Anonymity

Does the alleged victim and/or author of the communication have to be identified?

For a complaint to be considered by the CEDAW Committee, the identity of the alleged victim(s) and the author of the complaint (if different) must be disclosed in the communication. At this stage, the author/individual(s) will be informed that if the individual(s) consent to the disclosure of her/their identity to the State party concerned, the communication will be brought to the attention of that State party. In turn, the State party has to ensure that details of the communication remain confidential. Should the individual(s) fear retaliation from the State party as a result of bringing the communication, however, a request can be made that the identity of the individual(s) and/or author not made known to the State party and/or the public.

Anonymity should be differentiated from confidentiality. Although communications will not be admitted if anonymous, where the CEDAW Committee deems appropriate, the identity of the individual/author and/or elements or submissions of the case may be kept confidential. Deliberations of the committee on a communication take place in closed sessions, although general decisions concerning admissibility or merits will be made available to the public.