplicatedbecauseofthedifferencebetweenthepurchasingpowerofthefamilyincomeanditsnominalvalue.Changesinthestructureofallowancesconstitutedtheothersourceofcomplexity.SheinformedtheCommitteethatasattheendof1993,therewereseveraltypesofallowancesavailabletofamilieswithdependentchildren.Thesizeoftheallowancewasdeterminedonthebasisoftheageofdependentchildrenandthenumberofincome-providersinthefamily.ShealsoinformedtheCommitteethatsince1992,familieswithdependentchildrenwereentitledtoataxdeductionperdependentchild.&  2 .2Article12521.2 .2Inresponsetothequestionontheimpactofstructuraladjustmentonthe'  provisionofandaccesstohealthcarebywomenandchildren,therepresentativeinformedtheCommitteethataccesstohealthcareinhercountrywasguaranteedbytheConstitution.ThehealthcaresystemwasbeingtransformedfromasystembasedontheStatebudgettoonebasedonprivateinsurance.TheStateguaranteedaccesstofreehealthcaretowomenandchildren.522.2 .2Inconnectionwiththequestionregardingtheimpactofthehumanimmunodeficiencyvirus/acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome(HIV/AIDS)onwomenintheRussianFederation,therepresentativesaidthattheGovernmentconsideredthisaprioritytaskandamatterofnationalsecurity.SheinformedtheCommitteethatinJanuary1994,264casesofwomenwithHIVhadbeenregisteredintheRussianFederationofwhom42percentweregirlsandofwhom33hadbeenpregnantwhendiagnosedwiththevirus.TheGovernmenthaddraftedalawonthepreventionofthespreadofHIV/AIDSintheRussianFederation,whichwasnowbeingconsideredbylegislativeorgansoftheGovernment.523.2 .2Respondingtothequestiononfamilyplanningandtherequestforrecentdataonthatissue,therepresentativestatedthattheGovernmentwasfinancingafederalprogrammetoestablishfamily-planningofficesinallmedicalestablishments.Theprogrammeaimedatgreateravailabilityofcontraceptivesandareductioninthenumberofabortions.SheinformedtheCommitteethatin199425familyplanningcentreswereoperatingthroughouttheRussianFederationand,asaresultofthat,theabortionratehaddeclinedto94per1,000womenfrom114per1,000in1990.2 .2Article14524.2 .2Concerningtheimpactoffertilizersandpesticidesonthehealthofwomenfarmersandtheirchildren,therepresentativestatedthatherGovernmenthadtakenanumberofmeasuresdirectedatimprovingthelifeofruralwomen.Womeninruralareaswereinsomecasesentitledtoadditionalbenefits.Womenbelowtheageof35werenotallowedtobeassignedtoworkwithpoisons,pesticidesanddisinfectants.Therewasaspecificlistofoccupationsandplaceswherewomenwerenotallowedtowork.TheMinistryofAgricultureandFoodhaddevelopedaprogrammedirectedattheintroductionofgreaterautomationandreductionofmanualworkintheareasthatwereespeciallyharmfultohumanhealth.525.2 .2Expertsrequestedsomeadditionalinformationonrural-urbanmigrationinvolvingwomen.Therepresentativerepliedthatmigrationfromruralareaswascausedbythelackofprestigiousemploymentopportunitiesinthoseareas.Shestressedthatunemploymentcouldnotbeviewedasthesinglemostimportantcauseofmigrationbecausewomenfromruralareashadlittlechanceoffindingemploymentinthecities.ShealsopointedoutthatmigrationfromruraltourbanareashadalwaysbeentypicalfortheRussianFederationandinthepasthadbeentheresultoftheurbanizationpolicy.526.2 .2Inconnectionwiththequestiononthemarketinginfrastructureavailabletoruralwomen,therepresentativerepliedthatsuchinfrastructurewasattheinitialstageofitsdevelopment.TheGovernmentexpectedthatinthefutureitwouldbewidelyaccessibletoallpeopleemployedwithintheagro-industrialcomplex.&  2 .2Article16527.2 .2Oneexpertcommentedthat,accordingtovariousmediareports,therehad'  beenanalarmingincreaseinthenumberofhomelesschildrenintheRussianFederation.ShewantedtoknowwhatthereasonforthatwasandwhatmeasureshadbeentakenbytheGovernmenttoaddresstheproblem.TherepresentativerespondedthateveryyearintheRussianFederation60,000unsupervisedminorswerearrestedforvagrancyandcriminalactivity.SheinformedtheCommitteethatatpresenttherewere59socialrehabilitationcentres,151orphanagesand5centresforassistancetochildrenoperatinginthecountry.Theactivitiesofthoseinstitutionsweredirectedatfindingcaringhomesforchildrenwithoutfamilies.Additionalcommentsandquestions528.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeapplaudedthein-depth,substantiveanswersprovidedbytherepresentativeinresponsetoquestionsposedbytheCommittee.OnememberexpressedherconcernaboutthesystemofquotasandthefactthattheGovernmentseemedtohavecompletelydiscardedthepotentialusefulnessofquotasasatoolforthefacilitationoftheadvancementofwomen.ShesaidthatshecouldnotseehowtheRussianFederationcouldimprovewomen'sparticipationindecision-makingwithoutobligingpoliticalpartiestoincorporatewomenintopolitics.Shefurtherstatedthatquotashadbeenusedsuccessfullyinmanycountries.Sheexpressedherhopethatthecreationofwomen'sorganizationsandthegreaterinvolvementofwomeninpoliticscouldhelptheincorporationoftheirinterestsintotheeconomicsandpoliticsofthetransition.529.2 .2Inresponsetothatcomment,therepresentativesaidthatalthoughquotasmightbeofsomeuseinthefacilitationofwomen'sadvancement,Russianwomenfeltdemeanedbythem.ShesaidthatherGovernmentsawmoreopportunitiesfortheimprovementofthesituationofwomenintheRussianFederationthroughencouragingwomen'spoliticalparticipation.Shesaidthatitwasessentialtogetmorewomeninvolvedintheworkofwomen'sorganizationsandpoliticalparties.530.2 .2AnotherexpertexpressedherconcernthatwomenintheRussianFederation,likeinmanyothercountriesthatunderwentstructuraladjustment,werethemainvictimsofthenegativeeffectsofthetransitionprocess.Shesaidthatduringtheperiodoftransition,Russianwomenwereexposedtodiscriminationfromboththeoldandthenewsystems.Shefurtherexpressedherconcernoverthefeminizationofpovertyanditsdevastatingconsequences.Shecommentedonthesegregationofthelabourmarketandexpressedherhopethatthenewsystemwouldbeabletoovercomethatimpedimenttotheadvancementofwomen.531.2 .2Anotherexpertwasconcernedwiththeresurgenceofstereotyping.Shepointedoutthatthestereotypingoftheroleofwomenwasnotaddressedundertheoldsystemandthereexistedarealdangerofitsperpetuation.Shestressedtheneedforaddressingwomen'sindividualandnotjustfamily-relatedneeds.ShealsoexpressedherconcernaboutthecurrentinternalwarintheRussianFederationanditsconsequencesintermsoflossoflifeanddrainofmuch-neededfinancialresources.532.2 .2OneexpertmadeacommentabouttheimpactofstructuraladjustmentonsocialservicesandthedeterioratinghealthoftheRussianpopulation.Shewasespeciallyconcernedaboutwidespreadillnessesofthelungs,thedigestivesystemandthenervoussystemamongRussianchildren.Sherequestedmoreinformationonthecausesofthoseillnesses,particularlynervousdisorders.533.2 .2Inresponsetothatcomment,therepresentativecitedecologicalreasons,povertyandworseningnutritionalstandardsaspossiblecausesofthewidespreaddeteriorationinthehealthofRussiancitizens.534.2 .2AcommentwasmadeconcerningthescopeofnewsocialandeconomicproblemsthathadtobedealtwithbytheGovernmentinthecontextoftransition.Theproblemsofpoverty,thedeteriorationofthehealthsystemandthedeclineintheprovisionofsocialserviceswerementioned.Inthatcontext,theexpertexpressedherfearthatcontinuationofthereformwouldleadtofurtherdeteriorationinstandardsoflivinginthecountry.Shefelt,however,thatthereweresomepositivedevelopmentsaswell.Shethoughtthateconomicandpoliticalcrisesbroughtagreaterawarenessofwomen'sproblemsandencouragedwomen'spoliticalparticipation.SheadvisedtheGovernmentoftheRussianFederationtousetheCommitteeinitseffortstoreformtheeconomyandsociety.535.2 .2OnemembercommentedontheneedformorespecialtemporarymeasurestohelpRussianwomenachievefullintegrationoftheirinterestsintoeconomicandsocialpolicymakingduringtheperiodoftransition.536.2 .2AnotherexpertexpressedherconcernaboutthegrowingnumberofprostitutesintheRussianFederation,whooperatednotonlyintheRussianFederationbutalsoinothercountrieswheretheirhumanrightswereconstantlyviolated.ShesaidthatthereweremanyRussianprostitutesinTurkeyandsomeofthemwereinfectedwithHIV.SherequestedsomeinformationonwhathappenedtoRussianprostituteswhoweredeportedfromTurkeyandothercountries.Shefeltthatsuchinformationwasneededforbettermonitoringofwomen'shumanrights.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction537.2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatedthefrankappraisalofthesituationinthefourthperiodicreportoftheRussianFederation,aswellasthefrankoralpresentation.Incontrasttothethirdperiodicreport,itrevealedthattheexcellentlegalframeworkfortheadvancementofwomenintheRussianFederationneitherautomaticallyguaranteednorledtotherealizationofnon-discriminationandequalityofrightsandopportunitiesbetweenmenandwomen.Furthermore,aswasclearlyindicatedinthefourthperiodicreport,achievementsbyandforwomen,madeinthepastwerebeingthreatenedbythecurrentsocialandeconomicupheavals.2 .2Positiveaspects538.2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatedtheinclusioninthefourthperiodicreportofalistoflawsthatrevealedthat,between1990and1993,theGovernmentoftheRussianFederationhadseriouslyendeavouredtoadheretothegenderprincipleinmostaspectsoflaw,fromtheConstitution(1993)toPresidentialDecreesandMinisterialRegulationsandInstructions.539.2 .2InspiteofalltheproblemsfacedbytheRussianFederation,theCommitteeappreciatedthesubstantialchangesbeingintroducedintheeducationalsystemofthecountry.540.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotedwithsatisfactionthestatementthattheGovernmentoftheRussianFederationhadtheintentionofapplyingthespiritandletteroftheConventioninordertoamelioratethesituationofwomenduringtheperiodoftransition.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern541.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredasthemostcriticalmatterwhetherallthelawsandregulations,whichhadbeenlistedinthefourthperiodicreporthadactuallybeenimplementedtowomen'sbenefit.542.2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsconcernastothedeteriorationinthelotofwomenandchildren(e.g.intheirhealth,lifeexpectancy,employmentopportunities,andeducationalopportunities),whichseemedtobeprofound,despiterecognitionofwomen'spolitical,economicandsocialrights.543.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpresseditsconcernoverthefollowingconsequencesofthetransformationfromaMarxistsocietytoamarketeconomywithderegulatedandprivatizedpropertyandtheinherenteconomic,politicalandsocialchanges:2 .2(a) .DifficultiesinachievingthegoalsoftheConvention;2 .2(b) .Increaseinthesocialvulnerabilityofpartofthepopulation;2 .2(c) .Severeconstraintsonwomen'sabilitytoexercisetheirequalityofopportunity.544.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressedseriousconcernaboutthedeteriorationofthestructureofthesocietyasaresultofrestructuringofthecountryleadingtomassmigration.545.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressedconcernaboutthetransition'snegativeimpactonthehealthofthepopulation,especiallywomenandchildren,inparticularasregardstuberculosis,andthedeclineinthebirthrate,beinginfactexceededbythedeathrate,whichaffectedthegrowthofthepopulation.TheCommitteewasequallyconcernedaboutthequalityofthepopulation'sdietandthesubsequentincreaseinmaternalmortality.546.2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsdeepconcernthatallthoseproblemshadaseriousimpactonwomenintheirrolesinthefamilyandaffectedtheirabilitytoearnanincomeandparticipateineducationandallfacetsofthesociety.547.2 .2TheCommitteewasalsoconcernedthatinadequatepublichealthfinancinghadledtoareductioninguaranteedstatemedicalaidtowomenandchildren,whilestateexpenditureforeducationingeneralwasbeingcurtailed.548.2 .2TheCommitteewasequallyconcernedthatwomen'sunemploymenthadincreasedninefoldandthatitequallyhitwomenwithlittleaswellaswithhighleveltraining.Concernwasalsoexpressedaboutthefactthatwomenreceivedonaverage30percentlesspaythanmen.̇&  2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations549.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatinthelightoftheserious'  consequencesofthecurrenteconomicrestructuringduringtheperiodoftransitiontheGovernmentshouldimplement,asamatterofpriority,emergencyeconomicmeasurestoalleviatetheacutesufferingofRussianwomen.550.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheRussianFederationhaveamechanismwithinitsfederaladministrationwithsufficientstaffandresourcesenchargedwithinitiatingandcoordinatingtheoverallpolicylevelforwomenandwithimplementingthecontentoftheConvention.ThepersonheadingsuchmechanismshouldbeatthehighestpossiblelevelinordertohaveanimpactonallthedecisionsoftheGovernmentwhichaffectwomen.Inviewofthesizeofthecountryandthegreatnumberofinhabitants,theCommitteeconsideredasappropriatetheneedforsuchmechanismsatalllevels.551.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatspecialtemporarymeasuresbetakentopromotetheparticipationofwomenatthedecisionmakinglevelindifferentfields,includingatthehighestlevels.552.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthesubsequentreportprovideinformationontheconsequencesofthepoliticalrestructuringonwomen. % UK     \R3'\ X      +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO( $ $(882     n@ ." 5.Reportssubmittedonanexceptionalbasis553.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredareportsubmittedonanexceptionalbasisthroughthepresentationofthereportbytheStateconcerned,followedbyquestionsbytheexpertsandanswersbytheState.554.2 .2Inheropeningremarks,theChairpersonoftheCommitteerecalledthat,atitstwelfthsession,in1993,theCommitteehaddecided,interalia,thatitshould,pursuanttoarticle18oftheConvention,requestStatesoftheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviatosubmitareportorreportsonanexceptionalbasisandthatsuchareportorreportsshouldbeconsideredatthenextsession.Inaddition,theCommitteehadputonrecorditscommitmenttolookintosimilargraveviolationsofrightsbeingexperiencedbywomeninanypartoftheworld.9/555.2 .2Shealsonotedthat,inaccordancewiththepracticeofotherhumanrightstreatybodies,theCommittee,deeplyconcernedaboutrecentandcurrenteventsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaaffectingthehumanrightsofwomenprotectedundertheConvention,havingnotedthatallthewomenwithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviawereentitledtotheguaranteesoftheConvention,findingthatthenewStateswithintheboundariesoftheformerYugoslaviahadsucceededtotheobligationsoftheformerYugoslaviaundertheConvention,andactingunderarticle18oftheConvention,hadrequestedcertainStateswithintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslavia,inparticularBosniaandHerzegovina,CroatiaandtheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro),tosubmitreportsonanexceptionalbasiswithinthemandategivenbytheCommitteeatitstwelfthsession.CroatiawasunabletosubmititsreporttotheCommitteeatitsthirteenthsessionanditwasagreedthatitwouldsubmititsreporttotheCommitteeatthefourteenthsession.@ .Croatia556.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthereportofCroatiathathadbeenrequestedonanexceptionalbasisatCEDAW'sthirteenthsession,atits279thmeeting,on31January1995(seeCEDAW/C/CRO/SP.1).557.2 .2TherepresentativeofCroatiamadeastatementinwhichsheinformedtheCommitteeabouttheprotectionofhumanrightsofwomeninhercountryandonhowthewarinCroatiahadaffectedwomen.Sheemphasizedthatwomen'sabilitytoexercisetheirhumanrightsandparticipateatalllevelsofdecision-makinginhercountryshouldbeconsideredinthelightofthecomplexsituationofthewar,whichaffectedvariouspartsofCroatiadifferently.Inthefirstpartofherpresentation,therepresentativeinformedmembersoftheCommitteeabouttheCroatianlegislationpertainingtowomen'seconomic,socialandpoliticalroles.TheCroatianlegislationwasinfullcompliancewiththeprovisionsoftheConventionandtherepresentativeidentifiedthevariouslawsandmeasuresinCroatiathatensuredequalityofhumanrightsofmenandwomenaccordingtothoseprovisions.InCroatiatherewerenolawsorregulationsthatdiscriminatedagainstwomen.Shealsodrewattentiontothehighstandardsoftheprotectionofwomenatwork,duringmaternityandinhealthingeneral.Shepointedout,however,thatinspiteoflawsandmeasuresthatguaranteedwomen'sequalityinallspheresoflifeinCroatia,womendidnotusetheexistinglegislationtoitsfullestextent,particularlyinsofarastheirrightstoequalpoliticalparticipationwereconcerned.Shepointedoutthatthewarinhercountrypreventedwomenfrombenefitingfullyfromtheenablinglegislativeenvironment,andasaresultofthewarwomeninCroatiasufferedmaltreatment,torture,humiliation,degradingtreatmentandrape.558.2 .2TherepresentativeofCroatiastatedthatwomenaccountedfor23percentofallwoundedand20percentofkilledcivilians.Twelvepercentofwoundedwomensuffereddisabilitiesandseriousbodilyimpairment.Womenaccountedfor24percentofforciblydisappearedormissingpersons.Thedisturbingviolationsofwomen'srightsinwhichwomenwereusedaspartofthetactic(astools)ofethniccleansinghadtakenplaceattheendof1991andthebeginningof1992.Womenwerecapturedanddetainedinprisons,where,accordingtotheaccountsofsomeofthe744womenwhoweresubsequentlyreleasedfromcampsinSerbia,theconditionswereextremelypoor.Womenweremaltreatedandoftenbeaten.Therepresentativepointedoutthatmorethanhalfofthedetainedwomenwereolderthan45.Childrenwerealsodetainedinprisonsandcampsalongwithwomen.Therewereaccountsofmassrapeofwomen.Thepatternandtimeofoccurrenceofmassrapesuggestedstronglythatitwasusedasamethodofethniccleansing.RapeswereperpetratedwithintheoccupiedterritoriesofCroatiaandinthedetentioncampslocatedinSerbia.559.2 .2Theproblemofforciblydisappearedormissingpersonsinvolvestwocategoriesofwomenvictims:womenwhoarethemselvesforciblydisappearedandmissing,andwomenwhosefamilymembersareforciblydisappearedandmissing.Allthiscausesthemostcomplexproblems.560.2 .2TheCroatianGovernmentorganizedtheprovisionofhelpandsupporttovictimsofwar.Itmadeacommendableefforttocollectinformationrelatingtotheviolationofwomen'srightsbyencouragingwomentoprovidethetestimoniesofthoseviolations.Testimoniesbywomenconstitutednotonlythesourceofinformationonviolationsofwomen'srights,butalsoaformofpsychologicalsupportandtherapythatwerebadlyneededbywomenwhohadexperiencedthephysicalandemotionalscarsofrape.Fivehundredtestimoniesofwomenvictimsofvariousformsofmaltreatmentwerecollected.Amongthosecasesrapeaccountedfor10percent.Sixtypercentofrapedwomenwere,atthesametime,victimsoftortureandmaltreatment.Itisbelieved,however,thattheactualnumberofrapedwomenismuchhigherthanthatreported.Forcultural,religiousandhistoricalreasonswomensometimesdonotreportsexualabuseordenyitsoccurrence.Asaconsequenceofrape,fourchildrenwereborn.TherepresentativeofCroatiastatedthatallsuchchildrenwerecaredforbytheirmothersandtheirrespectivefamilies,byfosterfamiliesorbytheappropriategovernmentinstitutions.561.2 .2TheGovernmentofCroatiahadmadesignificanteffortstoprovideassistanceto103,671displacedand111,017refugeewomenintheterritoryofCroatiawhohadsufferedviolationsoftheirhumanrights,includingrapeandmaltreatment.Theywereprovidedwithbasicnecessitiessuchasfood,accommodation,healthcareandschooling.Atthebeginningof1993,theGovernmenthadestablishedacomprehensiveprogrammefortheprotectionandassistanceofthevictimsofwar,consistingof10projects.Oneprojectdealtwiththeprovisionofgynaecologicalcareforwomenwhohadsufferedsexualabuse.However,theGovernmentwasnotabletoimplementthatprogrammebecauseoflackoffinancialresourcesandlackofsupportfrominternationalorganizationsandforeignGovernments.Generalobservations562.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteethankedtherepresentativeofCroatiaforthesubmissionofathoroughandcomprehensivereportdespitetheextremelydifficultcircumstancesinhercountry.OnememberdeploredthefactthattheCroatianGovernmenthadnotbeenabletopresentthereportlastyearasrequested.MembersexpressedtheirsatisfactionwiththeeffortsoftheGovernmentofCroatiatoreflecttheprovisionsoftheConventionintheCroatianlegislationandtoensureequalitybetweenmenandwomeninallspheresoflife.Theydeploredtheviolationsofwomen'shumanrightsthattookplaceinthecontextofthewarandexpressedtheirconcernsattheimpactthoseviolationshadonwomen'slivesandtheirphysicalandmentalhealth.TheycommendedtheGovernmentofCroatiaforitsefforttoprovideassistancetowomenvictimsofwar.563.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedtheirsolidaritywiththewomenofCroatiaandtheirhopethatapeacefulsolutiontothewarwouldbefoundsoon.OnemembersaidthatfromthereportofCroatiashehadconcludedthattherehadbeennoaggressionagainstwomenlivinginCroatia.ShealsounderstoodthattheeventsdescribedinthereportwereeventsthathadtakenplaceinthepastandinvolvedprimarilyrefugeewomenfromBosniaandHerzegovina.Shethuswantedtoknowifherunderstandingofthesituationwascorrectandthattheeventsdescribedinthereportwerenothappeningcurrently.Shealsowantedtoknowifwomenwhohadsufferedrapeinthecourseofthemilitaryconflicthadbeenabletohaveaccesstotheabortionservices,psychotherapyandadoptionservicesandiftheywereentitledtomonetarycompensation.Respondingtothatcomment,therepresentativeofCroatiastatedthatwomenwhobecamepregnantasaconsequenceofrapehadarighttoabortion.Womencouldalsodecidewhethertokeepchildrenconceivedasaresultofrapeorofferthemforadoption.WomeninCroatiawerestillthevictimsoftheatrocitiescommittedagainsttheminthetemporarilyoccupiedterritories.DuringtheperiodfromApril1992toSeptember1993,12,468personshadbeenforciblydisplacedfromtheoccupiedterritories,andplacedtemporarilyunderUnitedNationsprotection;therepresentativereferredmembersoftheCommitteetothetablethathadbeensubmittedtothempriortothemeeting.564.2 .2OnememberoftheCommitteerequestedfurtherinformationconcerningthegynaecologicaltreatmentprogrammeforthevictimsofrapethathadbeenmentionedintherepresentative'spresentation.Othermembersrequestedmoreinformationonthelackoffinancingforthatprogrammesothattheycouldmakeaproposalwithrespecttothatissue.565.2 .2MemberswantedtoknowiftheGovernmentofCroatiahadsucceededinbringingpersonsresponsiblefortheviolationofwomen'shumanrightsandforwarcrimestotheInternationalTribunalfortheformerYugoslavia.ShealsowantedtoknowiftherehadbeenanyincidentsofaggressionagainstandabuseofwomenbytheCroatianarmy.Inreply,therepresentativepointedoutthattheCroatianarmywasorganizedtodefendthecountryagainstthe"brutalSerbianaggression"and,initially,hadnotevenbeenproperlyarmed.ShestatedthatitwasconceivablethatrapesbytheCroatianarmyhadoccurred;nevertheless,rapehadneverbeenusedbytheCroatianarmyasatoolofethniccleansing.AnyconfirmedcasesofrapebyCroatiansoldierswouldbeprosecutedunderCroatianlaw.566.2 .2TheCommitteemembersexpressedtheirconcernatthelackofnationalmachineryfortheadvancementofwomenandfortheprotectionoftheirhumanrights.TheyacknowledgedtheparticularlydifficultcircumstancesinCroatia,butneverthelessstressedthatnationalmachineryforwomenwasveryimportantandcouldbeveryhelpfultowomeninsuchtimesofdifficultcircumstances.Aswomentendedfrequentlytobetreatedassecondclasscitizens,theyneededspokespersonstoupholdtheirrightsandarticulatetheirspecialneeds.̇567.2 .2Withregardtomissingpersonsmentionedinthereport,onememberpointedoutthatsheappreciatedthefactthattheGovernmentofCroatiawasintouchwiththeWorkingGrouponEnforcedorInvoluntaryDisappearancesoftheCommissiononHumanRights.ShesuggestedthattheGovernmentshouldalsogetintouchwiththeSpecialRapporteuronviolenceagainstwomen.568.2 .2QuestionswereraisedwithrespecttotheComprehensiveProgrammeforProtectionandHelptoVictimsofWarinitiatedbytheGovernmentofCroatiain1993.OnememberoftheCommitteecommentedthatitwasincomprehensiblethatsuchaprogrammewasunabletosecurethenecessaryfunding.SheherselfwasawareoffundsavailableinGermanyforthefinancingofsuchprogrammesinthezonesofmilitaryconflictintheformerYugoslavia.Shewantedtoknow:(a)whocoordinatedtheeffortstoobtainfundingforthatprogramme;(b)whetheritwastheGovernmentornon-governmentalorganizations;(c)whytheireffortsdidnotsucceed;and(d)whetherthelackofsuccesswastheresultofexcessivebureaucracy.Inreply,therepresentativeofCroatiastatedthattheprogrammewasacomprehensiveeffortdesignedtohelpallvictimsofwar.SheconfirmedthatsubstantialhelpandresourceshadbeencommittedtoCroatiaforthepurposeofsolvingvariousproblemsofrefugeesanddisplacedpersons.Thebiggestportionwasusedtocovertheirextensivebasicneeds,suchasaccommodation,food,schoolingandhealthcare.Overthepastyear,some$24,200,000hadbeenspentonhealthcareforrefugees.Althoughthatprogrammedidnotreceivedirectfinancialsupport,assistancetovictimizedwomenandotherpersonswhosufferedasaresultofthewarwasprovidedthroughregularfundsobtainedbytheGovernmentofCroatia.569.2 .2HavingexpressedherconcernatthemaltreatmentandrapeofwomenduringthewarinCroatia,onememberoftheCommitteecommentedontheroleofNGOsandwomen'sorganizationswithrespecttothecurrentsituationofwomeninCroatiaandintheneighbouringrepublics.Shewantedtoknowwhatwomen'sorganizationsexistedinCroatiaandhowtheycooperatedwithinternationalnon-governmentalorganizations.Shealsowantedtoknowwhichinternationalnon-governmentalorganizationshadvisitedCroatia.SheaskedtherepresentativetostatespecificallywhatkindofassistanceherGovernmentwantedtheCommitteetoprovide.ConcerningtheinvolvementofNGOs,therepresentativeofCroatiastatedthatherGovernmentappreciatedtheirassistanceandtheirefforttodeliverhelptothevictimsofthewar.570.2 .2SeveralmembersoftheCommitteecommendedtheGovernmentofCroatiaonitsefforttoprovidetheinformationonthesituationofwomeninthatcountry.Theycondemnedmassrapeanddeploreditsuseasaweaponofethniccleansing.TheyencouragedtheGovernmenttoseekpeacefulmeanstoresolvethemilitaryconflict.Buttheyalsostatedthatpeacewasnotjusttheabsenceofwar,butalsosocialjusticeforall.Theycalledforpunishmentoftheperpetratorsandwantedtoknowwhathadbeendoneinthatrespect,whethercomplaintshadbeentakentothenewlyestablishedInternationalTribunalandhowwomenwereinvolvedinthatprocess.MembersoftheCommitteeexpressedconcernattheeffectsofthewaronchildrenandwantedtoknowwhetherchildrenhadcontinuingaccesstoeducationandhowwarandthecrimescommittedinthatcontextwerereflectedinschoolcurricula.571.2 .2MembersnotedthatthereportoftherepresentativeofCroatiadocumentedandproperlyidentifiedthegenderspecificimpactofthewar.Theycommentedonthepositiveeffectsofbreakingthesilenceandlettingwomentalkaboutcrimescommittedagainstthem.OnemembercitedthedocumentpreparedbytheUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization(UNESCO)thatdefinedtherapeofwomenduringthewaras"thewarcrime".ShestatedthattheUNESCOreportstressedtheneedto"nametheguiltyandrecordthecrimeinlaw"andshewishedtherepresentativeofCroatiatorespondtothatstatement.Shealsowantedtoknowwhat,ifanything,hadbeendonetoprovidewomenwhohadsufferedrapeandotherformsofabusewiththemonetarycompensationfortheirsuffering.572.2 .2Respondingtoquestionsconcerningthepunishmentofperpetratorsofwarcrimes,therepresentativeofCroatiastatedthatherGovernmenthadestablishedaCommissiononWarCrimeswhichwascollectingdataandevidenceconcerningwarcrimes.TheInternationalTribunalfortheProsecutionofPersonsResponsibleforSeriousViolationsofInternationalHumanitarianLawCommittedintheTerritoryoftheFormerYugoslaviasince1991hadbeenestablishedanditsworkhadjustbegun.TheGovernmentofCroatiawascooperatingfullywiththeTribunalandhadalreadyforwardedtotheTribunalthedataithadcollected.Inordertobringtheperpetratorstotrial,however,thefullsupportandcooperationoftheinternationalcommunitywasessential.573.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteeraisedquestionsrelatingtothereintegrationintosocietyofthevictimsofsexualandotherformsofabuse.Concernswereexpressedattheimpactthoseeventshadonyounggirlswhomightneedpsychiatricandotherhelpforsometimetocome.TheCommitteemembersencouragedtheGovernmentofCroatiatofollowupthevictimsonacasebycasebasis.574.2 .2Onemembercommentedthatinthepast,womeninCroatiahadbeenusedasatoolofwar.Shestatedthatthetimehadcomeforwomeninthatcountrytobecometheheartofthe"machineryforpeace".SheencouragedtheGovernmenttoinitiatethedialogueonpeaceandexpressedherhopethatapeacefulsolutionwouldsoonbefound.575.2 .2MembersoftheCommitteecommendedtheGovernmentofCroatiaforitseffortstoprovidewomenwhosufferedasvictimsofwarwithassistance,healthcareandpsychologicalcounselling.OnememberraisedthequestionofthepossiblespreadofHIV/AIDSamongabusedwomenandthedevastatingimpactitwouldhaveonthecountryanditswomen.Shewantedtoknowifanyinformationonthemagnitudeofthatdiseasewasavailabletobesenttomemberswishingtoseeit.576.2 .2RespondingtothequestionconcerningthespreadofHIV/AIDS,therepresentativeofCroatiastatedthatinformationhadbeencollectedandwouldbepresentedinthenextreport.ShealsostatedthatherGovernmenthadundertakenacomprehensiveprogrammetocontrolthespreadofthedisease.577.2 .2TheCommitteememberscommendedtheGovernmentofCroatiaonitseffortstoextendcareandprotectiontorefugeeanddisplacedpersonsontheterritoryofCroatia.Theywantedtoknowhowmanychildrenwereamongthedisplacedpopulationandwhethertheyreceivedadequatecare.Theywantedtoknowifmedicalhelpwasavailabletothemandhowtheywerepreparedforreintegrationintothelifeofthesocietyafterthetraumaofwar.578.2 .2Inreferringtotheproblemsofrefugeesandtheirdependants,therepresentativeofCroatiastatedthatrefugeewomenreceivedfinancialsupportthatwasaugmentediftheyhadchildren.TheyalsohadfullrightstoprimaryhealthcareandeducationinCroatia,andtosecondaryhealthcareintheeventoflifethreateningproblems,freeofcharge.TheGovernmentofCroatiasoughttoassistpersonsdisabledbythewarandtoprovidepsychologicalandsocialsupporttovictimizedwomen.̇579.2 .2ConcernswereexpressedatthelowparticipationofCroatianwomeninthepoliticalprocess.Itwasstatedthat,asthemainagentsofpeace,womenhadtocometotheforefrontofalllevelsofdecisionmaking.Theyshouldthereforebeencouragedtoparticipatemoreactivelyinthepoliticalprocess.Inreply,therepresentativeofCroatiastatedthatwomeninhercountryparticipatedinthedecisionmakingprocess,althoughsomewhatinsufficiently.ShecitedsomeprogressinthatrespectinthejudiciaryandreferredmembersoftheCommitteetotheinitialreportformoreinformationontheissue.Shestressedthatthereasonforthelowparticipationofwomenindecisionmakingwasthewaranditsconsequences.SheemphasizedthatwomeninCroatiahadarighttoparticipateindecisionmakingatalllevels,arightwhichwasupheldbytheConstitutionandrecordedinlaw.580.2 .2TheviewwasexpressedthatthroughoutthewarintheformerYugoslavia,womenwereusedasaweaponofwar.Womenshouldusethatcommonexperiencetoinitiatepeace.TheCommitteeurgedthewomenofCroatiaandthewomenofotherregionsthatsufferedfromthewartojointheireffortsintheirsearchforapeacefulsolutiontothemilitaryconflict.581.2 .2TherepresentativeofCroatiathankedthemembersoftheCommitteefortheirinterestinthesituationofwomeninCroatiaandfortheirsolidaritywiththevictimsofthewar.ConcludingcommentsoftheCommittee2 .2Introduction582.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedtherepresentativeofCroatiaforsubmitting,atitsrequest,hercountry'sreportonanexceptionalbasis,inspiteofthedifficultsituationwhichCroatiaisstillundergoing.2 .2Positiveaspects583.2 .2TheCommitteetooknoteofthesufficientinformationanddata,whichconfirmthattheprincipleofequalityislaiddownintheConstitutionofCroatia,thattheprotectionoftherightsofwomenisinstitutionalizedandthattheprovisionsoftheConventionareanintegralpartofthecountry'slegislation.584.2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithreliefthattheGovernmentofCroatia,theUnitedNationsandinternationalcooperationhavesetupsupportprogrammesforwomenandgirlswhowerethevictimsofviolenceinordertoprovidethemwiththepsychological,medicalandsocialassistancethattheyrequire.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern585.2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithconcernthatfollowingthewarinwhichCroatiawasthevictim,thesituationofwomenintheoccupiedareasisalarming.Violationsoftherightsofwomen,violence,rapeandsexualabusewereperpetratedagainstwomenandgirlsbecauseoftheirsex.586.2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithdismaythatrapebecamesystematicinnatureandwasusedas"weaponofwar"inordertoforcewomentoundergohumiliationandtortureandleavetheirhomes.Thespecificobjectiveoftheaggressionwasnotonlyterritorialgain,butwasalsopartofthepolicyof"ethniccleansing".587.2 .2TheCommitteewasalsodeeplyconcernedaboutthefactthatmanywomenwerestillmissingandaboutthematerialandpsychologicaleffectthishadontheirfamilies.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations588.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendstheestablishmentofanationalmechanismtoprotectandexpandtherightsofwomenandencourageparticipationbywomeninthepoliticalfield,decisionmakingandthestruggleforpeace.Althoughwomenwereusedbymenas"aweaponofwar",theirsolidarityandtheirorganizationinnon-governmentalorganizationscanconstituteaninstrumentforpeace.589.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthedisplacedandrefugeewomenshouldnotbemarginalizedandthattheyshouldbeprovidedwithnecessarysupportandassistancebytheCroatianGovernment.590.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofCroatiatocontinueitseffortsanditssocialintegrationprogrammes,particularlyforgirls,whoarejustbeginningtheirlives.591.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsaboveallthatitisnecessarytobreakthesilenceconcerningthesexualabuseandaggressionofwhichwomenarethevictims,identifytheguiltypartiesandbringthembeforenationalandinternationalcourts,andprovidefinancialcompensationtothevictims.̀C.Concludingcommentsonreportsconsideredatthèthirteenthsession592.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthequestionofconcludingcommentsonthereportsofStatespartiesthathadbeendeferredfromthethirteenthsession.InresponsetoaquestiononthepracticeoftheCommitteeandofothertreatybodies,theDeputyDirectorindicatedthatthedecisionsoftheCommitteeontheformulationofcommentsonthereportsofStatespartiescontainedinparagraph816oftheCommittee'sreportonitsthirteenthsession10/suggestedthatthecommentswouldbecompletedinthesessionatwhichthereportswereconsidered.Hestatedthatthatwasconsistentwiththepracticeofotherhumanrightstreatybodiesthatpreparedconcludingcomments,allofwhichadoptedtheircommentsatthesessionatwhichthereportoftheStatepartywaspresented.Therehadbeennoinstancesofcommentsbeingdeferredtoasubsequentsession.NotingthatthematterwasnotcoveredbytherulesofprocedureoftheCommittee,theCommitteedecidedtoincludeintherulesofprocedureaprovisiontotheeffectthattheCommitteewouldcompleteallconcludingcommentsatthesessionatwhichtherelevantreportwasconsidered.TheCommitteealsodecidedonanexceptionalbasisthatitwouldcompletetheconcludingcommentsthathadbeendeferredfromitsthirteenthsessionatitsfourteenthsession.@ .*Australia593.2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizesthattheConventionhasbeenrecognizedasoneofthebasichumanrightsinstruments.TheGovernmentofAustraliaatthenationallevelandattheinternationallevelhasmadesignificanteffortstoputwomen'srightsintotheagendaattheInternationalHumanRightsConferenceatVienna,1993,theCommissionontheStatusofWomen,theCommissiononHumanRightsandtheGeneralAssembly.̇594.2 .2Furthermore,theCommitteenoteswithapprovalthattheGovernmenthasadoptedthenewNationalAgendaforWomenin1993.ThisisthesecondplanofactionconcerningactivitiesthattheGovernmentadoptedinordertoimprovethestatusofwomen.595.2 .2Atthelegallevel,therehardlyexistsanylongeranydiscriminationonthebasisofsex.Followinganevaluationoflegislation,severallegislativeamendmentshavebeenmade.596.2 .2TheCommittee,however,expressesitsconcernaboutreservationswhichtheGovernmentmadewhenratifyingtheConvention.Althoughtherehavebeensomedevelopmentsinthisarea,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedaboutthereservationsonpaidmaternityleave.TheCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttocontinueitseffortstowithdrawitsreservations.597.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernabutindigenouswomen,migrantwomenandparticularlywomenfromaboriginalgroupsandTorresStraitIslandwhoarethemostdisadvantagedpeopleinAustraliansociety.TheGovernmenthasbeenfrankinitsinformationtotheCommitteeaboutthesewomen.However,thestatusofthesewomenissignificantlydifferentfromotherwomenlivinginAustralia.Violence,lifeexpectancy,unemploymentandthehealthsituationamongaboriginalwomenareremainingproblems.598.2 .2TheCommitteeurgesthatinthenextreporttheGovernmentprovidemorespecificdataconcerningaboriginalwomenandaboutremainingobstaclesthatimpedetheirprogresstofullequality.599.2 .2TheCommitteealsoasksforinformationaboutimprovementsfortheaboriginalwomenafterthecourtdecisionMaboandOthersv.TheStateofQueensland.Willthatdecisionpermitaboriginalwomentoreceiveredistributedlandonanequalbasiswithaboriginalmen?600.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernabouttheGovernment'spolicytoencourageparttimeworkamongwomen.Womenneedaccesstofulltimeworktoachieveindependentstatusandtoimprovetheireconomicsituation.601.2 .2Finally,theCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttoadoptnewtemporarymeasuresinordertoincreasewomen'sparticipationinpoliticsatthestateandfederallevels.@ .\Colombia602.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtherevisedcombinedsecondandthirdreportsofColombia(CEDAW/C/COL/23/Rev.1)of21September1993atthemeetingheldon31January1994.603.2 .2TherepresentativeoftheGovernmentofColombiaintroducedthedocumentinquestionandrepliedtothequestionswhichtheCommitteehadsubmittedtohiminadvanceandwhichhadbeenpreparedbythePresessionWorkingGroup.604.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredthatthereportsofColombia,whichhadbeendrawnupwiththeparticipationofnotonlygovernmentalagenciesbutalsonon-governmentalorganizations,wereinkeepingwiththeCommittee'sguidelinesforthesubmissionofreportsandprovideddetailedinformationontheimplementationofmostofthearticlesoftheConvention.Furthermore,theyanalysedinaselfcriticalmannertheobstaclesthatstillexisted.TheCommitteedrewattentiontotheextensiveinformationprovidedonviolenceagainstwomen,whichwasfelttobeofgreatinterest;itregrettedthatnoreferencehadbeenmadetoGeneralRecommendation18oftheCommitteeonhandicappedwomen;anditaskedhowtheincreaseinguerrillaactivitiesanddrugtraffickinghadaffectedthelivesofurbanandruralwomenandfamilies.605.2 .2Inspiteofthecontentsofthedocument,itshouldbepointedoutthatthereweresomeshortcomingsinit,suchasthelackofanalysisconcerningarticles1and2oftheConvention,despitetheirparticularimportance.TheCommitteerecommendsthereforethatinitsfuturereports,ColombiashouldprovideanadequateanalysisofeachofthearticlesoftheConvention,inaccordancewitharticle18.Progressachieved606.2 .2ThefollowingpointsshouldbeunderscoredasthemostsignificantonesineffortstoensurethecompleteequalityforColombiawomen:2 .20 .Since1992,divorcehasbeenpermittedforallmarriages,includingCatholicmarriages,andthegroundsofmutualconsenthavebeenadded;2 .20 .In1992,theConstitutionalCourtrecognizedthatdomesticworkhadmonetaryvalue,whichconstitutesaprecedentandestablishesjurisprudence;2 .20 .Thepatrimonialregimefordefactounionswasregulatedin1990;2 .20 .Theprepositiondewasremovedfromthenamesofmarriedwomenthroughalegalorder;2 .20 .TheLawonSupportforFemaleHeadsofFamilies(1993)providessuchwomenwithaccesstosocialsecuritybothforthemselvesandtheirdependants;2 .20 .Law50of1990extendedpaidmaternityleavefrom8to12weeks.607.2 .2Furthermore,theCommitteedrewattentiontotheincreasedparticipationbyfemalesatalllevelsoftheeducationalsystem,whichhasbeenputonanequalfootingwiththesystemformales,includinguniversityeducation,thereductionofilliteracyandfertilityalthoughtherearestilldifferencesinthenumberofchildrenperwomanaccordingtoherlevelofeducationaswellastheincreaseinthenumberofwomenwhowishtoworkoutsidethehomeandwhoobtainajob.608.2 .2TheCommitteeattachedparticularimportancetothe1991Constitution,whichcontainsseveralarticlesconcerningtheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormofDiscriminationagainstWomenandtheGeneralRecommendationsoftheCommittee,aswellasanumberofdecisionsbytheConstitutionalCourtwithregardto:(1)therulingagainstaneducationalinstitutionforexpellingagirlbecauseshewaspregnant;theinstitutionwasrequiredtoreadmither;(2)therequirementtoincludesexeducationinprimaryeducation.Obstaclesandsuggestions609.2 .2TheCommitteeregrettedthattheGeneralEducationLawofDecember1993hadnotincludedaffirmativeactionmeasuresconcerningnonsexisteducationoranyprovisionsspecificallyrelatingtowomen.ThisrequiredthePresidentialCouncilforYouth,WomenandtheFamilytocontinuetoprovidestrongsupportforprogrammesaimedatovercomingstereotypesconcerningmenandwomenintextbooksandotherschoolmaterials,thetrainingofteachersandschoolcurricula.610.2 .2TheCommitteealsopointedoutthatthePresidentialCouncilandMinistryofLabourshouldpublicizetoagreaterextentthanuptonowtherightsofwomenintheworkplaceandseekwaysofsupportingthemandprotectingthemmoreeffectivelyagainstabusesinenterprisesinsectorssuchasflowergrowing,theclothesandfoodindustriesandparticularlytheinformalsector.Itwouldbeadvisabletotrain,inparticular,officialsresponsibleformonitoringthecorrectapplicationoflabourlegislation,forexamplelabourinspectors,withregardtotherightsofworkingwomen.611.2 .2Onthebasisoftheinformationprovidedonviolenceagainstwomenandonwomenprostitutes,theCommitteerequestedthatthenextreportshouldsupplementthatinformationwithnewdataandanalysesand,aboveall,informationonnewmeasurestoeliminateviolenceagainstwomeninallitsforms.Itwassuggestedthatallnecessarystepsshouldbetakentoensurethatincasesofdomesticviolence,theaggressorwastheonewholefttheresidenceinsteadofthewomanattacked,asoccurredinmanyplacesintheworld.612.2 .2TheCommitteecriticizedthehighnumberofmiscarriagesandthematernalmortalityrateresultingfromthem,whichmadeitconsiderthepossibleneedtoamendthelegislationinforceandthenecessitytocontinuetopromotethespreadoffamilyplanning,particularlyinruralareas.613.2 .2TheCommitteepointedoutthatpoliciestopromoteequalityshouldbesteppedupwithregardtothemostimpoverishedwomenandthelowleveloftrainingandshouldeliminatethedifferenceswhichstillexistedbetweenurbanwomenandruralwomen.614.2 .2WhiletheCommitteeviewedpositivelythefactthatsomeColombianwomenhadreachedveryhighlevelposts(threeministers,includingtheMinisterforForeignAffairs),itconsideredthatspeedierprogressshouldbemadeintheparticipationbywomenindecisionmaking,forexample,throughgovernmentsupportforspecificprogrammesforwomencandidatesinelections.615.2 .2InordertopromoteandcoordinatethesemeasuresandcontinuemakingprogressinimplementingtheConvention,theCommitteerecommendedstrengtheningthegovernmentmechanismresponsibleforpoliciesonequalitycurrentlythePresidentialCouncilforYouth,WomenandtheFamilybyprovidingit,underthelaw,withsufficientauthoritytopropose,promote,coordinateandcarryoutmeasuresonbehalfofwomenatahigherhierarchicallevelwithintheAdministration,greaterautonomyandmorehumanandeconomicresources.Ifallthatwasestablishedbylaw,thechangesofgovernmentwouldnothaveanegativeimpactonitsfunctioning.@ .Guyana2 .2Introduction616.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedtheGovernmentofGuyanaforratifyingtheConventionwithoutreservationandpresentingitsreportanditsrepliestothequestionsoftheCommitteeascomprehensivelyaspossible.617.2 .2Whilethereportwasconsideredtohavesomeshortcomings,theCommitteeneverthelesshadtheimpressionthattheGovernmentofGuyanawasfullycommittedtothefullandequalintegrationofwomeninallareasofsociety.2 .2Positiveaspects618.2 .2TheCommitteenotedwithsatisfactionthattheimplementationoftheConventionhadledtotheimprovementofthelegalstatusofGuyanianwomenthroughlegalreforms.ItalsoapplaudedtheGovernmentforhavingraisedthestatusofthenationalmachineryforwomentothatofaministry.619.2 .2ItalsoapplaudedtheGovernment'swillingnesstoseekassistancefrominternationalagenciesforimplementingitsprogrammesforwomenandforassistanceinreportingitsreportingobligations.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern620.2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsconcernthattheprovisionsoftheConventionwerenotintegratedintotheConstitutionofGuyanaandthatsomelawsstillneededtobeamendedinordertocomplyfullywiththeConvention.621.2 .2Itnotedalsowithconcernthelackoffamilyplanningservicesandthenumbersofillegalabortionsbecauseofit.622.2 .2Italsonotedthatwomenwerestillunderrepresentedinmanyofthepolitical,administrativeandeconomichigherdecisionmakingechelons,therebydeprivingsocietyofwomen'sknowledgeandexperience.2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations623.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatinthesubsequentreporttheGovernmentofGuyanaincludemoreconcretedataonmeasuresimplementedonobstaclesencounteredandprovidetheCommitteewithmorestatisticstoillustratechange.624.2 .2TheCommitteerequestsmoreinformationonviolenceagainstwomenandmeasurestocombatit.625.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofGuyanatopursueacomprehensiveapproachoflegalreformrelatingtothefamily;italsoencouragestheGovernmenttoseekfurtherassistancefrominternationalagenciesoronabilateralleveltoimprovewomen'smaterialsituationinGuyana.Inthatcontext,priorityshouldbeassignedtoenhancingwomen'seconomicsituation.@ .Japan626.2 .2TheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen(CEDAW)consideredthecombinedsecondandthirdperiodicreportsofJapan(CEDAW/C/JPN/12of9July)atits248thmeeting,on27and28January1994.&  2 .2Introduction627.2 .2TheCommitteecommendedtheGovernmentofJapanonthepresentationofadetailedcombinedreport,whichfollowedtheguidelinesforreportingand'  providedinformationonquestionsleftunansweredduringconsiderationoftheinitialreport.TheCommitteealsonotedwithappreciationtheextensiveresponsesgiventothequestionsputbythePresessionWorkingGroup,butexpresseditsconcernthattheinformationwasnotprovidedinsufficienttimeforthepresessiongrouptoconsideritfully.TheCommittee,whileappreciatingtherichnessofthereport,askedtheGovernmentofJapantobearinmindtheCommittee'sconstraintsoftimeforconsideringreports,sothatinfutureafullerdialoguebetweenthedistinguishedrepresentativesoftheGovernmentofJapanandtheExpertscouldtakeplace.2 .2Positiveaspects628.2 .2TheCommitteenotedandcommendedthatsomeconsultationwithnon-governmentalorganizationshavinganinterestinissuesaffectingwomenhadoccurred.ItnotedinparticulartheactiveinteresttakenbyJapanesenon-governmentalorganizationsintheConventionandalsonotedtheindependentreportsprovidedbythem.TheCommitteeconsideredthatthisinterestwasindicativeofthelevelofmobilizationandconcernamongJapanesewomenandthedegreeofconsensusaboutthemajorobstaclesfacedbytheminachievingequalstatuswithmen.629.2 .2TheCommitteealsocommendedtheGovernmentofJapanontheprogressmadeinashorttimeinadvancingthestatusofwomen,particularlyintheincreasedparticipationofwomeninpublicandpoliticallife,andtheplansoftheGovernmenttoimprovefurtherthatparticipation.TheCommitteealsoapplaudedthewayinwhichtheGovernmenthadencouragedthebroaderparticipationofwomenineducationanditsactioninimplementingafamilyleavescheme.2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern630.2 .2TheCommitteeobservedwithconcernthatalthoughJapanrankedsecondamongthecountriesoftheworldintermsofoverallresourcedevelopment,accordingtotheUnitedNations,herrankingwasreducedtofourteenthwhenthesocio-economicstatusofJapanesewomenwastakenintoconsideration.TheCommitteeconsideredthatthisdemonstratedtheState'sindifferencetointegratingwomenfullyintheeconomicdevelopmentprocessofthecountry.631.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpresseditsconcernthatalthoughthereportcontainedawealthofdata,itwasotherwisedescriptiveandlackedcriticalanalysisoftheobstaclestofullimplementationoftheConventioninJapan.632.2 .2TheCommitteenotedfurtherthat,despitetheintroductionoftheEqualEmploymentOpportunityAct,individualdiscriminationcontinues.633.2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsdisappointmentthattheJapanesereportcontainednoseriousreflectiononissuesconcerningthesexualexploitationofwomenfromothercountriesinAsiaandduringtheSecondWorldWar.ItnotedthatJapan'scommitmenttotheConventionrequiredittoensuretheprotectionofthefullhumanrightsofallwomen,includingforeignandimmigrantwomen.&  2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations634.2 .2TheCommitteeasksthattheGovernmentofJapanengageineffective'  dialoguewithJapanesewomen'sorganizationsduringthepreparationofthenextperiodicreportsothatabetterpictureofJapanesewomenemerges.ThelegalandfunctionaldiscriminationfacedbyJapanesewomen,bothintheprivatesphereandintheworkplaceshouldbeidentified,asshouldthemeasuresinplaceorplannedtoovercometheseobstacles.635.2 .2ToenabletheCommitteetohaveabetterunderstandingofcommercialsexualexploitationorprostitutionofimmigrantwomeninJapan,moredetailedinformationshouldbeprovidedonthesexindustryinJapan.TheCommitteerequeststheGovernmentofJapantoundertakeastudyofthesexindustryinJapanandtoprovideinformationonthefindingsinitsnextreport.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheGovernmenttotakespecificandeffectivemeasurestoaddressthesecurrentissuesaswellaswarrelatedcrimesandtoinformtheCommitteeaboutsuchmeasuresinthenextreport.636.2 .2TheGovernmentofJapanshouldensurethattheprivatesectorcomplieswiththeprovisionsoftheEqualEmploymentOpportunityActandreportonthemeasurestakentoaddresstheindirectdiscriminationfacedbywomen,bothintermsofpromotionandwagesintheprivatesector. % UK     \R3'\ X      +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO( $ $(882     {@ .V.WAYSANDMEANSOFEXPEDITINGTHEWORKOFTHECOMMITTEE637.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredwaysandmeansofexpeditingitswork(agendaitem8)atits260th,263rdand280thmeetings,on16and17Januaryand1February1995.638.2 .2TheitemwasintroducedbytheDeputyDirectoroftheDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomen,whopresentedthereportpreparedbytheSecretariat(CEDAW/C/1995/6).̀A.ActiontakenbytheCommitteeonthereportof̀WorkingGroupI639.2 .2Atits280thmeeting,on1February,theCommitteeconsideredthereportofWorkingGroupI.@ . 1.Reportstobeconsideredatthefifteenthsession640.2 .2TheCommitteeisfullyawareofthebacklogofreportstobeconsidered.However,itemphasizesthatthequalityoftheCommittee'sworkshouldnotsufferforthesakeofthequantityofreportsconsidered.BecauseoftheConvention'scomplexnatureandthemajorglobalchangesintheworld,moretimeshouldinfuturebededicatedtoconstructivedialoguewiththeStatesparties.Itisthereforerecommendedthat,asatargetwhenadequatemeetingtimeisprovided,threemeetingsshouldbeallocated,onaverage,fortheconsiderationofaStateparty'sreport.641.2 .2TheCommitteeauthorizestheSecretariattoinformStatespartiesthathavenotsentarepresentativetoappearbeforetheCommitteeinspiteofbeinginvitedtodoso,aboutitsconcernonthisissue,especiallygiventhelargenumberofreportspendingconsideration.TheCommitteewillrescheduletheState'spresentationatalaterdateandrequestanupdateoftheinformationcontainedtherein.642.2 .2Onanexceptionalbasis,giventhatthedurationofthefifteenthsessionisthreeweeks,itisrecommendedthatamaximumoftwoandahalfmeetingsbeallocatedfortheconsiderationofinitialreportsandtwomeetingsfortheconsiderationofsubsequentreports.Onthisbasis,itisrecommendedthatthereportsfromeightStatespartiesbeconsideredatthefifteenthsession.Bearinginmindthecriteriaofdateofsubmissionandgeographicalbalance,thereportsofthefollowingStatespartiesshouldbeconsideredatthefifteenthsession:2 .2(a) .Initialreports2 .2 .Cyprus2 .2 .Ethiopia2 .2 .Iceland2 .2 .Paraguaẏ2 .2(b) .Secondperiodicreports2 .2 .Belgium2 .2 .Cuba2 .2(c) .Thirdperiodicreports2 .2 .Hungary2 .2 .Ukraine643.2 .2TheinitialreportofIsraelandthethirdperiodicreportofthePhilippinesshouldbekeptinreserveforconsiderationintheeventthatoneoftheStatespartieslistedaboveisnotabletopresentitsreport.@ .H 2.Datesofthefifteenthsession644.2 .2Consistentwiththecalendarofconferencesfor1996,thefifteenthsessionshouldbeheldfrom15Januaryto2February1996inNewYork.Thepre-sessionworkinggroupwouldmeetfrom8to12January1996.̀3.Reviewoftheneedforsummaryrecordsandformat̀oftheannualreportoftheCommittee645.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatthesemattersshouldbefurtherdiscussedinthefuture.ThesuggestiontodiscontinuethesummariesofthepresentationmadebytherepresentativeoftheStateparty,ofthegeneralobservationsmadebytheCommitteeandofallthequestionsraisedandrepliesgivenundereacharticleoftheConvention,maintainingonlyextensiveconcludingcommentsbytheCommittee,wouldrequiremoremeetingsandworkingtime.InthelightoftheexistingtimeconstraintsunderwhichtheCommitteeoperates,thepresentformatoftheannualreportshouldberetained.TheCommitteealsodecidesthatthesummaryrecordsshouldberetainedforthetimebeing.̀4.Issuesraisedbythe5thmeetingofpersonschairingthèhumanrightstreatybodies,particularlythequestionof̀thevenueoftheCommittee'ssessionandthelocationof̀itssecretariat(A/49/537,annex,para.51)646.2 .2SincetheWorldConferenceonHumanRightshasdeterminedthatwomen'srightsarehumanrightsandthatalltreatybodiesshouldbeplacedinthesameframework,itisrecommendedthattheCommitteebelocatedatGeneva,withappropriateandadequateservicingprovidedbytheCentreforHumanRightsoftheSecretariat,andbytheDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomenasconcernsrelevantinformationontheCommissionontheStatusofWomen,andotherrelevantinformation.̀5.FundingforactivitiesundertakenbytheChairpersoǹbetweensessionsoftheCommittee647.2 .2RecognizingthattheChairpersonorothermemberdesignatedforthepurposeshouldattendmeetingsinpursuanceofthemandatesoftheCommittee,whichshouldthereforebefundedfromtheregularbudgetoftheUnitedNations,theCommitteerecommendsthatthefollowingmeetingsbeattendedinanygivenyear:2 .2(a) .TheCommissionontheStatusofWomen;2 .2(b) .AnymeetingofStatespartiestotheConvention;2 .2(c) .TheThirdCommitteeoftheGeneralAssemblyduringitsdeliberationonthereportoftheCommittee;2 .2(d) .AmaximumoftwomeetingsperyearofotherhumanrightstreatybodieswhichmightberelevanttotheongoingworkoftheCommittee,basedontheagendasofthosebodies;2 .2(e) .AnyUnitedNationsworldconferencerelevanttotheworkoftheCommittee(in1995,theWorldSummitforSocialDevelopment).648.2 .2WithregardtotheproblemofreimbursingextraordinaryexpensesoftheChairperson,theCommitteeendorsestherecommendationmadeinparagraph48ofthereportofthe5thmeetingofchairpersonsoftreatybodies(A/49/537)fortheestablishmentofafundtoprovideforsuchexpenses.̀6.ProcedureforexaminationofreportsofStates̀parties,includingprocedureforandcontentof̀notificationofStatespartiesconcerningthèconsiderationofthereports649.2 .2GiventhedecisiontoallocatetwoandahalfmeetingsfortheconsiderationofreportsofStatesparties,theCommitteefurtherdecidesthatnoformaltimelimitbeplacedontheintroductionofStatespartiesreports,sincethemainobjectiveistohaveadialoguewithaStatepartyandatimelimitmightinhibittheState'spresentation.However,theSecretariatisrequestedtoinformStatespartiesoftheCommittee'stimeconstraints.Forthepresent,theCommitteewillcontinuewithitsexistingproceduresforexaminationofreportsofStatesparties.̀7.Technicalandadministrativearrangementsconcerning̀theparticipationofmembersoftheCommitteeatthèFourthWorldConferenceonWomenandtheirroleat̀theConference650.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotewithsatisfactionofthedecisionoftheCommissionontheStatusofWomenatitsthirtysixthsessiontoinvitethemembersoftheCommitteetoparticipateintheConference.ItrequeststheSecretary-GeneraltotakestepstoenabletheCommitteetocontributeactivelytotheworkoftheConferenceand,accordingly:2 .2(a) .ToprovidetheChairpersonoftheCommitteewiththeopportunitytointroduceattheConferenceplenarythereportproducedbytheCommittee;2 .2(b) .ToallocatetimeandspacetoallowtheCommitteetoholdtwoworkshops,oneinconjunctionwiththeUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization,andtheotheronwaysandmeanstopublicizetheConventionanditsimplementationatthenational,regionalandinternationallevelssoastopromotewomen'srights;̇2 .2(c) .Toprovidedocumentationfortheseworkshops,includingexistingpublicinformationmaterialandexcerptsfromthereportbeingpresentedbytheCommittee;2 .2(d) .ToprovideaplaceforthemembersoftheCommitteetomeetwithStatespartiesandotherstoprovideadviceandanswerquestionsabouttheimplementationoftheConvention;2 .2(e) .ToarrangefortheCommitteetoholdapressconferenceduringtheConference.TheCommitteerequeststheChairpersonoftheCommitteetoarrangewiththeFacilitatingCommitteeoftheNGOForumfortheCommitteememberstomeetwithnon-governmentalorganizationsattheForum.̀8.Reviewoftherulesofprocedure,includingthèroleofnon-governmentalorganizations651.2 .2Inviewofthetimeconstraintsatthepresentsession,theCommitteedecidestodefertheitemtothefifteenthsession.̀9.Reviewofthegeneralguidelinesforthepreparatioǹofinitialreports652.2 .2TheCommitteeadoptstherevisedgeneralguidelinesforthepreparationofinitialreports,asfollows:@ . Guidelinesregardingtheformandcontentofinitial@ . reportsofStatesparties02 .21. .Underarticle18oftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,eachStatepartyundertakestosubmitareportonthelegislative,judicial,administrativeorothermeasuresthatithasadoptedtogiveeffecttotheprovisionsoftheConventionandontheprogressmadeinthisrespectwithinoneyearaftertheentryintoforceoftheConventionforthereportingState,andthereafteratleasteveryfouryearsaswellaswhenevertheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenestablishedundertheConventionsorequests.02 .22. .InordertoassisttheStatespartiesinfulfillingtheirobligationsunderarticle18oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatespartiesshouldfollowgeneralguidelinesastotheform,contentanddateofreports.TheguidelinesaretohelpensurethatthereportsarepresentedinauniformmannersothattheCommitteeandtheStatespartiescanobtainacompletepictureoftheimplementationoftheConventionandtheprogressmadetherein.02 .23. .Thereportshouldbeintwoparts.PartIshouldbepreparedinaccordancewiththeconsolidatedguidelinesfortheinitialpartofthereportsofStatespartiestobesubmittedunderthevariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,ascontainedintheannextodocumentHRI/CORE/1.02 .24. .PartIIshouldprovidespecificinformationinrelationtoeachprovisionoftheConvention,inparticular:02 .2 .(a) . Theconstitutional,legislativeandadministrativeprovisionsorothermeasuresinforce;02 .2 .(b) . ThedevelopmentsthathavetakenplaceandtheprogrammesandinstitutionsthathavebeenestablishedsincetheentryintoforceoftheConvention;02 .2 .(c) . Anyotherinformationonprogressmadeinthefulfilmentofeachright;02 .2 .(d) . Thedefactopositionasdistinctfromthedejureposition;02 .2 .(e) . Anyrestrictionsorlimitations,evenofatemporarynature,imposedbylaw,practiceortraditionorinanyothermannerontheenjoymentofeachright;02 .2 .(f) . Thesituationofnon-governmentalorganizationsandotherwomen'sassociationsandtheirparticipationintheelaborationandimplementationofplansandprogrammesofthepublicauthorities.02 .25. .Itisrecommendedthatthereportsshouldnotbeconfinedtomerelistsoflegalinstrumentsadoptedinthecountryconcernedinrecentyearsbutshouldalsoincludeinformationindicatinghowtheselegalinstrumentsarereflectedintheactualeconomic,politicalandsocialrealitiesandgeneralconditionsexistingintheircountries.Asfaraspossible,StatespartiesshouldmakeeffortstoprovidealldatadisaggregatedbysexinallareascoveredbytheConventionandthegeneralrecommendationsoftheCommittee.02 .26. .Statepartiesareinvitedtosubmitcopiesoftheprincipallegislative,judicial,administrativeandothertextsreferredtointhereportsothatthesecanbemadeavailabletotheCommittee.Itshouldbenoted,however,thatforreasonsofexpensethosetextswillnotnormallybereproducedforgeneraldistributionwiththereportexcepttotheextentthatthereportingStatespecificallysorequests.Itisdesirablethatwhenatextisnotactuallyquotedinorannexedtothereport,thereportshouldcontainsufficientinformationtobeunderstoodwithoutreferencetothetext.02 .27. .Thereportsshouldrevealobstaclestotheparticipationofwomenonanequalbasiswithmeninthepolitical,social,economicandculturallifeoftheircountriesandgiveinformationontypesandfrequenciesofcasesofnon-compliancewiththeprincipleofequalrights.02 .28. .InreportingonreservationstotheConvention:02 .2 .(a) . EachStatepartythathasenteredsubstantivereservationsshouldincludeinformationonthosereservationsineachofitsperiodicreports;02 .2 .(b) . TheStatepartyshouldindicatewhyitconsideredthereservationtobenecessary;whetheranyreservationstheStatepartymayormaynothaveregisteredonobligationswithregardtothesamerightssetforthinotherconventionsareconsistentwithitsreservationstotheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen;andthepreciseeffectofthereservationintermsofnationallawandpolicy.Itshouldindicatetheplansthatithastolimittheeffectofreservationsandultimatelytowithdrawthemand,wheneverpossible,specifyatimetableforwithdrawingthem;02 .2 .(c) . StatespartiesthathaveenteredgeneralreservationswhichdonotrefertoaspecificarticleoftheConventionorreservationstoarticles2and3shouldmakeaparticularefforttoreportontheeffectandinterpretationofthosereservations.TheCommitteeconsiderssuchreservationstobeincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheConvention.02 .29. .ThereportsandsupplementarydocumentationshouldbesubmittedinoneoftheworkinglanguagesoftheCommittee(Arabic,Chinese,English,French,RussianorSpanish)inasconciseaformaspossible.̀10.Anyadditionalviewsonreservations,followingarequest̀oftheSubcommissiononPreventionofDiscriminationand̀ProtectionofMinorities653.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthedecisiontakenatitsthirteenthsessionontheissueofreservationstotheConventionbereiteratedtotheSubcommission.Inaddition,itdecidestoexaminereservationsmadebyparticularStatespartiesintermsofwhethertheStatepartyhasmadethesamereservationsinrelationtootherconventions.̀11.Anintegratedmanagementsystemonhumanrights(AmericaǹAssociationfortheAdvancementofScience)654.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheinformationprovidedbytheAmericanAssociationfortheAdvancementofScienceandrequestsafurtherprogressreportatitsnextsession.Ms.BustelowasdesignatedtoactasliaisononbehalfoftheCommitteewiththeproject,andtheSecretariatwasrequestedtoprovidetoheranyinformationitmayreceiveonthematter.̀12.Linkwiththefocalpointonthehumanrightsof̀womenoftheCentreforHumanRights655.2 .2TheCommitteedecidestodeferactiononthisitemtoitsnextsession.@ .Z 13.Provisionalagendaforthefifteenthsession656.2 .2TheCommitteedecidestoadopttheprovisionalagendacontainedinannexIItothepresentreport.@ .f14.Nominationofmembersofthepre-sessionworkinggroup657.2 .2TheCommitteedecidesthatthemembersofthepre-sessionworkinggroupforthefifteenthsessionoftheCommitteeandtheiralternatesshouldbe:̀MemberAlternate882 h2 .2Ms.EvangelinaGarcaPrinceh .hMs.MiriamEstrada2 .2Ms.TendaiRuthBareh .hMs.KongitSinegiorgis2 .2Ms.CarmelShalevh .hMs.CarlotaBusteloGarcadelReal2 .2Ms.AuroraJavatedeDiosh .hMs.GinkoSatòB.PlanofactivitiesoftheCentreforHumanRights̀oftheUnitedNationsSecretariat658.2 .2Atthe280thmeeting,on1February1995,therepresentativeoftheCentreforHumanRightsmadeastatementonbehalfoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRights,elaboratingontheactivitiesundertakenbytheCentre(seeCEDAW/C/SR.280,paras.115).̀C.PresentationoftheSpecialRapporteur̀onViolenceagainstWomen󀀀659.2 .2TheSpecialRapporteuronViolenceagainstWomenoftheCommissiononHumanRightsexplainedthatCommissionresolution1994/45of4March1994hadmandatedhertorecommendmeansofeliminatingviolenceagainstwomen,toworktogetherwithotherspecialrapporteursandmechanismsinthehumanrightsareaandtoconsultwiththeCommittee.ShehadcontactedGovernmentstorequestinformationonviolenceinthefamily,inthecommunityandviolencebytheState.Shehadrequestedinformationonnationaladministrativeandjuridicalpracticeandonprogrammesrelatedtoviolenceagainstwomen,includingshelters.Thusfar,29States,anumberofUnitedNationsagenciesandalargenumberofnon-governmentalorganizationshadresponded.Shehadpreparedapreliminaryreport,tobeconsideredbytheCommissiononHumanRightsatitsfiftyfirstsession,inFebruary,andindicatedthatsubsequentreportswouldcontaindetailedrecommendationsontheeliminationofspecificformsofviolenceagainstwomen.ShestressedthatStatesshouldrejectviolenceagainstwomenand,inaccordancewiththeDeclarationontheEliminationofViolenceagainstWomen,shouldnotseektocitetraditionorcustomasameansofevadingtheirresponsibilitiesinthisregard.660.2 .2TheSpecialRapporteuroutlinedmeasuresthatsheproposedtostrengthencooperationbetweenherselfandtheCommittee,includingitssecretariat.ShehopedthosepartsofcountryreportswhichdealtwithviolenceagainstwomenwouldbebroughttoherattentionandthatshewouldbegivenadvancenoticeofcountryreportstobesubmittedsothatshecouldencouragethosecountriestoreportonviolenceagainstwomenorpassontotheCommitteeinformationthathadcometoherattention.661.2 .2Intheircommentsonthepresentation,membersoftheCommitteenotedtheprevalenceofviolenceagainstwomeninwaranddrewtheattentionoftheSpecialRapporteurtoUnitedNationsinstrumentsconcerningthespecialneedsofwomenandchildreninthiscontext.Othersreflectedontheinterdependenceofdiscriminationagainstwomeningeneralandviolenceagainstwomeninparticular,aswellasonthesecretandtaboonatureofviolenceagainstwomeninthefamily.QuestionswereraisedastotheresourceconstraintsontheworkoftheSpecialRapporteur,whorespondedthatsomebudgetaryallocationshadbeenmadetoherfromtheEconomicandSocialCouncil.MembersunderlinedtheneedforstrongcooperationbetweentheSpecialRapporteurandtheCommittee.̀D.PresentationoftheGenderStatisticsUnitofthèStatisticalDivisionoftheSecretariat662.2 .2ArepresentativeoftheGenderStatisticsUnitoftheStatisticalDivisionoftheUnitedNationsdescribedtheuseofstatisticsinnationalreports.Sheindicatedthatmuchhadbeendonetoimprovetheuseofstatisticsinthemeasurementofallrights,althoughmuchstillneededtobetakenintoaccount.Theuseofstatisticsinotherareas,suchastheenforcementofspecificlegalrightsorthemeasurementoftheenforcementofspecificlegalguarantees,wasverydifficult.AneweditionoftheWorld'sWomen,thebestsellingUnitedNationssalespublicationever,wascurrentlyinpreparation.Itwouldincludesectionsonviolenceagainstwomenandaratificationchart.̀E.PresentationoftheHarrisonProgramontheFuturèGlobalAgendaandtheAmericanAssociationforthèAdvancementofScience663.2 .2ArepresentativeoftheHarrisonProgramontheFutureGlobalAgendaandtheAmericanAssociationfortheAdvancementofScienceinformedtheCommitteethathehadbeeninstructedbytheChairpersonsofthehumanrightstreatybodiestopresentthemwithallneededinformationandtothatendhewaspreparingamanagementdocumentrelatedtotreatymonitoring.TheChairpersonshadrecommendedthateachofthetreatybodiesoutlinetheirowninformationneeds.AworkingrelationshiphasbeenestablishedwiththeEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightsCommitteeandhewasanxioustoestablishsuchalinkwiththeCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen.664.2 .2AnumberofmembersoftheCommitteecommentedonthepresentationsandsuggestedthatthemattersraisedbybothspeakersbeexploredinworkingGroupI.@ . VI.IMPLEMENTATIONOFARTICLE21OFTHECONVENTION665.2 .2Atits263rdmeeting,on17January,theCommitteeconsideredtheimplementationofarticle21oftheConvention(agendaitem7).666.2 .2TheitemwasintroducedbytheDeputyDirectoroftheDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomen,whopresentedthereportpreparedbytheSecretariat(CEDAW/C/1995/4).̀A.ActiontakenbytheCommitteeonthereportof̀WorkingGroupII667.2 .2Atits282ndmeeting,on2February,theCommitteeconsideredtheitemonthebasisofthereportofWorkingGroupII.@ .. B.ElementsforanoptionalprotocoltotheConvention668.2 .2Atits282ndmeeting,on2February1995,ontherecommendationofWorkingGroupII,theCommitteeadoptedsuggestion7onelementsforanoptionalprotocoltotheConvention(forthetextseechap.I,sect.B).̀C.Generalrecommendationsonarticles7and8;general̀recommendationonarticle2669.2 .2TheCommitteedecidedtopostponeconsiderationofthisitemtoafuturesession.̀D.DocumentpreparedbytheUnitedNationsEducational,̀ScientificandCulturalOrganizationonthèCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminatioǹagainstWomen670.2 .2Atits283rdmeeting,on3February,theCommitteeconsideredtheUNESCOdocumentonCEDAW.671.2 .2AfterreviewandamendmentbyWorkingGroupII,theCommitteeadoptedthedocument,ajointUNESCO/CEDAWmeetinginNovember1994,thetextofwhichfollows:02 .2 .TheCommitteerequestedtheSecretariattoensurethecorrecttranslationintoSpanishofthetext.TheSecretariatwasfurtherrequestedtoensuretransmissionofthefinaltexttoUNESCO.̇@ .Annex̀CommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationAgainst̀Women/UnitedNationsEducational,Scientificand@ . CulturalOrganizationManifesto@ . Towardsagenderinclusiveculturethrougheducation@ .\Preamble02 .21. .SincetheadoptionoftheConventionagainstDiscriminationinEducation(1962),theConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen(1979)andtheNairobiForward-lookingStrategiesfortheAdvancementofWomen(1985),numerousnationalandinternationaldeclarationsaffirmtheimportanceofwomen'seducationforpolitical,socialandeconomiclife.TheWorldConferenceonEducationforAll(1990)launchedanappealtoheadsofStateanddecision-makersforhigh-levelcommitmenttoeducationandespeciallyforgirlsandwomen.TheRiodeJaneiroConferenceonEnvironmentandDevelopment(1992)stressedwomen'srolesintheprotectionoftheenvironment.TheCairoConferenceonPopulationandDevelopmentin1994showedthecorrelationbetweenwomen'seducation,reproductiverightsandcontrolofpopulationgrowth.TheUnitedNationsDecadeonEducationforHumanRights,whichbeganon1January1995,givesprioritytogenderequality.TheSocialSummitofCopenhagen(1995)putseducationalopportunitiesforwomenandgirlsoncemoretotheforefront.ItisinthiscontextthattheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenandUNESCOreaffirmtheirbeliefintheuniversalvalueofeducationforagender-inclusivecultureworldwide.02 .22. .Wheredowestand?02 .23. .Womenexceed60percentofthemorethan1billionadultswhohavehadnoaccesstobasiceducationandgirlsmakeupthemajorityofthemorethan130millionchildrenwhohavenothadaccesstoprimaryschooling.Economicnecessity,theweightoftradition,earlymarriagesandearlypregnanciesoftenforcegirlstodropoutofschoolathigherratesthanboysbeforetheycompletetheirfirstcycleofeducation.Insecondaryeducationindevelopingcountries,thepercentageofgirlsismuchlowerthanthatofboys.Moreoverevenindevelopedcountriestheyareobviouslylesswellrepresentedintechnicalandscientificeducation.Atthelevelofhighereducation,womenaremostlyconcentratedincoursesofshorterdurationinbothindustrializedanddevelopingcountries.Inhighereducationandresearchmorewomenparticipateinthehumanitiesandliteraturethaninscienceandtechnology.Whilewomenentertheteachingprofessioninincreasingnumbersandoftenconstituteamajorityinbothdevelopingandindustrializedcountries,theyrarelyattainhigh-leveladministrativepositions.02 .24. .Eachaspectofgenderinequalityisexacerbatedforwomeninruralareas.Girlsandwomenarevictimsofadditionaldiscriminationatalllevelsofformaleducation.Thisadditionaldiscriminationparticularlyaffectsvulnerablegroups,suchaswomeninpoverty,womenheadsofhouseholds,disabledorelderlywomen,womenbelongingtoethnicminorities,migrants,immigrants,refugeeanddisplacedwomenandwomenlivinginsituationsofextremediscriminationsuchasviolence,slaveryorprostitution.Thesegroupsofwomenhavepracticallynoopportunitytoacquireaneducation.02 .25. .Thepresentinternationalcontextismarkedbyacontinuingworldeconomiccrisis,bypoliciesofstructuraladjustmentanddebtrepaymentimposeduponaverylargenumberofcountriesaswellasbytheascendancyofeconomiccompetitivenessoverconcernsrelatingtosocialjustice.Inmanycountries,programmespromotingequalityofopportunityforwomenandmenandthestrengtheningofwomen'scapacitiesarenon-existentorarenotimplementedforlackofthenecessaryresourcesorpoliticalcommitmentandasaconsequenceofmale-centredpolicies.Itiswidelyacceptedthatthereisacloselinkbetweenthelevelofparticipationofwomenandthedevelopmentofthesecountries.Consequently,thedisparitybetweenwomenandmenisoneofthefactorsthataggravatesthedisparitiesbetweenpoorcountriesandrichones.02 .26. .Facedwiththispersistentdiscriminationagainstwomenandtheresultantwasteofhumanresources,theCommitteeandUNESCOconsiderthatitisurgentfortheinternationalcommunitytoreaffirmasafundamentalhumanrightthedecisiveroleplayedbyeducationforwomenandforittoadoptclearandwell-definedprinciplesofaction.Educationisanecessarypreconditionforwomen'sfullandeffectiveexerciseoftheirrighttocitizenship.Educationforallisthebestwayofestablishingacultureofequalitywhichisnecessaryfordemocracy,toleranceandaninternationalpeacebasedonjusticeandtherecognitionthatallhumanbeingsarebornfreeandequal.@ .Principlesforaction02 .27. .TherighttoeducationisafundamentalhumanrightthatmustbeguaranteedtoallwomenandmenbytheStateasapublicservice.Educationisoneoftheinalienablerightsofthehumanbeing.Itisalsooneofthenecessarypreconditionsthatenablewomentogainconfidenceinthemselvesandtohaveaccesstootherrights:equalitybeforethelaw,politicalparticipationandfreedomofvote,freedomofthoughtandopinion,therighttoworkandtherighttoleisure.OnlytheStatecanguaranteethelong-termcommitmentneededforthefulfilmentoftherighttoeducation.02 .28. .Separateisrarelyequal.Girlsandwomenshouldhaveaccessonanequalfootingwithboysandmentoalllevelsandformsofeducation.Cultural,familyorreligiouspressureforseparateformsofeducationshouldnotbetolerated.Thisdoesnotmeanthatspecialtemporarymeasuresshouldnotbeadoptedwhennecessarytoattainrealequalityandthusgiveequalopportunitiestowomenandgirls.Generally,however,girlsandboys,womenandmenmustinteractinthefreedomoftheschoolsoastolearnandtopracticeequalityofthesexesandtohaveequalopportunitiestoparticipateatalllevelsofteaching,administrationandmanagementofteaching.02 .29. .Theacquisitionofbasicliteracyandnumeracyisessentialtoachievetheempowermentofallcitizensandespeciallytostrengthenthecapacitiesofgirlsandwomen.Literacytrainingforwomenmustbeensuredthroughfundingoflong-termnationalprogrammesthatrespondtoneedsidentifiedwithandbywomenandwhichtakeintoaccounttheirconcerns.Women'stimeislimitedbythemultipleresponsibilitiesofproductionandreproduction.Non-formaleducationprogrammesshouldbedesignedtobeofbenefittothedailylivesandresponsibilitiesofwomen.02 .210. .Aneducationpolicythatprovideslifelongeducationforwomenfromearlychildhoodtoadulthoodandtakesintoaccountthevaryingstagesinwomen'slifecyclesshouldbedeveloped.Thisongoingeducationshouldprovidedirectaccesstoemploymentandmainstreamaccreditationatanytime.Allnonformalandparalleleducationshouldprovideaccesstoprimary,secondaryandhighereducation,andmoreovershouldbegenerallyrecognizedashavingthesamevalueinprovidingaccesstotheworkmarketasformaleducationdoes.Withouteconomicempowerment,womenarenotabletoexercisetheirrights.02 .211. .Meansofensuringthatlargernumbersofgirlsandwomenenterthefieldsofnontraditionalscientificandtechnologicaleducationshouldbeexploredandimplemented.Thiswillenablethemnotonlytotakeadvantageofscientificandtechnologicaladvancessofarastheyrelatetoissuesofgender,butalsotojointhevariedprofessionsthatrequiresoundscientificandtechnicalknowledge,suchasresearch,teaching,engineeringandastechnicians,andtoenjoyanidenticalcareerpathwithmen.02 .212. .Nondiscriminatorygenderinclusionisfundamentaltotheorganization,structureandcontentbothofthedevelopmentandofthetransmissionofalllearningthrougheducation.Books,programmes,teachertrainingandteachingmaterialshouldberevisedtoeliminateallsexiststereotypingtakingintoaccountthecontributionsofwomen'sstudiesprogrammes.Allsocialactionineducationshouldbedevotedtoensuringthatpupils,teachers,headteachersandadministratorsareexposedto,trainedandinvolvedinthechangingvaluesthatpromoteequalityandtoleranceofdiversity.Theseinitiativesshouldbereinforcedbyfamilies,themediaandassociationsinordertoensurethatthereisanongoingtransitiontowardsademocratic,pluralisticandjustsocietycapableofguaranteeingrespectforthefundamentalrightsofeachhumanbeing,irrespectiveofgender.02 .213. .Legalliteracy,healthandreproductiverightsarethefoundationofwomen'sautonomyandenablethemtoexercisetherightsandresponsibilitiesofcitizenship.Educationoftherightsofwomenprovidesthemnotonlywithlegalknowledge,butalsogivesthemapracticalmeansofachievingformalequalityandaccesstonationalandinternationallaw.Healthservicesshouldbefreelyavailabletoallwomenfromyoungchildrentoadults.Allaspectsoffamilyplanningandwomen'ssexualandreproductivehealthshouldbeanintegralpartoftheseservices.02 .214. .Educationforgenderequalityisavitalmeansofcombatingviolencethroughouttheworld.Itisthroughteachingthevaluesofpeace,dialogue,equalityandrespectforthedignityofallhumanbeings,includingwomen,thatviolenceinthefamily,inpubliclifeandamongStatescanbeeffectivelycombated.ǀVII.CONTRIBUTIONSOFTHECOMMITTEÈTOINTERNATIONALCONFERENCES@ . A.FourthWorldConferenceonWomen672.2 .2Atits266thand282ndmeetings,on19Januaryand2February1995,respectively,theDeputyDirectoroftheDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomenintroducedthereportoftheCommitteeonprogressachievedintheimplementationoftheConvention(CEDAW/C/1995/7)preparedforthefourthWorldConferenceonWomen.HerecalledthatthatcontributionhadalsobeenpreparedbythesecretariatonbehalfoftheCommitteefortheWorldConferencetoReviewandAppraisetheAchievementsoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforWomenheldatNairobiin1985andtheGeneralAssemblyhadmandatedthepreparationofthecurrentdocument,afterwhichtheCommitteehadagreedtoprepareitduringitstwelfthsessionandhadestablishedguidelinesforitspreparationbythesecretariatatitsthirteenthsession.673.2 .2TheCommitteetooknoteofthedocumentpreparedbytheSecretariat(CEDAW/C/1995/7)containingafirstdraftoftheCommittee'scontributiontotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen.WhiletheCommitteeexpresseditsappreciationfortheworkdonebytheSecretariat,itfeltthatthedraftdidnotfullycomplywiththeguidelinesgivenbytheCommitteeatitsthirteenthsession.SomeoftheinformationcontainedinthedocumentwasconsideredtobeoflimitedrelevancetotherequesttheCommitteehadputtotheSecretariatconcerningthestructureofitscontribution,whileotherpartsseemedtobetootechnicalandprovidetoomuchdetailforthetargetaudience.TheCommitteealsoconsideredtheproposalsregardingtheredraftingofthedocumentputforwardbyaconsultanttotheSecretariat.674.2 .2TheCommitteedecidedthatitscontributiontotheConferencewouldconsistofthefollowingtwodocuments:2 .2(a) .ThefirstwouldbeadocumentpreparedinaccordancewiththeguidelinesprovidedbytheCommitteeatitsthirteenthsession.Thedocumentwouldbeconcise,readableandintendedtoreachabroadaudience.ItwouldsituatetheConventionandtheCommittee'sworkwithinthehumanrightsframework,stresstheCommittee'sachievementsandaimatuniversalratificationwithoutreservationsbytheyear2000.ItwouldstresstheroleoftheConventionandoftheCommitteeinhighlightinganddevelopingwomen'srights.Finally,itwouldpresentaforward-lookingviewoftheCommittee'sroleinthepromotionandprotectionofwomen'srightsinthetwentyfirstcentury;2 .2(b) .TheseconddocumentwouldutilizetheinformationcontainedinthedraftpreparedbytheSecretariat,whichwouldbeeditedandstreamlinedinaccordancewithinstructionsprovidedbytheWorkingGroup,andserveasbackgroundandreferencematerial.675.2 .2TheCommitteedecidedtoadoptitscontributiontotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomenandauthorizeditsChairpersontofinalizethetextoftheCommittee'scontribution,inconsultationwiththemembersoftheCommittee,suchconsultationtotakeplace,interalia,attheinformalmeetingoftheCommitteescheduledtotakeplacefrom24to28April1995atMadrid.̇B.TheCommittee'sinputtotheWorldSummit̀forSocialDevelopment676.2 .2TheCommitteenotedthat,inaccordancewiththerulesofprocedurefortheevent,theCommitteeoritsrepresentativewouldnotbeabletoplayanofficialroleattheSummit.Nevertheless,giventheimportanceforwomenoftheissuestobediscussedattheSummit,theCommitteeproposesthat,asitscontributiontotheSummit,theRapporteuroftheCommitteewillparticipateandrepresenttheCommitteeineventssuchasroundtablesandworkshopsonwomen'shumanrightsbeingorganizedbynongovernmentalorganizationsandothergroupsinconjunctionwiththeSummit.̀C.FollowuptotheInternationalConferenceoǹPopulationandDevelopment677.2 .2Atits282ndmeeting,on2February1995,theCommittee,onthebasisofthereportofWorkingGroupII,adoptedsuggestion8onfollowuptotheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopment(forthetext,seechap.I,sect.B).678.2 .2TheCommitteealsoheardastatementbyDr.NafisSadik,ExecutiveDirectoroftheUnitedNationsPopulationFund(UNFPA)andSecretary-GeneraloftheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopment.ShepointedoutthatoneoftheachievementsofthatConferencehadbeentheclearrecognitionoftheneedtoempowerwomen,toensuregenderequalityandtoplacehumanrights,especiallywomen'srights,atthecentreofpopulationanddevelopmentpoliciesandprogrammes.TheConference'sProgrammeofActionreinforcedandamplifiedinmanywaystheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.AsoneexamplewheretheProgrammeofActionsupportedtheConvention,shereferredtohealthandfamilyplanning,mentionedinarticles12,14and16oftheConvention.ThequantitativegoalssetbytheProgrammeofActioninareassuchaseducation,mortalityreductionandreproductivehealthweredirectlyinsupportofgenderequalityandopportunitiesforwomen.SheencouragedmembersoftheCommitteetocontributetotheimplementationoftheProgrammeofActionthroughtheirownwork,theirstandingintheircommunitiesandparticipationinnongovernmentalorganizations,andbyinfluencingpolicymakingprocesses.679.2 .2MembersthankedtheExecutiveDirectorforherstatement,fortheimportantworkshehadaccomplishedandfortheremarkableroleshehadplayedinthepreparationandconductoftheConference.TheimportanceoftheConventionasthefirstandonlyinternationalhumanrightsinstrumenttoincludefamilyplanningandreproductiverightsasfundamentalrights,andtheimportanceassignedtothosemattersintheProgrammeofActionoftheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopmentwerestressed.MembersexpressedtheirinterestincollaboratingwithUNFPAonissuesofcommoninterest.Inthatregard,membersoftheCommitteeproposedtoconvene,incooperationwithUNFPA,aworkinggroupconsistingofmembersoftheCommitteeandofotherhumanrightstreatybodiestodevelopfurtherthejurisprudencewithregardtofamilyplanning,reproductiverightsandreproductivehealthintheframeworkofinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentsandtheProgrammeofActionoftheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopment.TheExecutiveDirectorexpressedherwillingnesstoconsidersupportingsuchaproject.ǀVIII.PROVISIONALAGENDAFORTHEFIFTEENTHSESSIOǸOFTHECOMMITTEE680.2 .2Atits281stmeeting,on3February1995theCommitteeconsideredtheprovisionalagendaforitsfifteenthsession(agendaitem10).681.2 .2Atits281stmeeting,onthebasisofthereportofWorkingGroupI,theCommitteedecidedtoapprovethefollowingprovisionalagenda:02 .21. .Openingofthesession.02 .22. .Adoptionoftheagendaandorganizationofwork.02 .23.0 .ReportoftheChairpersonontheactivitiesundertakenduringtheyear.02 .24.0 .ConsiderationofreportssubmittedbyStatespartiesunderarticle18oftheConvention.02 .2 .Documentation02 .20 .ReportoftheSecretaryGeneralonthestatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunderarticle18oftheConvention.02 .2 .ReportsofStatespartiestobeconsideredatthefifteenthsession.02 .25. .Implementationofarticle21oftheConvention.̀02 .20 .Documentation02 .20 .NotebytheSecretaryGeneralonreportsprovidedbyspecializedagencies.02 .20 .ReportoftheSecretariatonanalysisofarticle4oftheConvention.02 .26. .WaysandmeansofexpeditingtheworkoftheCommittee.2 .20 .Documentation02 .20 .ReportoftheSecretariatonwaysandmeansofexpeditingtheworkoftheCommittee.02 .27. .ResultsoftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen.02 .28. .Provisionalagendaforthesixteenthsession.02 .29. .AdoptionofthereportoftheCommitteeonitsfifteenthsession.@ .IX.ADOPTIONOFTHEREPORT682.2 .2Atits284thmeeting,on3February1995,theCommitteeadoptedthereportonitsfourteenthsession(CEDAW/C/1995/L.1andAdd.112),asorallyamended.@ .Notes2 .21/ .ReportoftheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,Vienna,14-25June1993(A/CONF.157/24(PartI)),chap.III.2 .22/ .SeeA/45/636,annex;A/47/628,annex;andA/49/537,annex.2 .23/ .SeeOfficialRecordsoftheEconomicandSocialCouncil,1994,SupplementNo.7(E/1994/27),chap.I.C.2 .24/ .Ibid.,SupplementNo.4(E/1994/24),chap.II.A.2 .25/ .OfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.38(A/49/38),chap.I,sect.C.2.2 .26/ .SeeOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyfifthSession,SupplementNo.38andcorrigendum(A/45/38andCorr.1),paras.2831.2 .27/ .Atitstenthsession,theCommitteehaddecidedthat,ifStatespartieswhosereportswereoverduebytheconclusionofthatsessionsowished,theycouldsubmitacombinedreporttotheCommitteeandthatsuchreportsshouldbenumberedbytheSecretariatinawaythatfacilitatedtheiridentification(OfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortysixthSession,SupplementNo.38(A/46/38),para.370).2 .28/ .SeeOfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyfifthSession,SupplementNo.38andcorrigendum(A/45/38andCorr.1),paras.2831.2 .29/ .OfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyeighthSession,SupplementNo.38(A/48/38),chap.I,sect.B.2 .210/ .Ibid.,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.38(A/49/38),chap.I,sect.B. % UK     \R3'\ X      +O<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO( $ $(882     f&@ .ANNEXI@ .lStatespartiestotheConventionontheEliminationofAllForms@ . ofDiscriminationagainstWomenasat3February1995򀀀L@4 , .,  .  .Dateofreceiptofthe, .,  .  .instrumentof  . DateofentryStatesparties .ratificationoraccession  . intoforce򀀀Albania  .  .11May1994a/  . 10June1994 LAngola .17September1986a/p .p17October1986AntiguaandBarbuda .1August1989a/p .p31August1989Argentina .15July1985b/p .p14August1985Armenia .13September1993a/p .p13October1993Australia .28July1983b/p .p27August1983Austria .31March1982b/p .p30April1982Bahamas .6October1993a/p .p5November1993Bangladesh .6November1984a/,b/p .p6December1984Barbados .16October1980p .p3September1981Belarus .4February1981c/p .p3September1981Belgium .10July1985b/p .p9August1985Belize .16May1990p .p15June1990Benin .12March1992p .p11April1992Bhutan .31August1981p .p30September1981Bolivia .8June1990p .p8July1990BosniaandHerzegovina .1September1993d/p .p1October1993Brazil .1February1984b/p .p2March1984Bulgaria .8February1982c/p .p10March1982BurkinaFaso .14October1987a/p .p13November1987Burundi .8January1992p .p7February1992Cambodia .15October1992a/p .p14November1992Cameroon .23August1994a/p .p22September1994Canada .10December1981c/p .p9January1982CapeVerde .5December1980a/p .p3September1981CentralAfricanRepublic .21June1991a/p .p21July1991Chile .7December1989p .p6January1990China .4November1980b/p .p3September1981Colombia .19January1982p .p18February1982Comoros .31October1994a/p .p30November1994Congo .26July1982p .p25August1982CostaRica .4April1986p .p4May1986Croatia .9September1992d/p .p9October1992Cuba .17July1980b/p .p3September1981Cyprus .23July1985a/,b/p .p22August1985CzechRepublice/ .22February1993c/,d/p .p24March1993Denmark .21April1983p .p21May1983Dominica .15September1980p .p3September1981DominicanRepublic .2September1982p .p2October1982Ecuador .9November1981p .p9December1981Egypt .18September1981b/p .p18October1981ElSalvador .19August1981b/p .p18September1981EquatorialGuinea .23October1984a/p .p22November1984Estonia .21October1991a/p .p20November1991L@4 Ethiopia  .  .10September1981b/  . 10October1981򀀀L@4 , .,  .  .Dateofreceiptofthe, .,  .  .instrumentof  . DateofentryStatesparties .ratificationoraccession  . intoforce򀀀 L  8Finland .4September1986 .4October1986France .14December1983b/,c/ .13January1984Gabon .21January1983 .20February1983Gambia .16April1993 .16May1993Germanyf/ .10July1985b/ .9August1985Georgia .26October1994a/ .25November1994Ghana .2January1986 .1February1986Greece .7June1983 .7July1983Grenada .30August1990 .29September1990Guatemala .12August1982 .11September1982Guinea .9August1982 .8September1982Guinea-Bissau .23August1985 .22September1985Guyana .17July1980 .3September1981Haiti .20July1981 .3September1981Honduras .3March1983 .2April1983Hungary .22December1980c/ .3September1981Iceland .18June1985 .18July1985India .9July1993b/ .8August1993Indonesia .13September1984b/ .13October1984Iraq .13August1986a/,b/ .12September1986Ireland .23December1985a/,b/,c/ .22January1986Israel .3October1991b/ .2November1991Italy .10June1985b/ .10July1985Jamaica .19October1984b/ .18November1984Japan .25June1985 .25July1985Jordan .1July1992b/ .31July1992Kenya .9March1984a/ .8April1984Kuwait .2September1994a/ .2October1994LaoPeople'sDemocratic̀Republic .14August1981 .13September1981Latvia .14April1992a/ .14May1992Liberia .17July1984a/ .16August1984LibyanArabJamahiriya .16May1989a/,b/ .15June1989Lithuania .18January1994a/ .17February1994Luxembourg .2February1989b/ .4March1989Macedonia .18January1994d/ .17February1994Madagascar .17March1989 .16April1989Malawi .12March1987a/,c/ .11April1987Maldives .1July1993a/,b/ .31July1993Mali .10September1985 .10October1985Malta .8March1991a/,b/ .7April1991Mauritius .9July1984a/,b/ .8August1984Mexico .23March1981b/ .3September1981Mongolia .20July1981c/ .3September1981Morocco .21June1993a/,b/ .21July1993Namibia .23November1992a/ .23December1992Nepal .22April1991 .22May1991Netherlands .23July1991b/ .22August1991NewZealand .10January1985b/,c/ .9February1985Nicaragua .27October1981 .26November1981Nigeria .13June1985 .13July1985̇H!ӀL@4 XL@, .,  .  .Dateofreceiptofthe, .,  .  .instrumentof .DateofentryStatesparties .ratificationoraccession .intoforce򀀀 L  8Norway .21May1981 .3September1981Panama .29October1981 .28November1981PapuaNewGuinea .12January1995a/ .11February1995Paraguay .6April1987a/ .6May1987Peru .13September1982 .13October1982Philippines .5August1981 .4September1981Poland .30July1980b/ .3September1981Portugal .30July1980 .3September1981RepublicofKorea .27December1984b/,c/ .26January1985RepublicofMoldova .1July1994a/ .31July1994Romania .7January1982b/ .6February1982RussianFederation .23January1981c/ .3September1981Rwanda .2March1981 .3September1981SaintKittsandNevis .25April1985a/ .25May1985SaintLucia .8October1982a/ .7November1982SaintVincentandthèGrenadines .4August1981a/ .3September1981Samoa .25September1992a/ .25October1992Senegal .5February1985 .7March1985Seychelles .5May1992a/ .4June1992SierraLeone .11November1988 .11December1988Slovakiae/ .28May1993c/,d/ .27June1993Slovenia .6July1992d/ .5August1992Spain .5January1984b/ .4February1984SriLanka .5October1981 .4November1981Suriname .1March1993a/ .31March1993Sweden .2July1980 .3September1981Tajikistan .26October1993a/ .25November1993Thailand .9August1985a/,b/,c/ .8September1985TheformerYugoslavRepublic̀ofMacedonia .18January1994d/ .17February1994Togo .26September1983a/ .26October1983TrinidadandTobago .12January1990b/ .11February1990Tunisia .20September1985b/ .20October1985Turkey .20December1985a/,b/ .19January1986Uganda .22July1985 .21August1985Ukraine .12March1981c/ .3September1981UnitedKingdomofGreat̀BritainandNortherǹIreland .7April1986b/ .7May1986UnitedRepublicofTanzania .20August1985 .19September1985Uruguay .9October1981 .8November1981Venezuela .2May1983b/ .1June1983VietNam .17February1982b/ .19March1982Yemeng/ .30May1984a/,b/ .29June1984Yugoslavia .26February1982 .28March1982Zaire .17October1986 .16November1986Zambia .21June1985 .21July1985Zimbabwe .13May1991a/ .12June1991򀀀XXR>4@ .B(Footnotesonfollowingpage)̇+(FootnotestoannexI)򀀀2 .2a/ .Accession.2 .2b/ .Declarationsandreservations.2 .2c/ .Reservationsubsequentlywithdrawn.2 .22 .2d/ .Succession.2 .2e/ .BeforebecomingseparateStateson1January1993,theCzechRepublicandSlovakiaformedpartofCzechoslovakia,whichStatehadratifiedtheConventionon16February1982.2 .2f/ .Witheffectfrom3October1990,theGermanDemocraticRepublic(whichratifiedtheConventionon9July1980)andtheFederalRepublicofGermany(whichratifiedtheConventionon10July1985)unitedtoformonesovereignState,whichactsintheUnitedNationsunderthedesignation"Germany".2 .2g/ .On22May1990DemocraticYemenandYemenmergedtoformasingleState,whichactsintheUnitedNationsunderthedesignation"Yemen".#882 P#@ .\ANNEXII@ .Z MembershipoftheCommitteeontheEliminationof@ .tDiscriminationagainstWomen2 .2Nameofmember .P .PCountryofnationality&882 hD&2 .2CharlotteAbaka** .h .h .Ghana . .2 .2EmnaAouij** .h .h .Tunisiad .dd .d2 .2GlAykor* .h .h .Turkey2 .2TendaiRuthBare** .Zimbabwe2 .2DesireePatriciaBernard** .h .h .Guyana2 .2CarlotaBusteloGarciadelReal* .Spain2 .2SilviaRoseCartwright* .h .h .NewZealand2 .2MiriamYolandaEstradaCastillo** .Ecuador2 .2LilianaGurdulichdeCorrea* .h .hArgentina2 .2IvankaCorti** .h .h .D .DD .DItaly2 .2AuroraJavatedeDios** .h .hPhilippines2 .2EvangelinaGarc3aPrince* .h .h .Venezuela2 .2SunaryatiHartono** .h .h .Indonesia, .,2 .2SalmaKhan* .h .h .D .DD .DBangladesh2 .2PirkkoAnneliMkinen* .h .h .Finland2 .2ElsaVictoriaMuozG;mez* .h .h .Colombia2 .2AhouaOuedraogo* .h .h .D .DD .DBurkinaFaso2 .2GinkoSato** .h .hD .DJapan . .2 .2HannaBeateSchppSchilling* .h .hGermanyd .dd .d2 .2CarmelShalev** .h .h .D .DD .DIsrael . .2 .2LinShangzhen** .h .h .D .DChina . .2 .2KongitSinegiorgis* .h .hD .DEthiopia .+2 .2MervatTallawy** .h .hD .DEgypt .2 .2 .2 .2* .Termofofficeexpiresin1996.̀** .Termofofficeexpiresin1998.@ .*ANNEXIII@ .DocumentsbeforetheCommitteeatitsfourteenthsessionDocumentnumber󀀀TitleordescriptionCEDAW/C/1995/1Provisionalagendaandannotations&882`hD&CEDAW/C/1995/20` .`ReportoftheSecretaryGeneralonthestatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunderarticle18oftheConventionCEDAW/C/1995/30` .`NotebytheSecretaryGeneralonreportsofspecializedagenciesontheimplementationoftheConventioninareasfallingwithinthescopeoftheiractivitiesCEDAW/C/1995/3/Add.2ReportoftheInternationalLabourOrganizationCEDAW/C/1995/3/Add.30` .`ReportoftheUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganizationCEDAW/C/1995/3/Add.40` .`ReportoftheFoodandAgricultureOrganizationoftheUnitedNationsCEDAW/C/1995/40` .`ReportoftheSecretariatontheanalysisofarticle2oftheConventionCEDAW/C/1995/50` .`ReportoftheSecretariatontheimplicationsforworkoftheCommitteeoftheprioritythemesoftheCommissionontheStatusofWomenCEDAW/C/1995/60` .`ReportoftheSecretariatonwaysandmeansofimprovingtheworkoftheCommitteeCEDAW/C/1995/70` .`ReportoftheSecretariatonprogressachievedintheimplementationoftheConventionCEDAW/C/1995/CRP.1ReportofthePresessionWorkingGroupCEDAW/C/1995/INF.1/ListofparticipantsRev.1CEDAW/C/1995/L.1DraftreportoftheCommitteeandAdd.112CEDAW/C/1995/WP.312ConcludingcommentsoftheCommitteeonthereports̀oftheStatespartiesCEDAW/C/1994/WP.2/Add.1,GeneralcommentsoftheCommitteeonthereportsof12/Add.1,13/Add.1,Australia,Colombia,Guyana,Japan14/Add.1CEDAW/C/1995/WG.I/WP.1AnoptionalprotocoltotheConventiononthèEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainst̀02 .20 .0` .`WomenDocumentnumber󀀀TitleordescriptionCEDAW/C/1995/WG.I/WP.2ReportofWorkingGroupIandAdd.1and2CEDAW/C/1995/WG.II/WP.1,ReportofWorkingGroupII2andAdd.1@ . ReportsofStatespartiesCEDAW/C/1995/BOL/1andInitialreportofBoliviaAdd.1CEDAW/C/CHI/1InitialreportofChileCEDAW/C/FIN/2SecondperiodicreportofFinlandCEDAW/C/MAR/12Combinedinitialandsecondperiodicreportsof̀MauritiusCEDAW/C/NOR/3ThirdperiodicreportofNorwayCEDAW/C/NOR/4FourthperiodicreportofNorwayCEDAW/C/13/Add.29SecondperiodicreportofPeruCEDAW/C/USR/3ThirdperiodicreportoftheRussianFederationCEDAW/C/USR/4FourthperiodicreportoftheRussianFederationCEDAW/C/TUN/12Combinedinitialandsecondperiodicreportsof̀TunisiaCEDAW/C/UGA/12andCombinedinitialandsecondperiodicreportsofUgandaAdd.1CEDAW/C/CRO/SP.1ReportsubmittedonanexceptionalbasisbyCroatià@ .\ANNEXIV̀Statusofsubmissionandconsiderationofreportssubmittedby󀀀Statespartiesunderarticle18oftheConventiononthèEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenasat@ .3February1995* d,<< ,v<< , << ,<< +  ))Statesparties  Dateduea/  Dateofsubmission  ConsideredbyCommittee(session(year)) &x&A.Initialreportsdueasat3February1995 ";x"Angola  17October1987     "x"AntiguaandBarbuda  31August1990  21September1994(CEDAW/C/ANT/13)   "x"Argentina  14August1986  6October1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.39)  Seventh(1988) "x"Armenia  13October1994  30November1994(CEDAW/C/ARM/1)   "x"Australia  27August1984  3October1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.40)  Seventh(1988) "x"Austria  30April1983  20October1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.17)  Fourth(1985) ";x"Bahamas  5November1994     "x"Bangladesh  6December1985  12March1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.34)  Sixth(1987) "x"Barbados  3September1982  11April1990(CEDAW/C/5/Add.64)  Eleventh(1992) "x"Belarus  3September1982  4October1982(CEDAW/C/5/Add.5)  Second(1983) "x"Belgium  9August1986  20July1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.53)  Eighth(1989) ";x"Belize  15June1991     ";x"Benin  11April1993     ";x"Bhutan  30September1982     "x"Bolivia  8July1991  8July1991(CEDAW/C/BOL/1)26August1993(CEDAW/C/BOL/1/Add.1)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"BosniaandHerzegovina  1October1994     ";x"Brazil  2March1985     "x"Bulgaria  10March1983  13June1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.15)  Fourth(1985) "x"BurkinaFaso  13November1988  24May1990(CEDAW/C/5/Add.67)  Tenth(1991) ";x"Burundi  7February1993     ";x"Cambodia  14November1993     "x"Canada  9January1983  15July1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.16)  Fourth(1985) ";x"CapeVerde  3September1982     "x"CentralAfricanRepublic  21July1992     "x"Chile  6January1991  3September1991(CEDAW/C/CHI/1)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"China  3September1982  25May1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.14)  Third(1984) "x"Colombia  18February1983  16January1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.32)  Sixth(1987) ";x"Congo  25August1983     ";x"CostaRica  4May1987     "x"Croatia  9October1993  10January1995(CEDAW/C/CRO/1)   "x"Cuba  3September1982  27September1982(CEDAW/C/5/Add.4)  Second(1983) "x"Cyprus  22August1986  2February1994(CEDAW/C/CYP/12)   "x"CzechRepublic  24March1994     "x"Denmark  21May1984  30July1984(CEDAW/C/5/Add.22)  Fifth(1986) ";x"Dominica  3September1982     "x"DominicanRepublic  2October1983  2May1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.37)  Seventh(1988) "x"Ecuador  9December1982  14August1984(CEDAW/C/5/Add.23)  Fifth(1986) "x"Egypt  18October1982  2February1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.10)  Third(1984) "x"ElSalvador  18September1982  3November1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.19)  Fifth(1986) "x"EquatorialGuinea  22November1985  16March1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.50)  Eighth(1989) ";x"Estonia  20November1992     "x"Ethiopia  10October1982  22April1993(CEDAW/C/ETH/13)   "x"Finland  4October1987  16February1988(CEDAW/C/5/Add.56)  Eighth(1989) "x"France  13January1985  13February1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.33)  Sixth(1987) "x"Gabon  20February1984  19June1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.54)  Eighth(1989) ";x"Gambia  16May1994     "x"Germany  9August1986  15September1988(CEDAW/C/5/Add.59)  Ninth(1990) "x"Ghana  1February1987  29January1991(CEDAW/C/GHA/12)  Eleventh(1992) "x"Greece  7July1984  5April1985(CEDAW/C/5/Add.28)  Sixth(1987) ";x"Grenada  29September1991     " x"Guatemala  11September1983  2April1991(CEDAW/C/GUA/12andCorr.1)7April1993(CEDAW/C/GUA/12/Amend.1)  Thirteenth(1994)Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Guinea  8September1983     ";x"GuineaBissau  22September1986     "x"Guyana  3September1982  23January1990(CEDAW/C/5/Add.63)  Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Haiti  3September1982     "x"Honduras  2April1984  3December1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.44)  Eleventh(1992) "x"Hungary  3September1982  20September1982(CEDAW/C/5/Add.3)  Third(1984) "x"Iceland  18July1986  5May1993(CEDAW/C/ICE/12)   ";x"India  8August1994     "x"Indonesia  13October1985  17March1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.36)  Seventh(1988) "x"Iraq  12September1987  16May1990(CEDAW/C/5/Add.66/Rev.1)  Twelfth(1993) "x"Ireland  22January1987  18February1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.47)  Eighth(1989) "x"Israel  2November1992  12January1994(CEDAW/C/ISR/1)   "x"Italy  10July1986  20October1989(CEDAW/C/5/Add.62)  Tenth(1991) "x"Jamaica  18November1985  12September1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.38)  Seventh(1988) "x"Japan  25July1986  13March1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.48)  Seventh(1988) ";x"Jordan  31July1993     "x"Kenya  8April1985  4December1990(CEDAW/C/KEN/12)  Twelfth(1993) "x"LaoPeople'sDemocraticRepublic  13September1982     ";x"Latvia  14May1993     ";x"Liberia  16August1985     "x"LibyanArabJamahiriya  15June1990  18February1991(CEDAW/C/LIB/1)4October1993(CEDAW/C/LIB/1/Add.1)  Thirteenth(1994)Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Luxembourg  4March1990     "x"Madagascar  16April1990  21May1990(CEDAW/C/5/Add.65)8November1993(CEDAW/C/5/Add.65/Rev.2)  Thirteenth(1994) "x"Malawi  11April1988  15July1988(CEDAW/C/5/Add.58)  Ninth(1990) ";x"Maldives  1July1994     "x"Mali  10October1986  13November1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.43)  Seventh(1988) ";x"Malta  7April1992     "x"Mauritius  8August1985  23February1992(CEDAW/C/MAR/12)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"Mexico  3September1982  14September1982(CEDAW/C/5/Add.2)  Second(1983) "x"Mongolia  3September1982  18November1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.20)  Fifth(1986) "x"Morocco  21July1994  14September1994(CEDAW/C/MOR/1)   ";x"Namibia  23December1993     ";x"Nepal  22May1992     "x"Netherlands  22August1992  19November1992(CEDAW/C/NET/1)17September1993CEDAW/C/NET/1/Add.120September1993(CEDAW/C/NET/1/Add.2)9October1993CEDAW/C/NET/1/Add.3  )))Thirteenth(1994))) "x"NewZealand  9February1986  3October1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.41)  Seventh(1988) "x"Nicaragua  26November1982  22September1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.55)  Eighth(1989) "x"Nigeria  13July1986  1April1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.49)  Seventh(1987) "x"Norway  3September1982  18November1982(CEDAW/C/5/Add.7)  Third(1984) "x"Panama  28November1982  12December1982(CEDAW/C/5/Add.9)  Fourth(1985) "x"Paraguay  6May1988  4June1992(CEDAW/C/PAR/12)   "x"Peru  13October1983  14September1988(CEDAW/C/5/Add.60)  Ninth(1990) "x"Philippines  4September1982  22October1982(CEDAW/C/5/Add.6)  Third(1984) "x"Poland  3September1982  10October1985(CEDAW/C/5/Add.31)  Sixth(1987) "x"Portugal  3September1982  19July1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.21)  Fifth(1986) "x"RepublicofKorea  26January1986  13March1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.35)  Sixth(1987) "x"Romania  6February1983  14January1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.45)  Twelfth(1993) "x"RussianFederation  3September1982  2March1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.12)  Second(1983) "x"Rwanda  3September1982  24May1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.13)  Third(1984) "x"SaintKittsandNevis  25May1986     ";x"SaintLucia  7November1983     "x"SaintVincentandtheGrenadines  3September1982  27September1991(CEDAW/C/STV/13)   ";x"Samoa  25October1993     "x"Senegal  7March1986  5November1986(CEDAW/C/5/Add.42)  Seventh(1988) ";x"Seychelles  4June1993     ";x"SierraLeone  11December1989     ";x"Slovakia  27June1994     "x"Slovenia  5August1993  23November1993(CEDAW/C/SVN/1)   "x"Spain  4February1985  20August1985(CEDAW/C/5/Add.30)  Sixth(1987) "x"SriLanka  4November1982  7July1985(CEDAW/C/5/Add.29)  Sixth(1987) ";x"Suriname  31March1994     "x"Sweden  3September1982  22October1982(CEDAW/C/5/Add.8)  Second(1983) ";x"Tajikistan  25October1994     "x"Thailand  8September1986  1June1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.51)  Ninth(1990) ";x"Togo  26October1984     "x"TrinidadandTobago  11February1991     "x"Tunisia  20October1986  17September1993(CEDAW/C/TUN/12)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"Turkey  19January1987  27January1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.46)  Ninth(1990) "x"Uganda  21August1986  1June1992(CEDAW/C/UGA/12)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"Ukraine  3September1982  2March1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.11)  Second(1983) "x"UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland  7May1987  25June1987(CEDAW/C/5/Add.52)  Ninth(1990) "x"UnitedRepublicofTanzania  19September1986  9March1988(CEDAW/C/5/Add.57)  Ninth(1990) "x"Uruguay  8November1982  23November1984(CEDAW/C/5/Add.27)  Seventh(1988) "x"Venezuela  1June1984  27August1984(CEDAW/C/5/Add.24)  Fifth(1986) "x"VietNam  19March1983  2October1984(CEDAW/C/5/Add.25)  Fifth(1986) "x"Yemen  29June1985  23January1989(CEDAW/C/5/Add.61)  Twelfth(1993) "x"Yugoslavia  28March1983  3November1983(CEDAW/C/5/Add.18)  Fourth(1985) "x"Zaire  16November1987  1March1994(CEDAW/C/ZAR/1)   "x"Zambia  21July1986  6March1991(CEDAW/C/ZAM/12)  Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Zimbabwe  12June1992     &;x& &;x&B.Secondperiodicreportsdueasat3February1995 ";x"Angola  17October1991     "x"AntiguaandBarbuda  31August1994  21September1994(CEDAW/C/ANT/13)   "x"Argentina  14August1990  13February1992(CEDAW/C/ARG/2)   "x"Australia  27August1988  24July1992(CEDAW/C/AUL/2)  Thirteenth(1994) "x"Austria  30April1987  18December1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.27)  Tenth(1991) "x"Bangladesh  6December1989  23February1990(CEDAW/C/13/Add.30)  Twelfth(1993) "x"Barbados  3September1986  4December1991(CEDAW/C/BAR/23)  Thirteenth(1994) "x"Belarus  3September1986  3March1987(CEDAW/C/13/Add.5)  Eighth(1989) "x"Belgium  9August1990  9February1993(CEDAW/C/BEL/2)   ";x"Bhutan  30September1986     ";x"Brazil  2March1989     "x"Bulgaria  10March1987  6September1994(CEDAW/C/BGR/23)   "x"BurkinaFaso  13November1992     "x"Canada  9January1987  20January1988(CEDAW/C/13/Add.11)  Ninth(1990) ";x"CapeVerde  3September1986     "x"China  3September1986  22June1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.26)  Eleventh(1992) "x"Chile  6January1995  9March1995(CEDAW/C/CHI/2)   "x"Colombia  18February1987  14January1993(CEDAW/C/COL/23)2September1993(CEDAW/C/COL/23/Rev.1)  Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Congo  25August1987     ";x"CostaRica  4May1991     "x"Cuba  3September1986  13March1992(CEDAW/C/CUB/23)   ";x"Cyprus  22August1990     "x"Denmark  21May1988  2June1988(CEDAW/C/13/Add.14)  Tenth(1991) ";x"Dominica  3September1986     "x"DominicanRepublic  2October1987  26April1993(CEDAW/C/DOM/23)   "x"Ecuador  9December1986  28May1990(CEDAW/C/13/Add.31)  Thirteenth(1994) "x"Egypt  18October1986  19December1986(CEDAW/C/13/Add.2)  Ninth(1990) "x"ElSalvador  18September1986  18December1987(CEDAW/C/13/Add.12)  Eleventh(1992) "x"EquatorialGuinea  22November1989  6January1994(CEDAW/C/GNQ/23)   "x"Ethiopia  10October1986  22April1993(CEDAW/C/ETH/13)   "x"Finland  4October1991  9February1993(CEDAW/C/FIN/2)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"France  13January1989  10December1990(CEDAW/C/FRA/2)(CEDAW/C/FRA/2/Rev.1)  Twelfth(1993) ";x"Gabon  20February1988     ";x"Germany  9August1990     "x"Ghana  1February1991  29January1991(CEDAW/C/GHA/12)  Eleventh(1992) ";x"Greece  7July1988     " x"Guatemala  11September1987  2April1991(CEDAW/C/GUA/12andCorr.1)7April1993(CEDAW/C/GUA/12/Amend.1)  Thirteenth(1994)Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Guinea  8September1987     ";x"GuineaBissau  22September1990     ";x"Guyana  3September1986     ";x"Haiti  3September1986     "x"Honduras  2April1988  28October1987(CEDAW/C/13/Add.9)  Eleventh(1992) "x"Hungary  3September1986  29September1986(CEDAW/C/13/Add.1)  Seventh(1988) "x"Iceland  18July1990  5May1993(CEDAW/C/ICE/12)   ";x"Indonesia  13October1989     ";x"Iraq  12September1991     ";x"Ireland  22January1991     ";x"Italy  10July1990     ";x"Jamaica  18November1989     "x"Japan  25July1990  21February1992(CEDAW/C/JPN/2)  Thirteenth(1994) "x"Kenya  8April1989  4December1990(CEDAW/C/KEN/12)  Twelfth(1993) "x"LaoPeople'sDemocraticRepublic  13September1986     ";x"Liberia  16August1989     "x"LibyanArabJamahiriya  15June1994     ";x"Luxembourg  4March1994     ";x"Madagascar  16April1994     ";x"Malawi  11April1992     ";x"Mali  10October1990     "x"Mauritius  8August1989  23February1992(CEDAW/C/MAR/12)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"Mexico  3September1986  3December1987(CEDAW/C/13/Add.10)  Ninth(1990) "x"Mongolia  3September1986  17March1987(CEDAW/C/13/Add.7)  Ninth(1990) "x"NewZealand  9February1990  3November1992(CEDAW/C/NZE/2)27October1993(CEDAW/C/NZE/2/Add.1)  Thirteenth(1994)Thirteenth(1994) "x"Nicaragua  26November1986  16March1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.20)  Twelfth(1993) ";x"Nigeria  13July1990     "x"Norway  3September1986  23June1988(CEDAW/C/13/Add.15)  Tenth(1991) ";x"Panama  28November1986     "x"Paraguay  6May1992  4June1992(CEDAW/C/PAR/12)   "x"Peru  13October1987  13February1990(CEDAW/C/13/Add.29)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"Philippines  4September1986  12December1988(CEDAW/C/13/Add.17)  Tenth(1991) "x"Poland  3September1986  17November1988(CEDAW/C/13/Add.16)  Tenth(1991) "x"Portugal  3September1986  18May1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.22)  Tenth(1991) "x"RepublicofKorea  26January1990  19December1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.28andCorr.1)  Twelfth(1993) "x"Romania  6February1987  19October1992(CEDAW/C/ROM/23)  Twelfth(1993) "x"RussianFederation  3September1986  10February1987(CEDAW/C/13/Add.4)  Eighth(1989) "x"Rwanda  3September1986  7March1988(CEDAW/C/13/Add.13)  Tenth(1991) "x"SaintKittsandNevis  25May1990     ";x"SaintLucia  7November1987     "x"SaintVincentandtheGrenadines  3September1986  27September1991(CEDAW/C/STV/13)   "x"Senegal  7March1990  23September1991(CEDAW/C/SEN/2)(CEDAW/C/SEN/2/Amend.1)  Thirteenth(1994) ";x"SierraLeone  11December1993     "x"Spain  4February1989  9February1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.19)  Eleventh(1992) "x"SriLanka  4November1986  29December1988(CEDAW/C/13/Add.18)  Eleventh(1992) "x"Sweden  3September1986  10March1987(CEDAW/C/13/Add.6)  Seventh(1988) ";x"Thailand  8September1990     ";x"Togo  26October1988     "x"Tunisia  20October1990  17September1993(CEDAW/C/TUN/12)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"Turkey  19January1991  7February1994(CEDAW/C/TUR/2)   "x"Uganda  21August1990  1June1992(CEDAW/C/UGA/12)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"Ukraine  3September1986  13August1987(CEDAW/C/13/Add.8)  Ninth(1990) "x"UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland  7May1991  11May1991(CEDAW/C/UK/2)(CEDAW/C/UK/2/Amend.1)  Twelfth(1993) "x"UnitedRepublicofTanzania  19September1990     ";x"Uruguay  8November1986     "x"Venezuela  1June1988  18April1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.21)  Eleventh(1992) ";x"VietNam  19March1987     "x"Yemen  29June1989  8June1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.24)(CEDAW/C/13/Add.24/Amend.1)  Twelfth(1993) "x"Yugoslavia  28March1987  31May1989(CEDAW/C/13/Add.23)  Tenth(1991) ";x"Zaire  16November1991     "x"Zambia  21July1990  6March1991(CEDAW/C/ZAM/12)  Thirteenth(1994)&;x&C.Thirdperiodicreportsdueasat3February1995 "x"AntiguaandBarbuda  31August1998  21September1994(CEDAW/C/ANT/13)   ";x"Argentina  14August1994     ";x"Australia  27August1992     ";x"Austria  30April1991     "x"Bangladesh  6December1993  26January1993(CEDAW/C/BDG/3)   "x"Barbados  3September1990  4December1991(CEDAW/C/BAR/23)  Thirteenth(1994) "x"Belarus  3September1990  1July1993(CEDAW/C/BLR/3)   ";x"Belgium  9August1994     ";x"Bhutan  30September1990     ";x"Brazil  2March1993     "x"Bulgaria  10March1991  6September1994(CEDAW/C/BGR/23)   "x"Canada  9January1991  9September1992(CEDAW/C/CAN/3)   ";x"CapeVerde  3September1990     ";x"China  3September1990     "x"Colombia  18February1991  14January1993(CEDAW/C/COL/23)2September1993(CEDAW/C/COL/23/Rev.1)  Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Congo  25August1991     "x"Cuba  3September1990  13March1992(CEDAW/C/CUB/23)   ";x"Cyprus  22August1994     "x"Denmark  21May1992  7May1993(CEDAW/C/DEN/3)   ";x"Dominica  3September1990     "x"DominicanRepublic  2October1991  26April1993(CEDAW/C/DOM/23)   "x"Ecuador  9December1990  23December1991(CEDAW/C/ECU/3)  Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Egypt  18October1990     ";x"ElSalvador  18September1990     "x"EquatorialGuinea  22November1993     "x"Ethiopia  10October1990  22April1993(CEDAW/C/ETH/13)   ";x"France  13January1993     ";x"Gabon  20February1992     ";x"Germany  9August1994     ";x"Ghana  1February1995     ";x"Greece  7July1992     ";x"Guatemala  11September1991     ";x"Guinea  8September1991     ";x"GuineaBissau  22September1994     ";x"Guyana  3September1990     ";x"Haiti  3September1990     "x"Honduras  2April1992  31May1991(CEDAW/C/HON/3)  Eleventh(1992) "x"Hungary  3September1990  4April1991(CEDAW/C/HUN/3)   ";x"Iceland  3July1994     ";x"Indonesia  13October1993     ";x"Ireland  22January1995     ";x"Italy  10July1994     ";x"Jamaica  18November1993     "x"Japan  25July1994  28October1993(CEDAW/C/JPN/3)  Thirteenth(1994) ";x"Kenya  8April1993     "x"LaoPeople'sDemocraticRepublic  13September1990     ";x"Liberia  16August1993     ";x"Mali  10October1994     ";x"Mauritius  8August1993     "x"Mexico  3September1990  1December1992(CEDAW/C/MEX/3)   ";x"Mongolia  3September1990     ";x"NewZealand  9February1994     "x"Nicaragua  26November1990  15October1992(CEDAW/C/NIC/3)  Twelfth(1993) ";x"Nigeria  13July1994     "x"Norway  3September1990  25January1991(CEDAW/C/NOR/3)  Fourteenth(1995) ";x"Panama  28November1990     ";x"Peru  13October1991     "x"Philippines  4September1990  20January1993(CEDAW/C/PHI/3)   "x"Poland  3September1990  22November1990(CEDAW/C/18/Add.2)  Tenth(1991) "x"Portugal  3September1990  10December1990(CEDAW/C/18/Add.3)  Tenth(1991) "x"RepublicofKorea  26January1994     "x"Romania  6February1991  19October1992(CEDAW/C/ROM/23)  Twelfth(1993) "x"RussianFederation  3September1990  24July1991(CEDAW/C/USR/3)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"Rwanda  3September1990  18January1991(CEDAW/C/RWA/3)  Twelfth(1993) "x"SaintKittsandNevis  25May1994     ";x"SaintLucia  7November1991     ";x"Senegal  7March1994     "x"SaintVincentandtheGrenadines  3September1990  27September1991(CEDAW/C/STV/13)   ";x"Spain  4February1993     ";x"SriLanka  4November1990     "x"Sweden  3September1990  3October1990(CEDAW/C/18/Add.1)  Twelfth(1993) ";x"Thailand  8September1994     ";x"Togo  26October1992     ";x"Tunisia  20October1994     ";x"Turkey  19January1995     ";x"Uganda  21August1994     "x"Ukraine  3September1990  31May1991(CEDAW/C/UKR/3)   "x"UnitedRepublicofTanzania  19September1994     ";x"Uruguay  8November1990     "x"Venezuela  1June1992  8February1995(CEDAW/C/VEN/3)   ";x"VietNam  19March1991     "x"Yemen  29June1993  13November1992(CEDAW/C/YEM/3)  Twelfth(1993) ";x"Yugoslavia  28March1991     "x"Zambia  21July1994     &x&D.Fourthperiodicreportsdueasat3February1995 "x"Norway  3September1994  1September1994(CEDAW/C/NOR/4)  Fourteenth(1995) "x"RussianFederation  3September1994  1September1994(CEDAW/C/USR/4)  Fourteenth(1995) &;x&@ ." E.Reportssubmittedonanexceptionalbasis "x"BosniaandHerzegovina    1February1994oralreport(seeCEDAW/C/SR.253)  Thirteenth(1994) "x"Croatia    15September1994(CEDAW/C/CRO/SP.1)  Fourteenth(1995) )Wx)FederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)    2December1993(CEDAW/C/YUG/SP.1)2February1994oralreport(seeCEDAW/C/SR.254)  Thirteenth(1994)8` H .a/Oneyearpriortotheduedate,theSecretaryGeneralinvitestheStatepartytosubmititsreport.@ .