Reports
Submitted on an Exceptional Basis
Aside from
these reports, the CEDAW Committee might also request a States
Party to submit a report on an exceptional basis, called such
because it usually deviates from the regular schedule and format
of reports. Usually, countries whose governments are asked to
give such reports are often in the midst of internal political
or armed strife which raises concern within CEDAW on the effect
or impact of the situation on the women in the said country.
For example,
at its 12th session the CEDAW Committee decided that on the basis
of General Recommendation 19 on Violence Against Women, it was
necessary to take proactive steps to respond to growing international
concern over the particular situation of women targeted in the
context of armed conflict. Until then, the CEDAW Committee had
only commented on the situation of women's rights in countries
submitting periodic reports. However, taking note of the urgent
need to monitor the implementation of women's rights in the former
Yugoslavia, it was decided that pursuant to Article 18 of the
CEDAW Convention, the CEDAW Committee could invite a particular
States party to submit reports on an exceptional basis.
Since 1994,
the Committee has been committed to look into similar grave violations
of rights being experienced by women in any part of the world.
At present, it has become clear that in cases where the infrastructure
of the State weakens, recommendations and guidelines issued by
the CEDAW Committee may be useful in setting guidelines to remedy
gross violations of women's rights.
The reports
submitted on an exceptional basis to the CEDAW Committee to date
have been:
-
The
CEDAW Committee recommends the establishment of a national mechanism
to protect and expand the rights of women and encourage participation
by women in the political field, decision-making and the struggle
for peace. Although women were used as a "weapon of war",
their solidarity and their organisation in non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) can constitute an instrument for peace.
-
Governments
should support women's quest for equal rights and their contributions
in all areas of society, in particular, in the reconciliation
process and maintenance of peace.
-
The
CEDAW Committee recommends above all that it is necessary to
break the silence concerning the sexual abuse and aggressions
of which women are victims, identify the guilty parties and
bring them before national and international courts, and provide
financial compensation to the victims.
-
There
must be a witness protection unit in the war crimes prosecutor's
office to protect those who testify about rape, sexual violence
and other crimes.
-
Monitoring
Units of the Human Rights field operations must be educated
and trained about sexual assault, rape and systematic rape.
It is strongly recommended that in appointing monitors, women
in particular, be appointed, and that there be an emphasis on
diversity and experience and familiarity with a specific country's
culture and language.
-
The
Committee recommends that displaced and refugee women should
not be marginalised and that they should be provided with necessary
support and assistance by their government.
