The CEDAW Committee recently adopted a new General Recommendation No. 35, a milestone and a tool for accelerated implementation of regional and international obligations to eliminate gender-based violence. FAWCO was pleased to note language in the Recommendation explicitly acknowledging the important role of civil society in advancing gender-based violence as a priority on the global agenda.
"The Committee acknowledges that civil society groups, especially women’s non-governmental organizations, have prioritized the elimination of gender-based violence against women; their activities have had a profound social and political impact, contributing to the recognition of gender-based violence against women as a human rights violation and to the adoption of laws and policies to address it."
General Recommendation 35:
- recognizes that the prohibition of gender-based violence has become a norm of international law,
- expands the understanding of violence to include violations of sexual and reproductive health rights,
- stresses the need to change social norms and stereotypes that support violence,
- defines the liability of State for failing to prevent violence at the hands of private individuals and companies, protect women and girls, and ensure access to remedies for survivors,
- calls for the repeal of all laws and policies that directly and indirectly excuse, condone or facilitate violence, and
- emphasizes approaches that promote and respect women’s autonomy and decision-making.