The Head of the OSCE Mission commended the efforts and progress of Serbia and Montenegro for "establishing a legal framework for the effective combating of this particular form of organized crime." Serbia has taken steps to train their police force and has established an office to identify victims, address their needs and provide assistance. It has created a model for other countries to follow.

Compiled from:  "New Mechanisms for Combatting Human Trafficking in Human Beings Needed, says OSCE Special Representative." OSCE. 26 May 2005

Compiled from: "Conclusions and Recommendations of the Committee Against Torture: Albania." Committee Against Torture. (CAT/CO/34/ALB) May 2005.

The report first lays out the treaties that establish International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law and emphasizes that the purpose of the report is not to establish new international law, but to provide methods and models that member states can use to incorporate the existing international law into a national framework. The report goes on to remind countries that their national laws should already reflect current international norms of international law. It then lays out the obligations of each member state, including taking measures to prevent violations, investigating past violations and providing victims with access to justice. The report defines "victim" and specifically outlines how victims should be treated and how a claim should be processed. Finally, it provides detailed lists of possible remedies and possible reparations, including rehabilitation, restitution, satisfaction and compensation. It recommends that member states provide the public and particularly victims with information about these laws and about the procedure for instituting a claim as well as the availability of various support services for victims.

In adopting the resolution, the Commission recommends that countries take account of the principles and guidelines and disseminate the information contained in the report to the executive branch, including police officers and military and security forces.

Compiled in: "Human Rights Resolution 2005/35: Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparations for Victims of Gross Violations of Human Rights law and Serious Violations of Humanitarian Law." UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (Ch. XI, E/CN.4/2005/L.10/Add.11) 19 April 2005.

Compiled from: "AI Report 2005: Moldova." Amnesty International. 2005

The law is to enter into force upon publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and will be enforced six months after such entry into force (Art. 22).

Check back soon for comments on the new law by The Advocates for Human Rights.

Women in Central Asia are hard-hit by joblessness and tend to dominate the shuttle trading that many destitute families depend on for a living. Women also make up a large part of the civic society that provides for the elderly, homeless, and orphans. The women who assembled in the eastern Uzbek city of Andijon on 13 May to participate in mass demonstrations believed that they would be able to safely and peacefully voice their concerns. But they were seriously mistaken -- because the government opened fire. RFE/RL correspondents spoke to some of the Uzbek women who fled to a refugee camp that was set up in nearby Kyrgyzstan to house those who escaped the violence in Andijon.

It is a common belief in Central Asia that societal respect for women generally exempts them from harassment from police -- at border checkpoints, in markets, and even during protests.

Gulnoza, an Uzbek woman who is now living in a makeshift camp in Kyrgyzstan's Jalal-Abad Province, describes the mindset of the women who took to the streets of Andijon on 13 May:

"We went to demonstrate because [the authorities] have raised the fees for gas and electricity, and to demand increase in pensions and salaries a bit," she said. "We demonstrated to demand a dignified life. My husband has been in Russia for two years. I have a child. I myself was sick and recovered recently. I went to the district committee to ask for help. They did not give me even one som [Uzbek currency]. A child until the age of 16 is entitled to a mere 3,300 soms [about $4]. They did not pay social benefits, they did not even lower the fees for gas at least for 50 percent. I haven't heard from my husband in two years. We went to protest because life has become unbearable."

But what had been intended to be a peaceful protest against worsening living conditions soon transformed into what is now often referred to by Uzbeks as "Bloody Friday."

"Women who gave birth to five, eight children will never lie," one Uzbek woman said. "Nobody [from the authorities] came [to speak to demonstrators]. There was [only] the prosecutor of Andijon and a representative of the SNB [National Security Service] who spoke to us. [Then] they started shooting at the unarmed women who were sitting around the square."

An estimated 3,000 people fled the violence in Andijon by foot -- seeking refuge about 40 kilometers away in neighboring Kyrgyzstan.

A camp was set up to provide shelter for the more than 500 who safely made it across the border to Kyrgyzstan. There they were provided blankets, food, and electricity. Around 20 people were hospitalized with injuries they sustained in the violence.

Ten children and 82 women were among the refugees at the camp. An RFE/RL correspondent spoke to some of them to hear their harrowing accounts of how the events of 13 May unfolded.

"We came to demonstrate and to stay there if necessary for one month, one week, or 10 days," one woman said. "We women, children, had no weapons. We did not think they would shoot at women.

"We went out because of difficulties. [When they started shooting] without warning, we dropped on the ground covering our kids with our bodies."

"We went [to the demonstration in Andijon] while sacrificing our lives for our rights," another woman said. "Blood flowed like a river."

Umidakhan, a midwife from Andijon, described the scene: "It was so horrible that our own soldiers opened fire on us. [They were shooting] at women, their own mothers and grandmothers. We escaped into Kyrgyzstan while bullets were raining down on us."

There are reports saying that some refugees were targeted by Uzbek soldiers near the border. This is how refugee women described how they reached Kyrgyz territory: "[In Andijon] there were corpses lying all around us. Women around us were killed. In the evening women left [the town] on foot. [It was raining, so] our shoes sank in the mud. We left at 5 p.m., we arrived in Jalal-Abad [in Kyrgyzstan] early in the morning."

"My husband, five children, my parents and brothers are left behind in Andijon. Others, girls, all women [are here]. Thank you.

"Thank God, we made it here," a refugee named Tursunai said.

"After crossing the border we hesitated, not knowing whether to return or come here. We did not know how Kyrgyzstan would receive us. We came here by foot," a refugee named Mahfuza said.

But their fears were unfounded, and they are now thankful for the sanctuary they were provided by the Kyrgyz state. Mahfuza described their reception in Kyrgyzstan: "Very good. When we saw [the Kyrgyz] soldiers, we thought they might shoot at us as well. We kept wondering about what to do next. [We said to ourselves]: 'Let us women not die under fire here.' So we dragged on. [But] we were received very well. Thank you!"

The women are grateful for the help they have received, but long for their homeland. Under current circumstances though, they fear that it would be unsafe to return home. "Our aim is to return to our homeland, if there is peace," one woman said. "But there is no peace there. It is dangerous to go back. How do we return if they are shooting [at us]?!"

Many are concerned that if the situation in Uzbekistan continues to worsen, Kyrgyzstan might be flooded with refugees.

Kyrgyz Ombudsman Tursunbai Bakir-uulu said this week that as many as 1 million Uzbeks could attempt to flee to Kyrgyzstan. Such a situation would greatly affect the Kyrgyz economy unless international organizations step in to help alleviate the burden.

By yesterday, local doctors were warning that unsanitary conditions could lead to a spread of infectious diseases at the camp, where water and hygienic items for women are in short supply.

Published in: Chytyrbaeva, Janyl. Uzbekistan: Andijon Events Seen through Women's Eyes. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 20 May 2005.

Copyright (c) 2004. FRE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org.

Turkish women have been using daytime talk shows as an outlet to voice their personal stories of domestic violence. However, last week, one woman who had appeared on the show to tell her story, was shot and nearly killed by her son, who claimed that she had brought dishonor to the family. In response to this shooting and an earlier shooting related to a similar show, there is debate about the value of the programs. The two most popular shows have been taken off of the air in fear that it will foster additional violence. Others continue to run.

Turkey does not prosecute abusers, does not provide protection for such abuse and offers little support for victims. Domestic violence in Turkey was "a topic that was once strictly kept within household walls." Some claim the shows were exploiting the emotional stories of the women, rather than helping them. Others claim that the programs provided a forum to show women that they are not alone in their suffering and encourage the search for a solution to the problem.

Compiled from: Schliefer, Yigal. "On Turkish TV, Women Face Life and Death." Women's eNews. 24 May 2005

On 2 and 3 May 2005, Serbia and Montenegro presented its initial report on the implementation of the International Covenent on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The concluding observations on the report were adopted by the Committee on 13 May 2005. In the concluding comments, the Committee noted the lack of representation of women in parliament, as well as the absence of a gender equality law. The comments indicated concern for the high incidence of domestic violence, reportedly due to the psychological effects of high unemployment, as well as an increase in trafficking in women for sexual exploitation and forced labor.

The Committee recommended the establishment of an office for gender equality. To combat trafficking, the Committee encouraged Serbia and Montenegro to take steps to enforce the recently enacted legislation by prosecuting those who violate the law. They are urged to provide training for public officials and protection and support for victims. A National Action Plan on trafficking should be adopted.

The physical and sexual violence experienced by women as a result of armed conflict also needs to be addressed. The committee requested information about the number of victims of such violence and encouraged the state party to provide information about mental health services and offer appropriate counselling services.

Compiled from: "Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Serbia and Montenegro." United Nations Economic and Social Council, Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,  E/C.12/1/Add.108. 13 May 2005

The United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women provides information for "researchers, activists, policy-makers and practitioners." It is intended to "strengthen efforts to ensure the right to security for women" and to integrate gender and security sector reform initiatives.

To view the new website, visit the Gender and Security Sector Reform section of the INSTRAW website.

Gynecologists and plastic surgeons report that an increasing number of women are seeking out hymenoplasty, a surgery to repair a broken hymen. Doctors often perform the surgery at night and women give false names, arrive in disguise and pay in cash to ensure secrecy that will save the woman's life. The surgery is performed for various reasons on women, including many who are undergoing the surgery to stay alive. Many of these women live in the United States, but they have the surgery before returning to their home country to get married.

A virginity test is often conducted on women who are engaged to be married. A woman, who is not a virgin, can be in danger of being killed by family members in an attempt to restore the family's honor. Hymenoplasty reestablishes the appearance of virginity, thereby preventing family violence that may otherwise result. However, having the surgery, if discovered, also puts the woman's life in jeopardy. Doctors who advertise the procedure are receiving death threats but they continue to offer the surgery to save the lives of these women.

Compiled from: Kobrin, Sandy. "Restoring Virginity Becomes Risky Business." Womens eNews. 22 May 2005

Turkey has engaged in extensive judicial and legislative reform efforts in the way of human rights in order to achieve full membership in the EU, but women's rights continue to lag behind. An Amnesty International report recently indicated that "up to half of all Turkish women may have been victims of family violence." Tradition and the conservative nature of the ruling party has prevented positive change.

The government continues to allow virginity testing to determine if a women has lost her virginity, and thereby damaged the honor of the family. In extreme cases, women are killed to protect the honor of the family.  One 24 year old woman was killed in 2003, presumably for disgracing the family by getting pregnant, after failed attempts to obtain police protection.

Women's rights issues are brought forth by many advocates in various forums. Women's rights groups have made attempts to classify honor killings as aggravated homicide. A parliamentary committee proposed an amendment to the constitution calling for affirmative action in government hiring and elections. Both attempts failed. Other advocates are calling for monitoring by the EU.

Legislation that does exist in Turkey is ineffective. Because there is little protection for them, women are often unwilling to report the abuse. Police are sometimes unwilling to investigate or prosecute cases that are reported. In addition, many officials who deal with victims of domestic abuse are not properly trained. So, the victims have nowhere to turn. Women's advocates indicate that there is a "dire lack of shelters for abused and threatened women in Turkey, which has eight shelters and a population of 65 million. Sweden, by contrast, with a population of 8 million, has more than 120 shelters." The victims of this abuse need laws to protect them, public officials who will enforce the laws and resources for healing and recovery.

Compiled from: "Turkey Doing Little to Protect Women's Lives." Schleifer, Yigal. Womens eNews. 24 May 2005

Representatives from 10 Asian Countries, including Cambodia, Japan, China, South Koreao, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand, will meet at the Chinggis Hotel on 25-26 May 2005. Each country will either highlight one aspect of a program for which they would like support from other countries, or choose a program for which they will offer support. The meeting will provide encouragement, for countries who have not yet done so, to ratify the ILO Convention on Forced Labour and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention.

Compiled from: "Meeting on Forced Labor to be held in Ulaanbaatar." The UBPost. 19 May 2005.

Two men, one a US citizen and one a citizen of Lithuania, were arrested for forcing the women "to work 12 hours per day, six days a week to pay off $12,000 in travel expenses and another $10,000 for identification documentation. The men took all of the money the women were paid by customers of the club as payment for these “expenses.” The women were driven to and from work at the "Cheetah's" strip club. They were not given a telephone and they were allegedly "intimidated, hit and threatened with death." The two that arrived in September "had not seen or spoken to their husbands since."

Compiled from: "ICE Nabs Two Michigan Men for Human Trafficking Scam." Inside ICE: Volume 2, Issue 5.  (last modified 2/28/05)

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is organizing an advanced international training program called the Regional Programme on Human Rights of Women 2005 that is meant to be an intensive training course designed to give participants an overview of international human rights law as it pertains to women.

The Regional Programme on Human Rights of Women 2005 will be held in Lund, Sweden between October 10^th and November 4^th, 2005 and in Kiev, Ukraine from May 15^th-19^th, 2006 and is now open for applications.

Arranged for the first time in 2005 into two separate phases, the first phase in Lund, Sweden will ask participants to formulate in writing individual plans of action that identify obstacles to implementing international human rights standards in their home countries that take into particular focus an issue or area relevant to their own organizations. 

Phase two will be in Kiev, Ukraine with the cooperation of the Institute of International Relations at the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, and will follow up on the plans of action formulated in Lund.

The countries that are invited to apply for the program are: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo), Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

For more information and applications to the Programme, please see the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law website.

Compiled from: Training Program on Human Rights, Network of East-West Women-Polska/NEWW.  20 May 2005.

Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Regional Programme on Human Rights of Women.

The European Women’s Lobby has, in conjunction with the Coalition against Trafficking in Women, started to implement its project “Promoting preventative measures to combat trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation.”

Focusing on the gaps in anti-trafficking programs and policies that fail to focus on gender equality and demand for and links to prostitution, the project will support women’s NGOs and groups working on these issues in twelve countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo/Albania, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia, and Serbian-Montenegro. A consultative seminar will be organized in Brussels on April 22-24 to draft the national action plans with the partners of all countries involved.

Compiled from: Combat Trafficking. Network of East-West Women-Polska/NEWW. 20 May, 2005.

12 May 2005

Spain: Authorities must act effectively now to protect women's rights in the home

AI Index: EUR 41/006/2005

59-year-old Teresa, who left her husband after 38 years of insults, beatings and forced sex, is convinced that if she reported him, her situation would get worse...She does not trust public institutions to protect her. At the time of her interview with Amnesty International, she had spent nine months shut in her home with the blinds lowered so that her husband would think she had left the city.

Teresa's story is far from being rare. The number of women killed by their partner or former partner as a result of gender-based violence has continued to increase since 2001, according to official statistics. In 2004, 72 women died at the hands of their partner or former partner. Seven of these women had been granted protection orders.

Survivors of domestic violence face considerable obstacles in getting help, protection, and justice, according to an Amnesty International report. Official statistics show that over 95 per cent of women suffering ill-treatment do not make a complaint. Those who do report such crimes are met with indifference or face insensitive interrogations which discourage them from pursuing their case further.

"The Spanish state has a responsibility to prevent violence, investigate abuses, punish those responsible and compensate the victims, and must do so without delay using all appropriate means," said Maria Naredo, Women's Officer at Amnesty International Spain.

Despite welcoming the drafting of a new law on gender-based violence, Amnesty International is concerned that the onus for setting protection measures in motion will continue to fall on the victims, and comprehensive help will only be available to those who lodge official complaints.

"This law is only a working framework, a starting point for alleviating the obstacles facing women, which women themselves have been pointing out," said Maria Naredo. "The Spanish government must put effective measures in place to make the rights of every woman a reality."

Drawing upon the testimonies of women who have survived violence in the home, the organization found evidence of prejudice and discrimination in the response of public institutions. A particular concern was the lack of protection afforded to women from vulnerable groups, such as undocumented immigrant women, Roma women, disabled women, and women with psychological problems or addictions.

Undocumented immigrant women encounter particular barriers in getting help, despite it being acknowledged that they should receive the same protection as others. In some regions survivors have to be sponsored before they can enter a refuge; in others, they are barred access and are referred instead to general immigrant support centres. To receive financial support, women who have been granted a protection order must be seeking employment -- but undocumented immigrants are unable to do so because of their administrative status.

The UN committee which monitors discrimination against women has alerted the Spanish government to the prevalence of violence against women and the increase in killings. It highlighted the lack of protection for vulnerable groups, including undocumented immigrants, and expressed concern at the lack of coordination between the central government and different regions in the care of victims of violence.

The report makes a number of recommendations to the Spanish government, including: Minimum standards for response to gender-based violence throughout the country Effective action to bring about early detection of domestic violence, and to provide health care for survivors A review and evaluation of existing measures, with the involvement of survivors and women's groups

View all documents on Spain: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadvC4abgT0Rbe1UKub/

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Because gender equality cuts across several of the MDGs, several programs not directed specifically at women’s issues have had a positive impact on women’s rights. In particular, GTZ states that two-thirds of female participants in a microfinance project in India said micro credit improved their self-confidence, their status in the family, and their ability to deal with social problems. Additionally, ninety-percent of borrowers were from women’s groups.

Noeleen Heyzer, executive director of the U.N. Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) said that within development goals gender equality is an essential aspect and that “the issue is no longer the normative, nor the legal or policy. The issue now is one of implementation and accountability,” and added that effective strategies had to be moved forward with added resources through personnel, infrastructure, and finance increases.

For more information on GTZ please click here.

Compiled from: Deselaers, Peter "Development: Women Placed at Heart of New Projects" www.allafrica.com 12 May 2005 

The Report identifies twelve categories of case observations and related opportunities for intervention. The categories include:

1. "Gone on arrival" cases, 
2. Dual arrests,
3. Conditions for probation,
4. Data practices,
5. Responding to and documenting the severity of a domestic assault,
6. Children in the child protection system, 
7. Children in schools,
8. Orders for protection,
9. Medical professionals,
10. Treatment and mental health issues,
11. Implications of domestic violence in the workplace, and
12. Cultural issues

"The goal is to discover factors that will prompt improved identification, intervention and prevention efforts in similar cases. It's important to emphasize that the purpose is not to place blame for the death, but rather to actively improve all systems that serve persons involved with domestic abuse." 

Compiled from: "One Life Lost as a Result of Domestic Violence is One Too Many." 

The human smugglers used various methods to hide the immigrants and evade police detection. They built false floors and secret compartments, at least one of which was welded shut and painted over. They moved car engines from the front to the rear so that up to "three immigrants could be hidden under the front hoods." Those that were hidden in these spaces had little or no room to move and many were at risk of asphyxiation. "Investigators said that the traffickers used physical force to intimidate immigrants and that some smuggled women were raped." Some immigrants, unable to pay the fee for transport, opted to take out loans from the gangs of smugglers and ended up in forced labor. Some young women were destined for forced prostitution. The investigation and questioning of the ring-leaders is ongoing.

Compiled from: "European Human Trafficking Ring Broken Up." William J. Kole. Los Angeles Times. 12 May 2005.

The Turkish government acknowledges that in 2004, forty-three women were murdered in “honor killings.” The number is considered by human rights activists to be a substantial undercounting. The number does not include women whose families reported them as missing or having committed suicide. Honor killings occur most frequently in the rural southeastern area of Turkey. "There are only 14 shelters in Turkey, and none in the southeast," said Reyhan Yalcindag, deputy director of the Diyarbakir Human Rights Association. Diyarbakir is the largest city in Southeastern Turkey. Diyarbakir currently has no shelters for women. The lack of shelters puts women seeking safety in a dangerous situation. "Women are deeply hesitant to come to us," said Yalcindag. "Even if they had the courage to file an official complaint, they still must go back to the home where they are targets, and live among the very people they have made charges against."

Recent legal changes in Turkey attempt to address honor killings. Although the new laws are an improvement, they have been criticized for not going far enough. The Turkish Parliament recently passed legislation requiring women’s shelters to be opened in all large municipalities. The mandate does not however address the need for security at the shelters and has prompted criticism for this omission. Turkey’s new penal code eliminates the mitigating circumstance, “protection of family honor,” for murder charges and increases the statutory penalties for honor killings. The defense of “unjust provocation” was not eliminated however, and this worries critics of the law who fear the defense will be successfully invoked for honor killings.

Compiled from: "Turks to Fight 'Honor Killings' of Women," Arsu, Sebnem, The New York Times, 16 May 2005

Contributed by Liliya Sazonova, National VAW Monitor for Bulgaria

The regional court in Russe ordered for a first time after the Law on Protection against Domestic Violence had been adopted a spouse to be removed from the family home for a period of one year and to not approach his wife and children for the same period.

The wife, a 42-year unemployed woman, had been submitting requests to the Police and the Prosecutor’s office against her husband who is an alcoholic and beat and harassed her and their children for many years. However, it had always resulted only in calling the perpetrator in the Police office, where he would sign a document, prohibiting him to harass physically and psychologically his family. But this had no effect on him.

On 29 April the injured woman addressed Najda Center in Russe and on 3 May a request was submitted in the regional police department to Senior sergeant Kyossev. At the same time, Mrs Ivanova, in her capacity of a lawyer at Najda Center, submitted a request to the Regional Court in Russe.

On 12 May the magistrates issued an immediate protection order to the petitioner. They have ordered that the perpetrator must be removed from the commonly inhabited home for a period of one year and banned him to approach the home and the places of social contacts of the victims for the same period. Additionally, a temporary assignment for the housing of the children with the injured parent has been issued.

The order was send to the regional police department and on 16 May Senior sergeant Kyossev, together with his colleagues removed the perpetrator from the family home.

Romania's Prime Minister Calin Taricenu indicated that, "[t]he ratification of the treaty is a turning-point in Romania's political history." He then acknowledged the need to address corruption and neccessary reform of the judiciary.

Romania has agreed to undertake particular reform efforts and must meet the terms of the accession treaty to become a full member in 2007, as projected. Its contract includes a safeguard provision allowing current EU member states to postpone full membership if Romania does not make the necessary reforms. In addition, membership can be delayed if Romania fails to make adequate "reforms in the fields of justice and home affairs, and competition policy." Such a delay would result from a qualified majority vote by member states.

All EU member states must also ratify the treaty.

Compiled from: "Romania ratifies EU accession treaty," Elitsa Vucheva. euobserver.com, 18 May 2005.

Heads of states and governments of 46 European countries met in Warsaw for a summit to discuss human rights. At the summit, three conventions were opened for signing, including two on terrorism and one on trafficking in human beings.

One aim of the Council of Europe's Warsaw Summit was to create a unified and more efficient system of human rights protection.  Delegates expressed concern that having multiple human rights organizations addressing similar issues creates overlap and inefficiency.

In addition, a unified system of rights was called for in Europe. The President of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly, René van der Linden, highlighted the importance of all 800 million citizens enjoying the same rights and freedoms.

The External Commissioner of the EU, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, reminded those at the summit of the European Union's plans to acceed to the Convention on Human Rights. "Accession negotiations (to the convention) can only begin once the EU constitution has entered into force..." she stated.

Citizens of any of the member countries are able to bring a claim to the European Court of Human Rights charging a violation of rights set forth in adopted agreements. As pointed out by Mr. Linden, however, the court is backlogged and the Convention on Human Rights may be in danger of "collapsing." 

The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and is Europe's oldest human rights and pro-democracy organization.

Compiled from: "European Summit calls for human rights reform," Lucia Kobosova, EUobserver, 17 May 2005.

Published in: ILO Releases Major New Study on Forced Labour, Says More Than 12 Million Are Trapped in Forced Labour Worldwide, Press Release ILO/05/22, International Labour Organization, 11 May 2005.

Students will access and participate in the course through WebCT at the University of Rhode Island and non-University of Rhode Island students will be able to register on July 6th, 2005.

Compiled from: Online Course on Sex Trafficking. The Network of East-West Women-Polska/NEWW. 9 May 2005.

The online discussion about the connection between ICTs and violence against women will take place May 16th-22nd and is called “VAW, ICTs and Global Policy Processes (BDPA, CEDAW, WSIS Declaration, etc.) – seeing the gaps, making the connections.” The email discussion will be moderated by the Association of Progressive Communications Women’s Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP), and the aim of the discussion will be to help feed into a draft paper that explores this subject and to create a collective understanding of this issue and to strategize actions that can be taken.

To participate in the email discussion, please send an email to Lenka Simerska at lenka@apcwomen.org. The outcome of the discussion will be summarized and posted on www.genderIT.org.

Compiled from: Cultivating Violence Through Technology? Network of East-West Women-Polska/NEWW. May 9, 2005.

In 1994, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery formed a partnership to provide free facial reconstructive surgery to victims of domestic violence. By 2002, volunteer surgeons through Face to Face: Domestic Violence Project had performed reconstructive surgery on over 1250 women. There are currently over 400 surgeons in forty-four states participating in Face o Face. Face to Face is affiliated with Face to Face International, a humanitarian program providing free facial reconstructive surgery to correct deformities due to birth defects and trauma.

Cosmetic surgery-based makeover television shows have contributed to a recent increase in demand for cosmetic surgery. The television exposure has also led to more survivors of domestic violence seeking information about reconstructive surgery. The facial reconstructive surgeries needed to correct severe damage from domestic violence are very complicated surgeries and are prohibitively expensive for many survivors. As cosmetic surgery becomes more profitable, more and more surgeons are looking for ways to give back to the community.

"Young doctors are getting more involved in Face to Face," Dr. William Silver, an initiator of the Face to Face program, "We have gotten so lucky in the past few years with the increase in acceptance of cosmetic surgery and its time to give back. This program is the golden opportunity to feel good about your self. "

In 1999, modeled after the Face to Face model, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry joined the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in creating the “Give Back a Smile” program. Give Back a Smile’s mission is to raise awareness of domestic violence, provide the dental profession the opportunity to give back to the community, and to give survivors hope for a better tomorrow. Through this program more than 850 dentists, lab technicians, and other dental professionals have volunteered their time and expertise. 248 victims of domestic abuse have received reconstructive dental surgery and 177 more are currently being treated throughout the United States through Give Back a Smile.

In order for survivors to participate in either the Face to Face program or Give Back a Smile the survivor must access the program through a domestic violence shelter or advocate. The Survivor must have left the abusive relationship and/or engaged in meaningful counseling to address the emotional scars of the abuse. Face to Face and Give Back a Smile work with domestic violence service providers to offer counseling and support to help victims break out of the cycle of abuse, enhance their self-esteem and begin to rebuild their lives.

"These women need to heal the emotional scars," said Rita Smith, executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "When they're ready, we help them heal the physical scars. Most of these women look years older due to the abuse. Some of these women have lived 20 years in a violent home and it's done so much to the way they look and feel about themselves."

Compiled From: "About Face: Program Gives Domestic Violence Victims a Fresh Outlook" Donley, Kelli, Forensic Nurse; "Abuse Survivors Given Free Plastic Surgery" Kobrin, Sandy, Womensenews 10 May 2005.

The report focuses, in part, on the effectiveness of civil society in the Czech Republic in dealing with the punishment of domestic violence. The case study followed a campaign whose goal it was to push through an amendment to the criminal law to make it punishable to tyrannize a person close to one or living in a joint household and to educate the public in questions relating to domestic violence. Prior to 2003, Czech criminal code did not allow for effective recourse in the event of domestic violence because the code did not recognize domestic violence as an independent criminal act and as such dealt with it as a common misdemeanor. It was therefore necessary to change both the public’s and the judiciary’s perception of the problem as not some feminist excess, but a problem that affected all of society. To that end, CSOs from around the country began coordinating a campaign to prevent domestic violence through legislation and public awareness. Through draft legislation, allies in government, and a public education campaign, criminal code 215a was amended in 2003.

This demonstrates, the report states, “the ability to create a broad and stable coalition between NGOs on the themes in question, the ability to use a variety of education/activation methods.” Finding a broad array of support from both civil society actors and government officials, “demonstrated the significance of an acceptable formulation of requirements linked with finding allies in parliament or government: in this respect we see the unsuccessful efforts made by proFem over many years, when the issue was perceived as feminist in character and therefore not broadly acceptable.”

To read the full report, please click below:
An Assessment of Czech Civil Society in 2004: after fifteen years of development.  CIVICUS Civil Society Index Report for the Czech Republic  (PDF 124 pages)

Compiled from: An Assessment of Czech Civil Society in 2004: after fifteen years of development. CIVICUS Civil Society Index Report for the Czech Republic. www.civicus.org. 2 May 2005

Freedom House reviews political rights and civil liberties in 192 countries and 14 disputed territories and ranks them on a 1 to 7 scale. 1 represents the most free and 7 represents the least free. Countries and territories that receive two 7s or a 6 and a 7 are included in the list of repressive regimes.

Belarus received a 7 for political rights and a 6 for civil liberties. The report identifies that due to extreme poverty and economic gender discrimination, women are being victimized in the international sex-trafficking trade.

Russia (Chechnya) received a 7 in each category. The report noted that women in this region are facing significant discrimination and violence within the traditional culture. Women are further being victimized in connection to the armed conflict. Women are being raped by soldiers and are being abducted.

Turkmenistan received a 7 in each category. The report noted that women's role in society is sharply curtailed by cultural and religious practices and that domestic violence is widespread.

Uzbekistan received a 7 for political rights and a 6 for civil liberties. Trafficking in women and domestic violence are significant problems in Uzbekistan. Perpetrators are domestic violence are rarely prosecuted and women are discouraged from reporting violence.

The Report draws attention to the fact that six of the countries identified as amongst the most repressive societies are members of the UN Commission of Human Rights and as such are charged with monitoring and addressing human rights abuses.

For a copy of the complete report, click here

Compiled From: "World's Worst Regimes Unveiled," Freedom House; "Freedom House Annual Survey: The World’s Most Repressive Regimes", e-CIVICUS 19 April, 2005

The Resolution "reaffirms that discrimination on the basis of sex is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other international human rights instruments." 

The Resolution "reaffirms that States have an obligation to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish the perpetrators of violence against women and girls and to provide protection to the victims, and that failure to do so violates and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms." It urges Governments that have not yet ratified CEDAW or the Optional Protocol to do so, and Governments who have ratified with reservations to withdraw them.

The Resolution specifically acknowledges the connection between violence against women and HIV/AIDS and emphasizes the need for Governments to comprehensively address the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

To read the draft Resolution in full click here

Over 50 percent of married women in Kyrgyzstan were kidnapped by their husbands; at least a third of all brides are taken against there will in an act of violence. The Kyrgyz practice is known as "ala kachuu," which translates approximately to "grab and run." Women and girls are taken off the street or from their homes to a man’s house and kept overnight. In the man’s home, the man’s family forces the woman into a white shawl which is called a "jooluk,:" a symbol of her submission. By tainting the women’s reputation and status as a virgin, the man coerces her into marriage.

The custom, although sometimes a ceremonial act between consenting partners, has its roots in tribal traditions of stealing women and horses from rival tribes. The practice is looked at by some Kyrgyz men as simpler than dating and less expensive that paying a standard "bride price." Talant Bakchiev, 34, a graduate student in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, said, explaining his participation in abductions: "Men steal women to show that they are men."

The practice has technically been illegal for some time, formerly under the laws of the Soviet Union and now under the 1994 Kyrgyz Criminal Code, but the law has rarely been enforced. The law is not well known, and prosecutions stemming from abductions are rare and usually are for an accompanying assault or rape.

There is growing awareness in Kyrgyzstan that bride kidnapping is a significant problem. In 2004, Canadian filmmaker Petr Lom, released a documentary about the practice. Russell Kleinbach, a sociology professor at Bishkek's American University, has been studying the practice. Lom and Kleinbach’s work on the issue have helped spur a national debate. Both men have publicized cases of abductions ending in the death of the woman. Kleinbach tells of a woman whose body was found in a river four days after her abduction. The family that abducted her was never charged with murder. Lom's film documents the mourning of a woman who hanged herself after being kidnapped. Her family was also unsuccessful in bringing her abductors to trial.

Kyrgyzstan ratified the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in 1995. In January 2004, Kyrgyzstan’s second periodic report was considered by the United Nation's Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW was provided information by women’s NGOs that the Kyrgyzstan government has been lax in protecting women from bride kidnapping, and is not enforcing the criminal prohibition on the practice. The Committee expressed disapproval at the Kyrgyzstan government’s acceptance of this discriminatory cultural practice and urged the Government to monitor the practice and take active steps to eliminate it.

Compiled from "The Bridal 'Grab and Run'" International Herald Tribune 29 April, 2005; "Interview with Petr Lom: Marriage by Abduction" www.pbs.org/frontlineworld; Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women 30th Session, 12-30 January 2004.

Every year 25,000 women become pregnant in the United States as a result of a sexual assault. As recognized by the DOJ, pregnancy is “often an overwhelming and genuine fear,” for rape victims. Emergency contraception is approved by the FDA and has been repeatedly found to be safe and effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that emergency contraception be offered to all sexual assault victims at risk of pregnancy.

Emergency contraception prevents eggs from being released or fertilized and, in some cases, keeps a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Routine use of emergency contraception could reduce the annual number of pregnancies by rape by 22,000.  The prevention of implantation has made emergency contraception controversial as it raises the debate about whether it should be considered a form of abortion.

Critizing the DOJ's decision to exclude the information, Act co-sponsor Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said: "We should be doing everything we can to help rape victims recover from sexual attacks, not withholding important health information from them."

Currently only four of the fifty states require emergency rooms to provide emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault. In a recent study by the American Civil Liberties Union of eleven states, emergency contraception was provided in fewer that 40% of emergency health care facilities in eight states. Emergency contraception is over 95% effective if taken within the first 24 hours after a sexual encounter and up to 89% effective if stared within 120 hours. Emergency contraception's window of effectiveness makes timely access critically important for women who desire the treatment.

Compiled from: "Helping Rape Victims: New Bill Would Change DOJ Decision to Exclude Morning After Pill From National Treatment Guidelines", Press Release, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney; "New Bill Seeks to Correct Decision to Omit EC from National Guidelines" Feminist Daily News Wire 14 March 2005; "Department of Justice Fails Rape Victims," The ACLU of Southern California Take Action Network; "Preventing Pregnancy after Rape: Emergency Cafre Facilities Put Women at Risk" ACLU, 2004; "'Best Help for Rape Victims Act' Giant Step Forward For Survivors of Sexual Assault Addresses Glaring Omission of Emergency Contraception From Department of Justice (DOJ) Sexual Assault Treatment Guidelines" Planned Parenthood 10 March 2005; "Guidelines for Treating Rape Victims Omit Emergency Contraction" http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org;