Aadel Collection

Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences

          
          General Assembly
          A
          Distr.
          GENERAL
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
          27 February 2008
          Original:
          ENGLISH/FRENCH/SPANICH
          HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
          Seventh session
          Agenda item 3
          PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL,
          POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL, INCLUDING THE
          RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT
          Report of the Special RapporteUr on violence against women,
          its causes and consequences, Yakin Ertürk
          Addendum
          Communications to and from Governments * **
          * The report is being circulated in the languages of submission only as it greatly exceeds the page
          limitations currently imposed by the relevant General Assembly resolutions.
          ** The report was submitted late in order to reflect the most recent information.
          UNITED
          NATIONS
        
          
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          Contents
          Paragraphs Page
          I. TRODUCTION 1-3 4
          II OVERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS 4-10 4-7
          III. TRENDS AND OBSERVATIONS 11-33 7-12
          IV. COMM ICATIONS SENT AND
          GOVERNMENT REPLIES RECEIVED 34-584 12-152
          Algeria 35-39 12-14
          Angola 40-45 14-15
          Argentina 46-58 15-19
          Australia 5973 19-23
          Babrain 74-78 23-24
          Bangladesh 79-90 24-28
          Brazil 91-105 28-32
          Colombia 106-112 32-34
          Ecuador 113-119 34-35
          Fiji 120-132 35-38
          Guatemala 133-153 39-45
          Guinea 154-158 45-47
          Honduras 159-168 47-49
          India 169-191
          Iran (Islamic Republic of) 192-233 54-64
          Iraq 234-246 65-67
        
          
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          Kyrgyzstati. 247-25 5 67-69
          Malaysia. - 256-259 69-72
          Mexico 260-286 72-79
          Myanmar - 287-294 79-8 1
          Mongolia 295-302 82-83
          Mozambic lue 303-311 83-86
          Nepal 3 12-354 86-96
          New Zealand 355-370 96100
          People's Rep iC of China 408-432 100-110
          Philippines 433-436 110-115
          Qatar 437.445 115-116
          Rdpubliçue D m ocratiqUe du Congo 446-461 116-118
          Saudi Arabia 462-470 118-121
          SouthAftiC 471-473 121-124
          Sri Lanika 47 1-473 124
          Sudan 474-482 124-126
          Sweden 483-494 127-129
          Turkey. 495-525 129-137
          United ab En irates 526529 137-138
          unitedKing4 m of Great Britain and Northern 530-548 138-142
          Ireland
          United Stat'e c f America 549-565 142-147
          UzbekistalL - 566-584 147-152
        
          
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          I. INTRODUCTION
          1. The Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution 2005/41 entitled
          “Elimination of violence against women”, encouraged the Special Rapporteur on
          Violence against Women, its causes and consequences (hereinafter “the Special
          Rapporteur”) to respond effectively to reliable information that comes before her and
          requested all Governments to cooperate with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the
          performance of her mandated tasks and duties, to supply all information requested,
          including with regard to implementation of her recommendations, and to respond to
          the Special Rapporteur's visits and communications.
          2. The present addendum to the Special Rapporteur's annual report contains, on a
          country by country basis, summaries of individual allegations, as well as urgent
          appeals sent to Governments on individual cases and general situations of concern to
          her mandate. This report includes summaries of the communications sent from
          1 January to 4 December 2007 (with respect to allegation letters), and to 4 January
          2008 (with respect to urgent appeals). The report also contains summaries of
          government replies received until 21 January 2008.
          3. The Special Rapporteur recalls that in issuing urgent appeals and transmitting
          allegations, she does not make any judgment concerning the merits of the respective
          cases, nor does she necessarily support the opinions and activities of the persons on
          behalf of whom she intervenes. In the original communications, the full names of
          victims and perpetrators have been provided to the Government concerned. In this
          report, the names of individual victims and alleged perpetrators have been replaced by
          initials in order to protect their privacy and to prevent further victimization as well as
          to avoid pre-judgement of the alleged perpetuators.
          II. OVERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS
          1. Communications sent
          4. From 1 January to 4 December 2007 and 4 January 2008, respectively, the
          Special Rapporteur transmitted 59 communications to 38 Member States: Algeria,
        
          
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          Angola, Argentina, Australia, Babrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Colombia,
          Ecuador, Fiji, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq,
          Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, New
          Zealand, the Philippines, Qatar, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia,
          South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Sudan, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United
          Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and
          Uzbekistan.
          5. 28 communications are allegation letters pertaining to allegations of human
          rights violations that had already occurred or reflected longstanding concerns. In 31
          cases, the Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal because a human rights violation
          was ongoing or imminent, and there was a need to inform the government authorities
          about the allegations received without any delay.
          6. 52 out of 59 communications were sent jointly with other mandate holders of
          the Human Rights Council, as follows:
          - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human
          rights defenders (24)
          - The Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading
          treatment or punishment (24)
          - The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to
          freedom of opinion and expression (9)
          - The Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants (8)
          - The Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
          pornography (7)
          - The Special Rapporteur on the human rights aspects of the victims of
          trafficking in persons, especially women and children (7)
          - The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (5)
          - The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental
          freedoms of indigenous people (5)
          - Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an
          adequate standard of living (4)
        
          
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          - The Special Rapporteur on the independence ofjudges and lawyers (3)
          - The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial
          discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (3)
          - The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (2)
          - The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief (2)
          - The independent expert on minority issues (1)
          - The Special Rapporteur on the right to food (1).
          7. The largest number of joint communications (24) was sent together either with
          the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture or the Special Representative of the
          Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders. The Special Rapporteur
          stresses that this fact indicates a convergence in the understanding of the diverse
          forms of human rights violations experienced by women with that of more
          conventional forms of violations. This may also signal an erosion of the public /
          private sphere dichotomy used for so long to exclude violence against women from
          public concern and scrutiny. Additional trends in the communications received are
          identified in chapter III below on “Trends and Observations”.
          2. Cooperation and replies of Governments to the Special Rapporteur
          8. In each of the communications, the Special Rapporteur has asked Governments
          to respond to a detailed set of questions in order to clarify the allegations submitted.
          As of 21 January 2008, the Special Rapporteur had received responses to 34 cases
          from Governments concerned and would like to express her particular appreciation
          for timely replies. The Special Rapporteur remains concerned that oniy
          19 communications sent in 2007 have so far been responded to. Sixteen Governments
          failed to respond and some responded only partially to the issues raised. The Special
          Rapporteur expresses her appreciation to have received, during the course of 2007,
          15 additional responses to communications sent in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
          9. The following Member States did not respond to any of the communications
          that the Special Rapporteur sent in 2007: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Babrain, Brazil,
          Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, Guinea, Iran, Myanmar, Mongolia, Mozambique,
          Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
        
          
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          10. Tn this regard, the Special Rapporteur would like to recall Commission on
          Human Rights resolution 2005/4 1 in which the Commission requested all
          Governments to cooperate with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance
          of her mandated tasks and duties, to supply all information requested, including with
          respect to the Special Rapporteur's communications.
          III. TRENDS AND OBSERVATIONS
          11. The communications sent concerned a wide array of issues related to violence
          against women, its causes and consequences, as defined in the 1993 United Nations
          Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. These included: arbitrary
          detention, torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, summary
          and extrajudicial executions; rape, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation; trafficking;
          and other forms of violence grounded in discrimination against women.
          12. These various forms of violence against women were committed by both State
          and non State actors. Overall, 35 out of 59 communications (59 per cent of the total
          number) concern allegations of violence against women, or threats thereof, committed
          by State agents. Police officers and military personnel in particular were identified as
          the main perpetrators. The Special Rapporteur notes in this respect article 4 (b) of the
          Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, which stipulates that
          States should pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of
          eliminating violence against women and, to this end, should refrain from engaging in
          violence against women.
          13. In addition, the Special Rapporteur also acted upon laws, regulations, drafts and
          specific legal provisions which seemed to discriminate against women and may
          condone or cause violence against women. Four letters were sent in this respect, and
          while this is a small percentage of the total number of communications, it reflects the
          importance the Special Rapporteur attaches to addressing the full spectrum of her
          mandate, including the causes and consequences of violence against women.
        
          
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          1. Torture or cruel, inhuman or degracliiig treatment or punishment
          14. 24 communications concern cases in which authorities tortured women and
          sentenced or subjected them to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment
          (including sentencing to death by stoning aiid corporal punishment). Such cases
          amount to 71 per cent of all abuses perpetrated by State agents that were subject of
          communications by the Special Rapporteur.
          15. The Special Rapporteur notes that torture is prohibited under a wide range of
          international instruments, such as article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and
          Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
          Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Torture is also prohibited by many regional
          instruments as well as under international criminal law and international humanitarian
          law.
          16. More specifically, the Special Rapporteur would like to stress that in its
          resolution 2005/39, the Commission on Human Rights reminded Governments that
          corporal punishment can amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment or even
          to torture. The Special Rapporteur on the question of torture 1 , the Human Rights
          Committee and the Committee against Torture have all called on States to abolish all
          forms of judicial and administrative corporal punishment without delay.
          2. Sexual violence
          17. 25 out of 59 communications (42 peir cent of the total number) concern
          allegations of rape, sexual abuse and exploitation. 16 thereof (64 per cent) were
          allegedly committed by State agents.
          18. The Special Rapporteur notes that, in recent years, there has been an increased
          and explicit recognition of some forms of violeace against women in international and
          national courts as amounting to torture and ilL-treatment, the best known examples
          being rape by private or public actors in conflict or in custodial settings. Other forms
          of violence against women, such as physical or sexual violence in an intimate
          See A/60/316.
        
          
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          relationship, if committed with the acquiescence of the State, may qualify as torture or
          cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment as well. Tin this regard, the Special Rapporteur
          on the question of torture joined the Special Rapporteur on violence against women in
          seven communications pertaining to allegations of rape.
          19. Under international human rights law, notably the Declaration on the
          Elimination of Violence against Women and the Convention against Torture and
          Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, States have thus the
          obligations to criminalize acts of torture and violence against women, prosecute
          perpetrators and provide reparation to victims. Accordingly, States must thus do their
          utmost to prevent the perpetration of sexual iiolence, address any act of sexual
          violence and offer judicial remedies to the victims.
          3. Violence against human rights defenlers
          20. The Special Rapporteur observes an ongoing trend to subject female human
          rights defenders and women's rights defenders to violence, including arbitrary
          detention and threats of violence. 24 out of 59 communications (41 per cent of the
          total number) concerned cases of this nature.
          21. The great majority of these cases (16 out of 24; 67 per cent of the violence
          against human rights defenders cases) concerned women's rights defenders and the
          alleged perpetrators were mostly identified as State agents (21 out of 24; 87.5 per cent
          of the violence against human rights defenders cases).
          22. Tin this respect, the Special Rapporteur would like to remind Member States that
          by ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
          Women they have committed themselves to take all appropriate measures to eliminate
          discrimination against women in the political and public life of their respective
          country and, in particular, to ensure to women, on equal terms with men, the right to
          participate in non governmental organizations and associations concerned with the
          public and political life of the country (article 7 of the Convention). Further, the
          Special Rapporteur wishes to reiterate the principle reiterated in Commission on
        
          
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          Human Rights resolution 2005/3 8 in which the Commission calls on States to
          facilitate the full, equal and effective participation and free communication of women
          at all levels of decision making in their societies.
          4. Violence against women facing multiple and intersecting layers of
          discrimination
          23. 19 out of 59 communications sent (32 per cent of the total number) concerned
          women facing multiple and intersecting layers of discrimination.
          24. Women belonging to national, ethnic or religious minorities or lower social
          castes, indigenous women, and migrant women are strongly overrepresented among
          reported victims. The Special Rapporteur has also acted on a case of a
          transgender/gay activist, who was targeted due to his sex identity choice and his
          activity of bisexuals, gays and travesties' rights defender, as well as on a case of a
          lesbian couple, who was reportedly persecuted because of their sexual orientation.
          25. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur would like to refer to Commission on
          Human Rights resolution 2005/41 on the elimination of violence against women in
          which the Commission calls on States to address the specific circumstances facing
          indigenous women and girls in relation to gender-based violence, especially sexual
          violence, arising from multiple, intersecting and aggravated forms of discrimination,
          including racism, paying particular attention to the structural causes of violence.
          26. The Special Rapporteur would also like to draw the attention of Member States
          to article 22, paragi aph 2, of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
          Indigenous Peoples 2 which stipulates that States shall take measures, in conjunction
          with indigenous peoples, to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full
          protection and guarantees against all fonns of violence and discrimination.
          5. Trafficking of women, and sale of children
          2 General Assembly resolution 61/295.
        
          
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          27. The Special Rapporteur expresses her concern over the many cases of
          trafficking in persons and sale of children on which she acted (11 out of 59; 19 per
          cent of the total number), and with respect to which women and girls were most
          affected.
          28. Several communications sent concern groups of women or children being
          trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. This fact reveals the existence of a
          net of criminal organizations, taking advantage of poverty, lack of knowledge and
          education, border guards' corruptibility and many other factors. In this regard the
          Special Rapporteur would like to stress the States' duty and responsibility to fight this
          ever-increasing phenomenon, whether the States are countries of origin, transit or
          destination of trafficking.
          29. The Special Rapporteur encourages Member States to ratify the Protocol to
          Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and
          Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational
          Organized Crime, and to make use of the “Recommended Principles and Guidelines
          on Human Rights and Human Trafficking” developed by the Office of the United
          Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 3
          6. Failure to prevent and respond to violence against women with due
          diligence
          30. According to the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women
          and other human rights instruments, States have a duty to take positive action and
          exercise due diligence to prevent and protect women from violence, to prosecute and
          appropriately sanction perpetrators of violence and to ensure that victims of violence
          receive compensation. States have this duty regardless of whether the relevant acts
          have been committed by private or State actors. The failure to comply with any aspect
          of the due diligence obligation constitutes a human rights violation.
          E/2002/6 8/Add. 1.
        
          
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          31. 28 out of 59 communications sent (47 per cent of the total number) concerned
          allegations that a State failed to meet its obligations of due diligence in combating
          violence against women. The Special Rapporteur has for instance acted on cases in
          which authorities have been reported to let investigations or prosecutions of acts of
          violence against women lag, or where authorities failed to administer appropriate
          punishments and penalties.
          32. Several communications sent indicate that general problems of impunity and
          corruption in the public sector exacerbate gender-based violence by depriving women
          of the option to invoke the rule of law to counter social power structures that
          systematically discriminate against women.
          33. The Special Rapporteur would like to recall her report on the Due Diligence
          Standard as a Tool for the Elimination of Violence against Women 4 and reiterate that
          States cannot delegate their human rights obligations to prevent and respond to
          violence against women with due diligence. They must therefore make appropriate,
          decisive and timely interventions whenever public or private actors, State or
          traditional justice mechanisms engage in and condone violence against women, or
          otherwise fail to address it adequately.
          IV. COMMUNICATIONS SENT
          AND GOVERNMENT REPLIES RECEIVED
          34. Country specific communications sent and Government replies received are
          presented in the language received. In some cases the Special Rapporteur provides
          suggestions on which additional information is required to respond effectively to the
          information received or draw the attention of Governments concerned to relevant
          findings and recommendations contained in her country mission reports and
          international human rights instruments.
          Algérie
          E!CN.4/2006/61.
        
          
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          Lettre d ‘allegation
          35. Le 6 mars 2007, la Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général concernant la
          situation des défenseurs des droits de l'homme, la Rapporteuse spéciale chargée de la
          question de la violence contre les femmes, y compris ses causes et ses consequences
          et le Rapporteur special sur la promotion et la protection du droit a la liberté d'opinion
          et d'expression ont envoyé une lettre d'ailégation au Gouvernement concernant
          i'interdiction d'un séminaire sur les disparitions forcées a Alger.
          36. Seloii les informations recues : le 7 février 2007, le séminaire <>, organisé par le Collectif des familles de disparus en
          Algérie, DS Disparus, Djazairouna, l'Association nationale des families de disparus
          et S omoud, n' aurait pu se tenir en raison de i'intervention des forces de 1' ordre alors
          même que les autorités algériennes auraient été informées et invitées a ce séminaire et
          que celles-ci n'auraient pas manifesté leur opposition a sa tenue. Les forces de l'ordre,
          venues ei grand nombre, auraient empêché 1' accès a la salle de conference située dans
          un hotel cL'Alger et auraient également fait couper l'alimentation électrique. Les
          conférenders déjà presents dans la salle se seraient alors installés a la tribune a la
          lueur des Fougies, mais les forces de l'ordre auraient fait évacuer entièrement la salle.
          37. La 1R.apporteuse Spéciale chargée de la question de la violence contre les
          fernines, i compris ses causes et ses consequences avait app elé le Gouvernement a
          autoriser I a tenue de ce séminaire, notamment lors d'une reunion au Ministère de
          l'intérieiirle 27 janvier 2007.
          38. De ‘vives preoccupations furent exprimées selon lesquelles l'interdiction de ce
          séminair, au lendemain de la signature par 1'Algérie de la Convention sur les
          disparitioris forcées a Paris, ne visait a ernpêcher les organisations non-
          gouvemenientales susmentionnées de poursuivre leurs activités de defense des droits
          de l'honurie en matière de disparitions forcées.
          Observations
        
          
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          39. La Rapporteuse Spéciale regrette que le Gouvemement n'ait pas répondu a sa
          communication envoyée en 2007 et réitère son intérêt a recevoir des réponses
          concernant les allegations soumises.
          Angola
          Urgent appeal
          40. On 13 December 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of
          migrants and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture sent an urgent appeal
          concerning the detention and deportation of a large number of Congolese nationals
          from Angola to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
          41. According to reports received, there have been serious human rights abuses
          against the Congolese deportees, which have been allegedly committed by the
          Angolan security forces at the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo
          and Angola. These abuses have been purportedly targeted toward groups of migrant
          workers mainly composed of Congolese citizens who are involved in informal
          diamond mining activities in Angola.
          42. The abuses reported include the systematic use of physical and sexual violence,
          confiscation of the migrant's belongings and separation of family members during the
          expulsion process. Allegedly, women were systematically raped by Angolan security
          forces, on many occasions in front of their children or in public. Women were
          continuously raped - while being expulsed from their homes, in provisional detention
          facilities, at the checkpoints and during their transport to the border.
          43. In addition, the health situation of the expelled migrants is a major concern. As
          most of them have been involved in informal diamond mining, they and their families,
          including children, have allegedly been forced to submit to invasive bodily searches
          (including the anal and vaginal cavities) to uncover hidden diamonds. According to
          the reports, the searches are being conducted in such a maimer that they are causing
          psychological and physical trauma to the deportees. The mental and physical health of
        
          
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          women victims of sexual violence is of particular concern: it has been reported that
          they suffer from various pains in their vagina and lower stomach, and have been
          deeply traumatized by the abuse they suffered. Most of them have not received any
          health care upon their arrival to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
          44. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteurs received information that migrants had
          been allegedly kept in incommunicado detention in harsh conditions before their
          deportations, subjected to beatings and other forms of ill-treatment, having been
          denied food and water provisions both during their detention periods and during their
          deportation to the Congolese border. Moreover, there were reports of deaths due to
          exhaustion or maltreatment.
          Observations
          45. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government of Angola did not reply to
          this communication and reiterates her interest in receiving responses from the
          Government in regard to the allegations submitted and would be particularly
          interested to know whether these cases have resulted in any prosecutions of alleged
          perpetrators, and whether victims of rape have been granted reparation.
          Argentina
          Carta de alegación
          46. El 10 de mayo de 2007, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer,
          con inclusion de sus causas y consecuencias, junto con la Relatora Especial sobre la
          trata de personas, especialmente las mujeres y los niflos, enviaron una carta de
          alegación al Gobiemo de la Argentina en relación con la trata intemacional y interna
          de mujeres y niflos.
          47. Segán la información recibida, las vIctimas de trata intemacional para
          explotación sexual en Argentina provendrlan en su mayorla de Paraguay. Mujeres y
          niflas serian reclutadas por redes que operan en todo el territorio de este pals,
        
          
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          principalmente en pueblos rurales y barrios pobres de Asunción. Estas redes
          ofrecerlan a las mujeres y niflas trabajo como empleadas de limpieza en casas o en
          comercios, o no especificarlan el tipo de trabajo realizar. Se informa además que
          una de las razones por las cuales el engaño serla efectivo es porque antiguamente
          existla una práctica que consistla en enviar a niflas a trabaj ar a casas de familia con el
          compromiso de permitirles estudiar y mantener el coatacto regular con sus familias de
          origen. Se estima que en pueblos del interior si bsistirla la creencia de que esta
          práctica sigue ocurriendo. De esta manera, las victiinas migrarlan hacia Argentina con
          la esperanza del empleo prometido, antes de resiiltar ser forzadas a trabaj ar en la
          prostitución. También se han recibido informes sobre casos de muj eres y niflas que
          habrIan sido obj eto de trata intema de personas con el fin de su explotación sexual en
          Paraguay, antes de ser ilevadas a Argentina.
          48. La mayoria de las muj eres y niflas vIctimas cle Ia trata entrarian a Argentina por
          uno de los pasos fronterizos legalmente habilitado s. IMuchas se desplazarlan hacia la
          ciudad fronteriza de Encamación antes de efectuar el cruce. Esta ciudad está unida a
          Posadas, la capital de la provincia de Misiones, por el. puente internacional San Roque
          Gonzalez de Santa Cruz. En Encamación, se recurriria a “motoqueiros”, “mototaxis”,
          “combis”, vehIculos particulares o autobuses d .e Ilnea internacional o de larga
          distancia para atravesar el puente. Tarnbién se usadan pequeflas embarcaciones para
          cnizar el rIo Paraná. Los reclutadores generalmente ito cruzarlan la frontera junto con
          las muj eres, sino que las esperarlan al otro lado del puente, o en la terminal de
          ónmibus de Posadas. Otros puntos importantes de entrada de victimas de trata de
          personas a Argentina serian Puerto Rico, el cruce de Bemardo de Irigoyen, y la zona
          de Candelarias.
          49. En la mayoria de los casos, el cruce de la. frontera se efectuarla de manera
          regular Las muj eres adultas cruzarian la frontera coii la documentación de su pals de
          origen y accederlan a una visa turista por un perlodo de tres meses.
          50. Las menores viajarlan acompafladas o con on permiso regularmente obtenido.
          Sin embargo, también se sefiala que algunos tratantes contarlan con la complicidad de
          las autoridades de policia de ambos lados de la fronteTa o aprovecharlan momentos de
          escasa vigilancia. En este sentido, habria evidencia del pago de coimas a funcionarios
        
          
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          en la frontera por parte de los tratantes, y de la escasa vigilancia acerca del permiso de
          menores para poder viajar a Argentina.
          51. Por otro lado, también se han reportado casos de uso de documentos falsificados
          o robados para ingresar al territorio argentino. Otra modalidad de ingreso de vIctimas
          de trata serla la entrada por la categorla migratoria de Tránsito Vecinal Fronterizo
          (TVF), que permite el ingreso al territorio por 72 horas cuando las personas
          permanecen dentro de un radio de 50 kilómetros de la frontera. En este marco, las
          formalidades de entrada son simplificadas. Sin embargo, una vez que las mujeres
          habrIan ingresado al territorio argentino por este medio, los reclutadores les
          suministrarian tarjetas migratorias con visa turista marcadas con sellos faisificados.
          En ci puesto de control migratorio de San José, que se encuentra en el punto limite del
          radio de 50 metros para las visas TVF, funcionarios de la Dirección Nacional de
          Migraciones (DNM) habrian identificado varios casos de trata intemacional de
          victimas que hablan ingres ado con la visa TVF, y luego habrian presentado una tarj eta
          con un sello falsificado. Por ültimo, existirian casos dónde se usarla documentos
          pertenecientes a otras personas para facilitar la entrada de mujeres mayores y menores
          de edad.
          52. Las vIctimas de trata intema provendrIan principalmente de las provincias de
          Misiones, Corrientes, Chaco, Santa Fe y Tucumán. También se ha recibido
          informaciones sobre La Rioja y Buenos Aires como lugares de proveniencia de las
          vIctimas. En los casos de trata intema, las vIctimas también serian reclutadas
          principalmente mediante una promesa engafiosa de empleo. El reclutador ofrecerla
          directamente un trabajo de empleada de hogar o en un comercio, o recurriria al uso de
          anuncios poco explIcitos sobre las tareas a realizar.
          53. También se han recibido informes sobre casos de vIctimas que fueron
          secuestradas con el fin de su posterior explotación sexual. Se estima que, durante los
          illtimos cinco a os, hay más de 70 casos de mujeres y niflas desparecidas, habrian
          sido captadas por redes de tratantes en la provincia de Tucumán.
        
          
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          Page 18
          54. Las muj eres y nifias vIctimas de trata provendrIan generalmente de situaciones
          de pobreza extrema, habrIan tenido dificil acceso a la educación y carecerlan de
          oportunidades de ernpleo. En ambos casos de trata interna e intemacional, los
          principales lugares de destino serlan las provincias de Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Entre
          RIos, La Pámpa, Chubut, Santa Cruz y Tierra del Fuego.
          55. Al liegar al lugar de destino, los tratantes recurrirlan a distintos métodos de
          coacción que variarian entre amenazas psicológicas y formas extremas de violencia
          fisica. Testimonios recibidos, indicarlan que las mujeres habrIan sido amenazadas,
          violadas y golpeadas por los tratantes. En muchos casos también se les confiscarian
          sus documentos de identidad inforrnándoles de que “contraj eron” una deuda con el
          tratante por los gastos del viaje, entre otros motivos adelantados.
          56. Se informa que la explotación sexual de las vIctimas de trata ocurrirIa en lugares
          denominados whiskerlas y cabarets que constituirlan la figura más comiin bajo la cual
          se esconderlan los prostIbulos. Para los mismos fines, también se recurriria a
          departamentos llamados “privados”, especialmente en las grandes ciudades. Su
          funcionamiento seria similar al de los cabarets o whiskerlas, y se explotaria como
          promedio a 7 mujeres por “privado”.
          57. El sistema de las “plazas” permitirla que el proxeneta que no cuenta con un
          establecimiento propio pueda enviar a las vIctimas a distintos prostIbulos, cada vez
          por un lapso de tiempo que varla entre una semana y 45 dIas, denominado “plaza”,
          por el cual cobrarla una suma fij a de dinero, sobre la base de lo que las muj eres
          explotadas puedan ilegar a recaudar. El sistema impediria que las muj eres ileguen a
          establecer relaciones duraderas con un cliente al que podrIan liegar a pedir ayuda o
          denunciar su situación, al mismo tiempo que responderla a la dernanda de “chicas
          nuevas”.
          Observaciones
          58. La Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la muj er, con inclusion de sus
          causas y consecuencias, lamenta no haber recibido respuesta a su comunicación
          enviada el 10 de mayo de 2007 al Gobierrio de Argentina en el momento de
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 19
          finalización del presente informe y reitera su interés en recibir respuestas en relación
          con las alegaciones sometidas.
          Australia
          Allegation letter
          59. On 10 October 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women,
          jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental
          freedoms of indigenous people and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of
          racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, sent an allegation
          letter to the Government regarding the recent adoption of the Northern Territory
          National Emergency legislation in response to the situation of child abuse in
          Aboriginal communities.
          60. According to information received, on 14 June 2007 the Northern Territory
          Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse
          released its final report Little Children are Sacred (Ampe Akelyernemane Meke
          Mekarle). The outcome of a research of eight months, the report provided a blunt
          description of the situation of “common, widespread and grossly under-reported”
          sexual abuse of children, in particular of girls, in Northern Territory Aboriginal
          communities, which is depicted as a “reflection of historical, present and continuing
          social dysfunction.” The report contains a broad set of recommendations ranging from
          prevention (including education, health services, housing, and employment measures)
          to law and order, protection of children, and rehabilitation.
          61. On 17 August 2007, following the proposals tabled by the Minister for Families,
          Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Senate passed a package of
          legislation integrated by the Northern Territory National Emergency Response Bill
          2007; the Social Security and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment
          (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Bill 2007;
          and the Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation
          Amendment 2007 (hereinafter “NTNER legislation”).
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          62. The recently adopted NTNER legislation includes a number of extraordinary
          measures applicable only to Aboriginal communities of Northern Territory, including
          a system of alcohol restrictions, as well as offences for breaching these restrictions;
          the acquisition of townships through five year leases; the licensing of community
          stores; the audits of publicly funded computer, with offences for illicit use; a ban on
          pornographic materials, an income management system; and changes to the
          communities' permit system. These measures were coupled with a substantial increase
          in the funding required to put them in place in the first twelve months after their entry
          into force.
          Reply from the Government
          63. On 22 November 2007, the government replied to the letter sent on 10 October
          2007. It stated that the measures which comprise the NTER are necessary to ensure
          that indigenous inhabitants of the Northern Territory, and in particular indigenous
          women and children in relevant communities, are able to enjoy their social and
          political rights on an equal footing with other Australians.
          64. The Australian Government declared to have taken immediate action following
          the Little Children are Sacred Report which confirmed the strong link between
          alcohol abuse, violence and the sexual abuse of children.
          65. The Government said that the NTIER implements Australia's obligations under
          the Convention on the Rights of the Child and claimed that the NTER was not in
          contrast with the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial
          Discrimination since the different treatment, indigenous people would be submitted
          to, was based on objective and reasonable criteria that implement a legitimate purpose
          under relevant treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
          66. It was maintained that the “special measures” for the purpose of the Racial
          Discrimination Act 1975, which implements Australia's obligation under the
          International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, do not seek to
          take away rights and freedom. Rather, they provide the foundation for rebuilding
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 21
          social and economical structures and give meaningful content to Indigenous rights
          and freedom.
          67. Furthermore, it was stressed that State and Territory child welfare and
          authorities will be able to request the Government to income manage parents' welfare
          payments in circumstances where they consider it is necessary to ensure that parents
          meet their obligations to provide for their children's basic needs.
          68. Regarding the consultation, the Government asserted that all prescribed
          communities have been visited by teams from the Operation Centre and that a series
          of regional community engagement workshops is underway. These workshops are
          informing community members about the emergency response, providing an
          opportunity for discussion, building relationships and seeking their involvement in the
          implementation of the response. Also, the Centrelink (the Government's welfare
          payment delivery agency) is meeting individually with those affected by the welfare
          reform measures. Further, Government Business Managers have been appointed for
          each community to provide an on-the-ground Government presence.
          69. Moreover, the restrictions and general ban regarding alcohol and pornography
          were claimed to be on all people in prescribed areas with the unique purposes of
          helping these communities to deal with alcohol problems in a better way and avoiding
          young children to be exposed to sexually explicit material with adverse effect on the
          wellbeing and safety of these children. Also, the Government has introduced welfare
          reforms in the NTBR to stem the flow of cash being used to buy substances such as
          alcohol, drugs and pornography, and to ensure that money meant for children's
          welfare is used for that purpose.
          70. Additionally, it was stated that the Government will compulsorily acquire leases
          over towns and communities specified by legislation for a period of five years. The
          area of the land is less than 0.1 per cent of all indigenous land. The Government
          considers this as crucial to removing barriers to implementing the NTBR. It will allow
          the Government to stabilize communities and ensure that children live in a cleaner
          environment with more sustainable housing. Further, underlying rights, title and
        
          
          AJHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 22
          interest of the indigenous owners will be preserved and compensation will be
          provided whether payable.
          71. Regarding the existing permit system, the Government affirmed it has created
          close communities which has hidden from public view and allowed some people to
          create a climate of fear and intimidation. Therefore, public access will be allowed for
          common areas in maj or communities, but homes will remain private and sacred sites
          will be respected. In fact, the permit system will be retained for 99.8 per cent of the
          indigenous land.
          72. Finally, the Government assured that, even if a court or bail authority will still
          be able to consider customary law in limited circumstances, legislation makes it clear
          that the decision to grant bail or impose a particular sentence should not be based on
          whether the criminal behaviour would be assessed as less, or more serious, due to
          customary law or cultural practice.
          Observations
          73. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of Australia for its
          reply to her communication. She would like to appeal to the Australian Government
          that, in its implementation of the Northern Territory National Emergency legislation,
          it take all necessary measures to guarantee to indigenous women and girls the right to
          be free from any form of violence, discrimination and abuse, and monitor and address
          any negative impact on women of the implementation of this particular legislation. In
          this respect, the Special Rapporteur recalls article 4 (c & d) of the United Nations
          Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, which notes the
          responsibility of States to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and, in
          accordance with national legislation, punish acts of violence against women, whether
          those acts are perpetrated by the State or by private persons. To this end, States should
          develop penal, civil, labour and administrative sanctions in domestic legislation to
          punish and redress the wrongs caused to women who are subjected to violence.
          Women who are subjected to violence should be provided with access to the
          mechanisms of justice and, as provided for by national legislation, to just and
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 23
          effective remedies for the harm that they have suffered. States should, moreover, also
          inform women of their rights in seeking redress through such mechanisms.
          Bahrain
          Allegation letter
          74. On 25 October 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women,
          jointly with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of
          human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection
          of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sent an allegation letter concerning
          Ms G J., a women's rights activist and involved in the Bahrain Women's Petition.
          75. According to information received, in early October, a formal governmental
          decision has been revealed concerning a prohibition for Ms. G J. to appear in the
          Bahraini press, including radio, television and all local newspapers. Allegedly, this
          prohibition may be related to a letter that she sent to His Highness the King of
          Bahrain calling for the dissolution of the Supreme Council for Women, which is
          chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Sabika Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.
          76. Ms. G J. had already faced charges in the past related to her professional
          activities. In 2005, she was criminally prosecuted for allegedly criticizing family
          judges. These proceedings were later discontinued. This case was the subject of a joint
          urgent appeal sent on 13 June 2005 by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
          protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur
          on violence against women, its causes and consequences and the Special
          Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders.
          Since 2006, Ms. G J. has allegedly been placed under surveillance, having her
          activities and movements monitored by security officials.
          Observations
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 24
          77. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government of Bahrain did not reply to
          her communication sent in 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a response
          from the Government in regard to the allegations submitted and would be particularly
          interested to know whether these cases have resulted in any prosecutions of alleged
          perpetrators.
          78. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur deems it appropriate to make reference to
          article 7(c) of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
          against Women which explicitly provides for the promotion and protection of women
          in freely participating in public matters. States agreed to take all appropriate measures
          to eliminate discrimination against women in the political and public life of the
          country and, in particular, to ensure to women, on equal terms with men, the right to
          participate in non-governmental organizations and associations concerned with the
          public and political life of the country. Further, the Special Rapporteur wishes to
          reiterate the principle reiterated in Resolution 2005/38 of the Commission on Human
          Rights which calls on States to facilitate the full, equal and effective participation and
          free communication of women at all levels of decision making in their societies.
          Bangladesh
          Response from the Government to an allegation letter sent in 2006
          79. On 17 November 2006, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture sent an
          allegation letter to the Government of Bangladesh concerning M. K., a 14-year old
          girl, and her brother R. I., both residing in Uttar Chandani Mahal, Dighalia police
          station section, Khulna district. M. K. was on the receiving end of an attempt of rape
          and his brother was beaten. The full details of the allegations submitted have been
          reflected in the Special Rapporteur's previous report on communications sent and
          received. 5
          5 A/HRC/4/34/Add. 1.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 25
          80. On 4 April 2007, the Government replied to the letter and stated that the
          allegations as referred to in the communication have been duly investigated by the
          concerned authorities in Bangladesh. Findings of the investigation were attached,
          responding specifically to questions asked by the Special Rapporteurs:
          - The alleged facts stated in the summary of the case are not accurate.
          - On 30 July 2006, a complain against assistant sub inspector (ASI) M. A.
          of Khulna district police was lodged by victim M. K. to the learned
          “Woman and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal”, Khulna.
          Subsequently, the Magistrate 1 st class Mr. Z. R., Zone-A, Khulna was
          directed by the learned Judge of the Tribunal to conduct a judicial enquiry
          into the matter. The learned Magistrate submitted a report on 25 February
          2007 stating that no prima-facie case was made out in the enquiry.
          - An enquiry was held by Ms. R. B., assistant superintendent of the police
          (HQ), Khulna also. She found that on 21 July 2006 at about 3 pm, acting
          on a tip-off ASI M. A. along with a two constables rushed to the house of
          a wanted terrorist named R. I. (26), the victim's brother, son of late H. at
          H. D. (dacoit) of village North Chandnimahal, police station-Digholia,
          District-Khulna. Sensing the presence of police, R. I. tried to run away
          from his house. Constable-1535 M. M. A. was sent to the nearest police
          camp for effecting reinforcement. Again, R. I. made an attempt to flee.
          But, ASI M. A. swooped on and arrested him. Then some of his relatives
          including M. K. arrived there and tried to free R. I. from police custody.
          At one stage, ASI M. A. was also assaulted by the relatives o R. I.
          However, he managed to round up R. I. Having been reinforced, police
          brought the situation under control. Then, R. I. and his accomplices were
          taken to Digholia police station and a case was registered against them
          (Case No-07 dated 42 July 06 under section 186/224/225/320/353/511 of
          Penal Code). After due investigation, a charge-sheet was submitted against
          04 (sic) persons including R. I. At the time of writing the case was under
          trial. In course of enquiry, it was revealed that R. I. was arrested in broad
          daylight just on the baiik of the pond. So the complain of attempt to rape
        
          
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 26
          his sister Ms. M. K. and demanding bribe are totally baseless and
          fabricated.
          - No compensation has been provided to the victim or the family of the
          victim by any organization so far.
          Allegation letter
          81. On 16 January 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of
          judges and lawyers sent an allegation letter to the Government concerning Mrs. A. R.
          M. (born 11 November 1989), wife of Mr. J. M., from Khaliar Chak village, under the
          Paikgachha police station in Khulna district.
          82. According to information received, on 23 July 2006, Mr. P. M., member of a
          rich and influential family and reportedly not related to the victim, allegedly raped
          Mrs. A.R. M. when she was alone at home. Upon hearing her crying for help, her
          neighbours and her husband, who arrived home by then, apprehended Mr. P. M. Soon
          after, Mr. P. M.'s brother, Mr. K. M., the son, Mr. B. M., and two relatives, Mr. S. M.
          and Mr. B. N. M., allegedly arrived on the scene, physically assaulted the victim and
          her family, including her husband, and took Mr. P. M. away thereby preventing him
          from being handed over to the police.
          83. The Investigation Officer of the rape case, Sub Inspector Mr. M.U., submitted
          the Charge Sheet No. 141 to the Paikgachha Magistrate's Cognizance Court under
          section 9 (1) of the Women and Child Repression Prevention Act-2003. However, in
          his investigation report, Mr. M.U. submitted the charge against only the alleged
          perpetrator, Mr. P.M. The assault charges against the other four alleged perpetrators
          of the assault have been dropped even though the report mentions that while Mr. P.M.
          was raping the victim, he was apprehended by her family. Later, Mr. P.M. ‘s brothers
          and nephews came to the house, assaulted the victim's family members and took Mr.
          P.M. away. The Superintendent of Police of Khulna district, Mr. M.I. supervised the
          case in person by visiting the scene and, having interviewed the eyewitnesses,
          officially forwarded the police investigation report to the court, but failed to identify
        
          
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 27
          the involvement of the fellow perpetrators. The case has now been forwarded to the
          Women and Child repression Special Tribunal of Khulna for trial.
          84. As of 6 December 2006, the perpetrators allegedly complicit in the incident
          have not been arrested or charged. It is alleged that the police officers who dropped
          the assault charges against the four accomplices might have been bribed. The victim,
          her family and the case witnesses are subjected to threats. Mr. P.M. is allegedly
          pressuring the victim to withdraw the case by threatening to use his wealth and
          influence to bribe the police and ensure that they submit a false “Final report”. It is
          also alleged that Mr. P.M: allegedly also threatened a key witness trying to cause
          them to make false affidavits in his favour.
          Response from the Government
          85. On 25 January 2007 the Government of Bangladesh acknowledged receipt of
          the communication and on 25 May 2007, it replied to the allegation letter dated 16
          January 2007 concerning the alleged rape of Mrs. A R M of Paikgacha Police Station,
          District: Khulna, Bangladesh.
          86. The Government stated that the allegations as referred to have been investigated
          by concerned agencies in Bangladesh. Mrs. A R M wife of Mr. Z M of village: Kahar
          Chak, Police station: Paikgacha, district: Khulna lodged an First information Report
          (F.I.R) against Mr.? M, son of late S N M of the same village at Paikgacha Police
          Station under section 9 (1) “women and Children repression Prevention Act 2000(
          amendment 2003)” on 25.7.2006. The investigations officer (1.0) of the said criminal
          case submitted charge sheet (No.141, dated 11.9.2006) against Mr. P M under section
          8(1) of the said Act in the concerned court.
          87. According to medical expert's opinion, there was no sign of forcible sexual
          intercourse with the victim Mrs. A R M. On 25 January 2007, Mrs. M. declared
          through an affidavit that she was not raped by Mr. P. M. In her affidavit she also
          mentioned that there was a dispute between Mr. P. M. and her husband on land
          property issue. Mrs. M. confirmed that she had only an altercation with Mr. P. M.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 28
          about the disputed property of her husband. The alleged rape incident is, therefore,
          categorically ruled out.
          88. The case against Mr. P. M. was under trial in the special Tribunal, Khulna. In
          the meantime, the alleged accused Mr. P. M. has been granted bail by the Hounorable
          High Court Division, Dhaka. The victim and the accused will receive fair judgement
          as guaranteed by the law of the land.
          89. On 13 June 2007, the Government sent to the Special Rapporteur a letter with
          the affidavit signed by Ms. A. R. M. The content of the affidavit correspond to what
          the Government affirmed in its previous letter to the Special Rapporteur.
          Observations
          90. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of Bangladesh for
          its replies to her communication.
          Brazil
          Allegation letter
          91. On 9 November 2007, the Special Rapporteur on Violence against women,
          jointly with the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right
          to an adequate standard of living, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, the
          Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of
          indigenous people, sent an allegation letter regarding the human rights situation of the
          Guarani Kaiowá community of Nhanderu Marangatu, in the state of Mato Grosso do
          Sul, including recent allegations regarding abuses perpetrated by private security
          guards contracted by local farmers. The reported abuses against local communities by
          personnel of private security companies were the subject of a joint communication
          sent by the Special Rapporteur on the right to food and the Chairperson of the
          Working Group on the use of mercenaries on 8 November 2007 (BRA 18/2007).
          A. The legal status of the Nhanderu Marangatu Indigenous Land
        
          
          AJHRCI7/6IAdd. 1
          Page 29
          92. According to the information received, the Guarani Kaiowá community of
          Nhanderu Maragantu, integrated by 500 members, has been gradually expelled from
          their traditional lands in Mato Grosso do Sul by the opening of large commercial
          farms. Since 1999, they lived in an area of 26 hectares on the margins of road MS
          384, in tarpaulin shacks, in the access to the ranches Fronteira, Morreo Alto and
          Cedro. Since 2004, the Guarani Kaiowá started to reoccupy their traditional lands then
          in hands of private owners, occupying an area of 400 hectares within the boundaries
          of several private farms.
          93. The Nhanderu Marangatu Indigenous Land was officially recognized by
          Presidential Decree of 28 March 2005, which ratified the demarcation previously
          undertaken by the National Indian Foundation (FUNJA) of the GuaranI Kaiowá
          traditional lands. The land demarcated included an area of 9, 17 hectares within the
          municipality of Antonio João, in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul.
          94. The process of official recognition of the Nhanderu Marangatu indigenous land
          was however suspended by injunction of President of the Federal Supreme Court
          (STF) on July 2005, in response to an appeal filled by local farm owners, ordering the
          forceful eviction of the Guarani Kaiowá settlement in the Fazenda. On 15 December
          2005, the eviction took place with the support of more than 150 members of the
          armed forces, including Federal police and military police. During their eviction,
          several of their properties were set on fire by private security guards contracted by
          local farmers.
          95. As a result of this eviction, the cormnunity was resettled in the earlier location
          of 26 hectares on the margins of the road MS 384, in precarious conditions. During
          their resettlement, they reportedly experienced severe shortage of food and water, and
          unsanitary conditions, and numerous cases of malnutrition and maladies of the
          community's children were reported.
          96. In August 2007, the Guarani Kaiowá community, in the framework of an
          agreement between the authorities and the local ranchers, returned to occupy 100
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 30
          hectares of theirs traditional lands within the area homologated by the Presidential
          Decree, in order to allow for the asphalting of road MS 384. In their current location,
          the community awaits the final decision of the courts in order to take possession of
          their traditional lands, as identified in the 2005 Presidential Decree.
          B. Alleged abuses by private security guards
          97. Tn addition, we have received numerous reports regarding alleged human rights
          perpetrated by private security guards employed by local farm owners against the
          members of the Guarani Kaiowá community of Nhanderu Marangatu. It is alleged
          that these abuses have increased after the indigenous community was evicted from
          their traditional lands on 15 December 2005, and that are committed with the
          intention of intimidating community members against their attempts to recover their
          traditional lands.
          98. Reported abuses include the killing of Mr. D. R., a 45 years-old Guarani
          Kaiowá, on 24 December 2005. Mr. D. R. was reportedly shot in cold blood by a
          security guard employed by the Fronteira farm in the vicinities of the farm, who
          approached the victim and his two companions in a car, while they were on their way
          to gather vegetables from their small vegetable garden in preparation for the
          Christmas festivities.
          99. According to the reports we have received, the reported abuses by security
          guards have increased since the community moved to their temporal resettlement
          within the private ranches of Niianderu Marangatu, in August 2007. Since their
          resettlement, an approximate of 30 private security guards of the Gaspem company
          have been contracted by local landowners, have been deployed in the vicinities of the
          community's encampment, leading to a situation of increased tension.
          100. Various episodes of sexual violence against Guarani Kaiowá women by private
          security guards have been reported. On 12 October 2007, at approximately 10.00 am,
          a group of four security guards attacked Ms. E. R. and her husband, Mr. V. N., while
          they were searching for firewood. After the guards battered her husband, Ms. B. R.
          suffered an attempted rape. During the same day, at approximately 4.00 pm, a similar
        
          
          A!HRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 31
          attack was suffered by Ms. S. R. and her husband Mr. A. F. V., in the company of
          their 9 years-old son. While Mr. A. F. V. was taken away and was severely beaten by
          the guards, Ms. S. R. was hit with a rifle butt and thrown to the ground, were she
          received several blows and was subject to sexual violence, in front of her child.
          Reportedly, Ms. S. R. eventually managed to escape, but she had to be hospitalized
          with strong pain on her chest.
          101. In addition, according to the allegations, private security guards have repeatedly
          harassed the indigenous community, including by firing shots in the air. In this
          connection, it is reported that, on 5 October 2007, security guards opened fire at a
          distance of 50 m from the community's houses as a form of intimidation. On 30
          October 2007, security guards fired shots in the air near a group of children while they
          were playing. Moreover, it has been reported that the personnel of the neighbouring
          farms have continuously subjected the community to surveillance, taking films and
          pictures of community members in the distance.
          102. On 31 October, a police patrol reportedly irrupted during a ceremony being
          performed by the community in homage to the dead. The police's operation was
          allegedly in response to denounces made by local ranchers, which claimed that the
          community was trying to invade ranch lands.
          Observations
          103. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government of Brazil did not reply to
          her communication and reiterates her interest in receiving responses from the
          Government in regard to the allegations submitted and would be particularly
          interested to know whether these cases have resulted in any prosecutions of alleged
          perpetrators.
          104. The Special Rapporteur would like to draw the attention of the Government to
          article 22, paragraph 2, of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
          Peoples which stipulates that States shall take measures, in conjunction with
          indigenous peoples, to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full
        
          
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          protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination. In
          addition, the Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution 2005/4 1 on the
          Elimination on Violence against Women, calls on States to address the specific
          circumstances facing indigenous women and girls in relation to gender-based
          violence, especially sexual violence, arising from multiple, intersecting and
          aggravated forms of discrimination, including racism, paying particular attention to
          the structural causes of violence. In this respect the Special Rapporteur recalls article
          21, paragraph 2, of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
          Peoples, which recognizes that States shall take effective measures and, where
          appropriate, special measures to ensure continuing improvement of the economic and
          social conditions of indigenous peoples, and that particular attention shall be paid to
          the rights and special needs of women, youth and children, among others.
          105. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur would like to stress that the Committee on
          the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination has referred extensively to the right of
          indigenous peoples to own, develop, control and use their communal lands, territories
          and resources. In this respect, States should make every effort to ensure that no
          decisions directly relating to indigenous peoples' rights and interests are taken
          without their prior informed consent. 6 Significantly, this implies certain practices
          aimed at safeguarding rights should be upheld when the State grants companies access
          to indigenous lands and territories for resources exploitation.
          Colombia
          Carta de alegación
          106. El 19 de noviembre de 2007, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la
          mujer, con inclusion de sus causas y consecuencias, envió una carta de alegación al
          Gobierno de Colombia en relación con el supuesto asesinato de I. Y. S. por miembros
          del grupo “Las Aguilas”, en la ciudad de Buenaventura, Departamento de Valle del
          Cauca.
          6 General Recommendation 23 on the rights of indigenous peoples, paragraph 4(d).
        
          
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          107. Segán las alegaciones recibidas, el dIa 24 de agosto del 2007, a las 15:00 de la
          tarde, I. Y. S., de 16 aflos de edad, estudiante de décimo grado de bachillerato, habria
          salido del colegio en compafila de una compaflera de clase cuya identidad se
          desconoce. Se alega que carninaron par el barrio Baja Firme de la ciudad de
          Buenaventura, cuando al liegar a la calle de Ramiro, fueron supuestamente abordadas
          par miembros del grupo armado conocido como “Las Aguilas” quienes habrIan
          obligado a I. Y. S. y a su compafiera a trasladarse a la calle de la Guarapera, en el
          barrio Lleras.
          108. Se informa de que los miembros del grupo armada habrIan golpeado en varias
          ocasiones a la compaflera de I. Y. S., exigiéndole “que dijera los nombres de las
          mujeres de los guerrilleros” antes de dej aria marcharse.
          109. Se alega además de que esa misma noche del dIa 24 de agosto, los familiares de
          I. Y. S. habrian sido informados de su muerte, supuestamente ocurrida en el barrio
          Lieras. Se informa de que los paramilitares tras la petición par parte de los familiares
          de I. Y. S. de la entrega del cuerpo de la vIctima, respondieron a los familiares de la
          siguiente manera: “Esto es para que aprendan a ser novias de guerrilleros, el cadaver
          va a permanecer toda la noche amarrado a un paste de la energIa. Vengan mañana y
          se lo pueden lievar”.
          110. Segün las alegaciones recibidas, el cuerpo sin vida de I. Y. S. habrIa
          permanecido toda la noche en la calle, y al dIa siguiente, 25 de agosto, los miembros
          del grupo “Las Aguilas” habrian sacado los órganos del cadaver antes de arroj arlo al
          mar. Se informa además de que cuando los familiares de I. Y. S. habrIan logrado
          rescatar el cuerpo del mar, habrIan percibido que éste presentaba heridas de cuchillo
          par todo el cuerpo.
          111. Se teme que la relación sentimental de I. Y. S. con un miembro de la guerrilla,
          sea el motivo de su supuesto asesinato
          Observaciones
        
          
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          112. La Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer, con inclusion de sus
          causas y conseduencias, lamenta no haber recibido respuesta a su comunicación de 19
          de noviembre de 2007 en el momento de finalización del presente informe y reitera su
          interés en recibir respuestas en relación con las alegaciones sometidas.
          Ecuador
          Liamamiento urgeilte
          113. El 17 de septiembre de 2007, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la
          muj er, con inclusion de sus causas y consecuencias, junto con el Relator Especial
          sobre la situación de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentales de los
          indIgenas y el Representante Especial del Secretario-General para los defensores de
          los derechos humanos, enviaron un ilamamiento urgente al Gobiemo de Ecuador en
          relación con el supuesto ataque sufrido por las Sras. G. U. y R. G., la primera lideresa
          del pueblo indIgena zapara e integrante de la organización Nacionalidad Zapara de la
          Arnazonia Ecuatoriana (NAZAB) y la segunda lideresa de las comunidades indIgenas
          andoas, que trabajan conjuntamente con las comunidades zaparas en la defensa de sus
          derechos humanos y sus territorios tradicionales.
          114. Segdn la información recibida, el 26 de agosto del 2007, en la ciudad de Puyo,
          en el transcurso de los Juegos IndIgenas, la Sra. E. N. se acercó a la Sra. G. U. en la
          calle, invitándola a ella y a la Sra. R. G. a su casa para hablar sobre la posibilidad de
          colaboración en su trabajo con las cornunidades indigenas.
          115. Aproximadarnente a las 9.00 pm del mismo dIa, estando reunidas las Sras. G. U.
          y R. G. en el patio de la casa de la Sra. B. N., en la calle Santo Domingo, un hombre
          habrIa entrado y les habrIa atacado con gas lacrimogeno. En ese mornento, otros tres
          hombres habrIan entrado en el patio y habrIan golpeado a ambas con los pufios, con
          los pies y con porras, La Sra. G. U. habria sido también golpeada en la cabeza con una
          piedra. Posteriomiente, los asaltantes habrIan encelTado a las Sras. G. U. y R. G. en el
          maletero de un coche y las habrian abandonado en la carretera durante la madrugada.
          Las dos muj eres habrIan sido supuestamente violadas durante su secuestro.
        
          
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          116. Dos de los asaltantes habrian sido identificaclos por las vIctimas como los Sres.
          N. S. V. y J. C. F., éste i. 1timo miembro de la policIa.
          117. Se alega que las Sras. G. U. y R. G. habrIan tratado de denunciar el incidente a
          la policla en Puyo, pero que su denuncia habrIa sido ignorada. Se alega asimismo que
          no habrian recibido un tratamiento medico adecuado en relación con las graves
          secuelas fisicas del ataque.
          118. Segiin las infonnaciones, las Sras. G. U. y R. G. habrIan recibido amenazas de
          muerte en los i tltimos meses después de que NAZAE iniciara acciones legales para la
          defensa de sus comunidades frente a intereses comerciales.
          Observaciones
          119. La Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer, con inclusion de sus
          causas y consecuencias, lamenta no haber recibido respuesta a su comunicación de 17
          de septiembre de 2007 en el momento de finalización del presente informe y reitera su
          interés en recibir respuestas en relación con las alegaciones sometidas.
          Fiji
          Urgent appeal
          120. On 25 January 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jointly with the Special Representative of the Secretary-
          General on the situation of human rights defenders sent an urgent appeal to the
          Government regarding Ms I. J. and Ms V. B.. Ms V. B. was one of six pro-democracy
          activists who were arrested by the military on the night of 24 December 2006.
          121. According to information received, on 15 December 2006, Commodore V. B.,
          reportedly issued a warning against Ms I. J. and Ms V. B., to ‘stop saying things that
          could incite civil unrest', and further implied that if they did not heed his warning the
          military would take action against them.
        
          
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          122. Furthermore, on 14 December 2006, Ms I. J.'s husband, Mr R. S. T., was
          informed that Iris contract as Chief Executive Officer of Air Fiji Limited (AFL) would
          be terminated as of 31 December 2006, under a Directive issued by Commodore V. B.
          In the same Directive, Commodore V. B. announced that Ms I. J. was to be removed
          from the Board of Post Fiji (PSL). Ms I. J. refused to accept the legitimacy of her
          termination as Board member, and responded on 20 December 2006, by conveying
          her apologies to the Chief Executive for not attending board meetings, as she would
          be out of the country. However, on 11 January 2007, Ms I. J. was informed through
          the FWRM that a travel ban had been issued against her and Ms V. B., preventing
          both women from leaving Fiji.
          123. On 4 December 2006, whilst participating in the annual National Judicial
          Conference, Ms I. J. reportedly received a call to her mobile phone during which the
          caller warned her to be careful and threatened to rape her. According to reports the
          call was traced to a phone booth outside the military barracks in Nabua, Suva. It is
          believed that the call was in response to a report published by Ms I. J. in the Fiji
          Times on 30 November 2006, which criticized the military coup in the country.
          124. Concerns were expressed that the series of acts of intimidation and harassment
          including the dismissal of Ms I. J.'s husband, as outlined above, form part of an
          ongoing campaign against human rights defenders in Fiji, and in particular Ms I. J.,
          Ms V. B. and members of the FWRM, the FUi Women ‘s Crisis Centre (FWCC) and
          the Pac fIc Centre for Public Integrity (PCPI). Serious concerns were expressed that
          the afore-mentioned events, in particular the threat of sexual violence may be the
          latest attempts to silence women human rights defenders because of their legitimate
          activities in monitoring the human rights situation in Fiji.
          Urgent appeal
          125. On 29 January 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
          protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur
          on the question of torture and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on
        
          
          A!HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          the situation of human rights defenders, sent an urgent appeal to the Government
          regarding Ms. L. D., a Fijian businesswoman. Ms. Digitaki is associated with the pro-
          democracy movement in Fiji for turning her own office into a ‘Pro-Democracy Shrine'
          that has featured quite often in the media. Banners covered the outside of her office
          with statements such as, “Democracy is our right”, “Yes to Democracy, No to guns”,
          “Ballots not bullets” and “By the vote we elect the government by the vote we remove
          the government”.
          126. According to information received, on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2006, at
          approximately 23:20, Ms. L. D.'s home was visited by a group of military soldiers.
          The soldiers requested that Ms. L. D. accompany them to a military camp for
          questioning. She was told that if she did not comply with their request she would be
          taken by force. On arrival at the camp Ms. L. D. was escorted through a passageway
          lined with cells, one of which contained her business partner Mr. I. I.; Ms. L. D. was
          subsequently detained in a dark cell. After a period of 20 minutes she was taken from
          the cell and asked to accompany a number of soldiers to Mr. P. W.'s house, a friend
          and fellow pro-democracy supporter. Ms. L. D. complied with the request.
          127. On her return to the camp, Ms. L. D. was led to a dark hall where Ms V. B., was
          waiting. Ms. V. B. was the subject of an urgent appeal sent on 25 January 2007 by the
          Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences and the
          Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights
          defenders. Ms. L. D. and Ms. V. B. were subsequently subjected to a barrage of verbal
          abuse and torture, during which Ms. L. D. was threatened at gunpoint and made to lie
          face down on the ground. After enquiring if she was pregnant, one of the soldiers
          proceeded to jump on her back.. The ordeal lasted approximately 45 minutes, after
          which Ms. L. D. and Ms. V. B., along with four other pro-democracy activists,
          including Mr. I. I. and Mr. P. W., were ordered to run to the camp gate. The group
          was followed outside the camp by two military trucks and they were forced to run
          some distance by the soldiers.
          128. Before returning home, Ms. L. D. passed by her office. The office had been
          trashed and raided and the pro-democracy banners which used to cover its outside
        
          
          A/HRCI7I6/Add. 1
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          were removed. Graffiti was on the wall saying “Merry Xmas Happy New Year Laisa
          Chang”. (The reference is a derogatory one, referring to one of her male business
          clients. Ms. L. D. is one of the few businesswomen dealing in a male dominated
          corporate world in Fiji and she is often accused of sleeping with all her male
          associates. Similar comments were made by officers while she was in detention on
          24-25 December 2006).
          129. Previously on 9 December 2006, a group of armed men broke into the pro-
          democracy shrine, tearing down banners and damaging the property.
          130. At the time of writing Ms. L. D. in hiding, in order to protect herself from arrest
          after a statement she made outlining the events of 24 December 2006, was made
          public, and fears for her physical integrity.
          131. Concerns were expressed that the series of acts of intimidation and harassment,
          as outlined above, form part of a growing campaign against human rights defenders in
          Fiji. Serious concerns were expressed that the afore-mentioned events may be the
          latest attempt to silence Ms. L. D. because of her human rights activities, in particular
          her pro-democracy stance and defending the right to freedom of expression in Fiji.
          Observations
          132. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government of Fiji did not reply to any
          of her communications sent in 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving responses
          from the Government in regard to the allegations submitted and would be particularly
          interested to know whether these cases have resulted in any prosecutions of alleged
          perpetrators.
        
          
          AIBIRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          Guatemala
          Liamamiento urgente
          133. El 15 de junio de 2007, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer,
          con inclusion de sus causas y consecuencias, junto con el Representante Especial del
          Secretario-General para los defensores de los derechos humanos, enviaron un
          liamamiento urgente al Gobierno de Guatemala en relación con los asesinatos de la
          Sra. M. C. G., encargada de Pastoral de la Mujer para las comunidades de Santa Ana
          y El Chal, en el departamento de Petén y sus hijos; del Sr. J. C. G. (24 anos); los
          ataques en contra de la Sra. E. C. G. (18 aflos), miembros del Equipo de
          sensibilización de la Asociacián de Mujeres Ixqik de Petén (AMPI), y las amenazas en
          contra de 0. U. y otros miembros/as de dicha asociación.
          134. De acuerdo con la información recibida, el 3 de junio de 2007, hacia las
          5:30pm, dos hombres armados se habrian acercado en coche a la tienda ubicada en la
          casa de las Sras. E. C. G. y M. C. G., en El Chal, presuntamente para comprar
          bebidas. Uno de los desconocidos habria entrado en ci domicilio de la familia y
          habria disparado por la espalda al Sr. I. C. G., quien falleció en el acto El otro
          individuo se habrIa acercado a la Sra. E. C. G y le habrIa disparado, hiriéndola en el
          brazo. Al darse cuenta de lo sucedido, la Sra. M. C. G corrió y abrazó a su hija, por
          lo que recibió el resto de disparos, falleciendo en ci acto.
          135. Segün se informa, la Sra. 0. U., integrante de Ixqik, habrIa denunciado que el 1
          de junio de 2007, hacia las 10:00pm, un individuo haciéndose pasar por borracho
          empezó a gritar enfrente de su casa, amenazando con tener una bomba con 61.
          Asimismo, durante el mes de mayo de 2007, varios miembros del equipo de
          sensibilización habrIan recibido mensaj es de texto amenazantes, uno de los cuales
          decIa ‘Nosotros vamos adelante.. .ya vas a ver qué te va a pasar'.
          136. Además, en ci 2005, la Asocictción de Mujeres Ixqik de Petén habrIa sufrido
          una serie de amenazas y actos de intimidación, entre los que se incluyen varios
          allanamientos y un intento de asesinato.
        
          
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          137. Condenamos los asesinatos del Sr. J. C. G. y de la Sra. M. C. G y expresamos
          nuestra profunda preocupación por la seguridad e integridad fisica de la Sra. B. C. G
          asI como por la del resto de los miembros de la Asociacio'n de Mujeres Ixqik de Petén
          (AIVfPI). Además se teme que estos casos, puedan estar relacionados con la actividad
          de dicha organización en defensa de los derechos humanos, en particular en su lucha
          por la democracia en Guatemala.
          Respuesta del Gobierno
          138. El 7 de diciembre de 2007 el Gobierno de Guatemala envIo a la Relatora
          Especial información relativa al caso. El Gobiemo declara que en una reunion de la
          Comisión Presidencial Coordinadora de la Politica del Ejecutivo en Materia de
          Derechos Humanos con la Asociación de Muj eres de Perén Jxquik, las representantes
          de esta iiltima manifestaron que la información relacionada con el hecho ocurrido el
          dIa 3 de junio 2007, en el que murieron dos personas, no tiene relación con las
          actividades que desarrollan en la Asociación. En cuanto a los demás hechos
          manifestados por las miembros de la Asociación, se encuentran en fase de
          investigación a cargo del Ministerio PiThlico, habiéndose presentado denuncias a la
          PolicIa Civil y al Ministerio PiThlico de los hechos relacionados.
          139. En cuanto a los hechos del dIa 3 de junio de 2007, se informa que el Ministerio
          Pi iblico está llevando a cabo una investigación, cuyo resultado se trasladará
          oportunamente a la Relatora Especial.
          140. Con relación a las amenazas recibidas por los integrantes de la Asociación de
          Mujeres, el Gobierno informa que:
          - El 31 de octubre de 2005, la FiscalIa Distrital de El Petén, inicia la
          investigación en relación a la denuncia de la Organización sobre el supuesto
          allanamiento.
          - Posteriormente, el 7 y 10 de noviembre, la organización fue de
          nuevo vIcti.ma de allanamiento y robo, por lo que la Fiscalla, inicia la
          investigación correspondiente para establecer silos ataques tienen relación al
        
          
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          trabaj o que desarrolla la Organización de Muj eres 0 Si se trata de delincuencia
          com Ln.
          - Se informa, que el proceso the trasladado a la unidad de Delitos
          Cometidos contra activistas de Derechos Humanos de la Ciudad de
          Guatemala, para que se contináe con los trámites correspondientes.
          - Se informa que entre el 31 de octubre y el 11 de noviembre de 2005,
          como parte de la investigación, se ordena al Servicio de Investigación
          Criminal, que realicen entrevistas a vecinos y miembros de la Asociación, se
          realizan inspecciones oculares, levantando huellas, se toman fotografias del
          lugar, se ileva a cabo el embalaje de indicios, que posteriormente serán
          trasladados al Almacén de Evidencias del Ministerio Püblico, y se solicitó a la
          representante legal de la Organización, información sobre sus miembros, se
          documentó en acta el traslado de cinco paletas de vidrio utilizadas para
          ventanas de aluminio y una mesa de madera que contiene marcas de pisadas
          de calzado al Almacén de Evidencias del Ministerio PiIblico de San Benito,
          Petén, y se recibieron las siguientes declaraciones testimoniales:
          o G. 0. C. M., no individualiza a ninguna persona,
          o 0. L. U. M., quien hizo referencia al detalle de que
          recibió una llamada telefónica el dia del primer allanamiento ilegal a
          las oficinas de la Asociación, no precisó ningiin ni imero,
          o I. B. T. Q., especificamente se refirió a una cámara
          fotográfica la cual contenla un rollo utilizado para tomar fotografias de
          miembros de la Asociación con ocasión de una caminata realizada, no
          individualiza a persona alguna,
          o C. I. C. R., no individualiza a persona alguna.
          - El 21 de noviembre de 2005, se solicitó al Juzgado de Primera
          Instancia Penal y Delitos Contra el Ambiente de San Benito, Petén, Control
          Jurisdiccional del presente caso, siendo notificado el Ministerio PiThlico el dIa
          6 de diciembre de 2005.
          - El 31 de enero de 2006, se recibe el expediente en la Unidad de
          Delitos cometidos contra Activistas de Derechos Humanos de la Ciudad de
          Guatemala, quienes continuaron con lo diligenciado por el Ministerio Rãblico
          de El Petén.
        
          
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          - El 23 de febrero de 2006, se recibió el informe de la Unidad de
          Especialistas de Escena del Crimen del Ministerio Püblico del Petén, el cual
          contiene fotografias de la sede de la Asociación, de las evidencias y de las
          cuales se concluye que la posible huella de caizado solo quedó documentada
          por medio de fotografias y video, no siendo posible revelar la huella, por ello,
          no se puede establecer el nümero de la horma de caizado, tipo, marca, peso,
          estatura de la persona que utiliza ese caizado. En las paletas de vidrio, martillo
          y cuchillo, no se encontraron huellas, lo que indica un resultado negativo para
          poder hacer un posterior cotejo”.
          141. El 5 de septiembre de 2006, se recibió copia del informe de investigación del
          Servicio de Jnvestigación Criminal de la Policla Nacional Civil, en el que se
          manifiesta que la escena del crimen ya habla sido manipulada, por lo que no habIa
          suficientes evidencias.
          142. El Gobiemo informó que se están lievando a cabo las investigaciones oportunas,
          no habiendo sido ai n posible identificar a los supuestos actores del delito.
          143. Con relación alas medidas cautelares tomadas para proteger a los integrantes de
          la Asociación, el Gobierno informó que:
          - Los miembros de la Asociación de Mujeres, solicitaron medidas
          cautelares ante la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos. Dado que
          tales medidas no fueron concedidas, el Estado, decidió brindarles protección a
          través del Cuerpo de PolicIa. Actualmente consiste en la presencia de
          miembros de seguridad en las instalaciones de la Asociación, asI corno
          seguridad perimetral en las residencias de algunos de sus miembros.
          - El 10 de noviembre 2005, la Estación Policial de Santa Elena
          Flores, Petén, indicó que se le dio instrucciones para realizar patrullas
          constantes en la periferia de las instalaciones de la Asociación, agregando que
          continuarán vigilando este sector.
          - La representante de la Asociación de Mujeres indicó que B. C. G. se
          trasladó de domicilio, por lo que su vida ya no cone peligro.
          Carta de alegación
        
          
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          144. El 30 de noviembre de 2007, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la
          rnuj er, con inclusion de sus causas y consecuencias, junto con el Relator Especial
          sobre la yenta de niflos, la prostitución infantil y la utilización de niflos en la
          pornografia y el Relator Especial sobre los derechos humanos de los migrantes,
          enviaron una carta de alegación al Gobiemo de Guatemala en relación con las
          adopciones internacionales de miles de nifios.
          145. Segán la información recibida, en Guatemala airededor de 5000 y 6000 niflos
          serlan dados en adopción cada aflo, convirtiendo a Guatemala en el segundo pals del
          mundo con mayor nümero de adopciones internacionales, después de China. La
          demanda internacional provendria principalmente de familias estadounidenses, las
          cuales pagarlan entre 13 y 40 mu dólares para “adquirir” un bebé guatemalteco.
          146. La violencia contra las mujeres serla un factor a tener en cuenta, ya que bebés
          productos de violación sexual estarian siendo dados en adopción, en donde las madres
          serlan coaccionadas o engafladas para dar al recién nacido en adopción. La critica
          situación económica y social en que se encuentran estas mujeres seria otro factor que
          las hacen vulnerables a ser vIctimas de las redes de nifios que se dedican a
          adopciones.
          147. En Guatemala se estarla lievando a cabo adopciones intemacionales ilegales de
          menores de edad, y en gran parte de los casos, con el engaflo a sus familias. La mayor
          parte de las adopciones, el 99.7%, se haria por via notarial, teniendo como base en la
          Ley Reguladora de Tramitación Notarial de Asuntos de Jurisdicción Voluntaria, sin
          la observancia de los debidos requisitos para asegurarse cual es la procedencia del
          niflo/nifla. La adopción por esta via no necesitarla resolución de juez/a competente, el
          juzgado de familia actuarla i nicainente para solicitar a la trabajadora social que, bajo
          juramento, efectuarla ci estudio socioeconórnico respectivo. Las adopciones
          internacionales por via judicial no liegarian al 0,3 por ciento del total de las
          adopciones realizadas.
        
          
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          148. Asimismo se habrIa descubierto que algunos Jueces de Familia habrIan
          autorizado adopciones sin contar con la opinion favorable de la Procuradurla General
          de la Nación, en violación a la legislacion existente en la materia. La participación de
          autoridades judiciales en dichas irregularidades, y ci hecho de que los procedimientos
          para el trámite de las adopciones establecidos en las leyes generales están en
          desacuerdo con las leyes especiales de protección a la infancia, demostrarla la
          existencia de un cuadro de prácticas de violación de los derechos humanos de la
          niflez.
          149. Segün información obtenida, habrian organizaciones asentadas en Guatemala
          que se dedicarian a la yenta ilegal de menores de edad por medio de adopciones
          internacionales, como seria ci caso de la “Casa Quivira.” Esta organización tendrIa
          como dirigentes ciudadanos provenientes de los Estados Unidos de America y se
          dedicarla a la yenta de menores de edad a este pals cobrando a las futuras familias un
          precio muy alto por cada uno de ellos. Supuestamente esta organización habria estado
          involucrada en la práctica de adopciones irregulares, donde 46 niflos habrian sido
          rescatados y repartidos entre instituciones evangélicas y cristianas en ci mes de agosto
          de este aflo. Supuestamente habrIan ocurrido irregularidades en ci juicio reaiizado
          contra Casa Quivira, por los hechos mencionados, con el objetivo de que dicha
          organización saliera impune en relacion a los posibles deiitos realizados.
          150. Entre las prácticas irregulares de adopción se incluirla la reaiizada por medio de
          Alcaldes Municipales, consistente en la entrega de los nifios/as por parte de su madre
          biológica a una pareja adoptiva. Los padres biológicos y los padres adoptivos
          comparecerlan ante el Aicalde de la iocalidad, normaimente en zonas aisladas en las
          cuaies no hay acceso a los juzgados o a las oficinas de un abogado, para que Oste
          levantara un acta en la que constaria que los primeros entregan en adopción a su hijo.
          Posteriormente se asentaria ia Partida de Nacimiento en ci Registro Civil y ci acto de
          la adopción quedarla consumado. Otra de las maneras serla por suposición de parto,
          en donde la madre biológica entregarla al niflo a los padres adoptivos inmediatamente
          después del nacimiento. Ambas se intemarlan en ci mismo sanatorio (privado), la
          madre biolOgica se registrarla con ci nombre de la madre adoptiva y el niflo saldria de
          la cllnica como hijo de la segunda.
        
          
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          151. En este contexto, la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH)
          habrIa otorgado medidas cautelares a favor de 26 niflos y niflas, solicitando al Estado
          de Guatemala informar el lugar y condiciones donde se encuentran actualmente los
          niflos, su situación jurIdica y familiar y las medidas que estarIan adoptando para su
          protección.
          152. La Comisión Jnteramericana de Derechos Humanos habria fij ado un plazo de 10
          dias contados a partir del 21 de noviembre para que el Gobiemo de Guatemala
          informara acerca de las medidas adoptadas. Del mismo modo, también habria
          solicitado que se actualizara dicha información cada mes.
          Observaciones
          153. La Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer, con inclusion de sus
          causas y consecuencias, agradece la detallada información proporcionada por el
          Gobierno con relación a su comunicación de 15 de junio de 2007; pero lamenta no
          haber recibido respuesta a su comunicación de 30 de noviembre de 2007 en el
          momento de finalización del presente infornie y reitera su interés en recibir respuestas
          en relación con las alegaciones sometidas.
          Guinée
          Lettre d'allégation
          154. Le 5 novembre 2007, la Rapporteuse spéciale chargée de la question de la
          violence contre les femmes, y compris ses causes et ses consequences, le Rapporteur
          special sur la vente denfants, la prostitution des enfants et la pornograpliie impliquant
          des enfants et le Rapporteur special sur les droits des migrants ont envoyé une lettre
          d' allegation concernant l'exploitation d'enfants pour le travail domestique en Guinée.
          D ‘ après les informations recues
          155. En Guinée, des dizaines de milliers de files travailleraient comme domestiques.
          Tandis que d'autres enfants de la famille seraient scolarisés, ces files passeraient leur
        
          
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          enfance et leur adolescence a faire des travaux ménagers féminins: elles nettoieraient,
          laveraient le linge et s'occuperaient des jeunes enfants. Beaucoup d'entre elles
          travailleraient jusqu' a 18 heures par jour. La grande maj orité d' entre cues ne seraient
          pas payées ; d'autres recevraient des paiements, souvent irréguliers, en général
          inférieurs a 5 dollars US par mois. De nombreuses filles employees comme
          domestiques ne recevraient aucune aide quand elles seraient malades, et elles auraient
          souvent faim car elles seraient exclues des repas familiaux. Elles seraient souvent
          tenues a 1' écart, insultées et moquées. B eaucoup d' entre elles seraient aussi victimes
          de coups et de violence et de harcèlement sexuels. Malgré ces conditions, quitter la
          famille de l'employeur serait difficile pour beaucoup d'enfants employees
          domestiques qui ne pourraient pas rejoindre leurs parents et n' auraient pas d' autre
          endroit oü aller. Ces filles vivraient dans des conditions analogues a l'esclavage.
          Certaines filles viendraient d' aussi loin que le Mali. Ces adolescentes maliennes en
          particulier viendraient en Guinée travailler comme domestiques pour gagner de
          1' argent pour leurs trousseaux.
          156. De plus, un nombre important de ces mineurs seraient isolés dans la maison de
          leur employeur et seraient incapables d' accéder a toute information ou assistance de
          l'extérieur. Ils resteraient coincés pendant des armées dans des situations
          traumatisantes et de maltraitance. Ii n'y aurait pas d'organisme pour la protection de
          1' enfance pour contrôler de façon systématique le bien-être des enfants et faciliter leur
          retrait d'une maison o ils sont maltraités, si nécessaire; le Ministère des affaires
          sociales a la responsabilité de cette question, mais ne serait pas opérationnel. Ii
          n'existerait pas non plus de système de placement en famille d'accueil qui puisse
          offrir aux enfants un environnement familial alternatif protecteur et contrôlé. Bien
          qu'il existerait un service d'inspection du travail, ii manquerait de personnel et ne
          s'occuperait pas de la situation des enfants travaillant comme domestiques.
          157. L'exploitation et la maltraitance des enfants employés comme domestiques
          constituent nne violation du droit national et international. La Guinée est partie a la
          Convention relative aux droits de 1' enfant et a tous les principaux traités régionaux et
          intemationaux sur le travail des enfants, la discrimination selon le sexe et la traite.
          Selon le droit guinéen, les enfants ont droit a l'éducation, et la scolarisation dans
          1' enseignement primaire est obligatoire. L' age minimum pour travailler est de 16 ans,
        
          
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          mais ii y aurait une disposition qui prévoit que les enfants de moms de 16 ans peuvent
          travailler avec le consentement de leurs parents ou de leurs tuteurs légaux. Les enfants
          de plus de 16 ans sont autorisés a travailler dans certaines limites, mais doivent
          bénéficier de tous leurs droits du travail. De plus, le droit guinéen protègerait les
          enfants contre les châtiments corporels et autres violences physiques, les sévices
          sexuels, et la traite. Le droit international comporte aussi des interdictions claires
          contre certains comportements nocifs, pour protéger les enfants contre la
          discrimination, toute forme de violence, d'atteinte ou de brutalité physiques, de
          mauvais traitements ou d'exploitation, y compris la violence sexuelle, la traite et les
          consequences nocives du travail des enfants. Ii octroie aussi aux enfants le droit a
          l'éducation et établit la facon dont les devoirs envers les enfants devraient être
          remplis, que ce soit par l'Etat, les parents, les tuteurs légaux ou d'autres personnes
          ayant la garde d'un enfant.
          Observations
          158. La Rapporteuse spéciale regrette que le Gouvernement n' ait pas répondu a cette
          communication et réitère son intérêt a recevoir des réponses concernant les allegations
          soumises.
          Honduras
          Liamamiento urgente
          159. El 22 de mayo de 2007, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer,
          con inclusion de sus causas y cons ecuencias, junto con la Presidente-Relatora del
          Grupo de Trabajo sobre la Detención Arbitraria y el Representante Especial del
          Secretario-General para los defensores de los derechos humanos, enviaron un
          llamamiento urgente al Gobierno de Honduras en relación con J. F. B., coordinador
          del grupo de travestIs Arcoiris, asociación que trabaja por la defensa de los derechos
          de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y personas transgénero (LGBT) y profesional del sexo
          en Tegucigalpa.
        
          
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          160. De acuerdo con la información recibida, ci 20 de abril de 2007, hacia las 22:00
          horas, J. F. B. fue agredido por cinco desconocidos mientras trabajaba en el barrio
          rojo habitado por gays y travestIs en Comayaguela, Tegucigalpa. Segün infamies,
          uno de los individuos habria intentado quitarle la peluca antes de arroj arle al suelo y
          golpearle. Segán se informa, un cache patrulla de la policla habrIa estacionado al
          lado del lugar donde se ubicaban los profesionales del sexo minutos antes de las
          22:00 horas.
          161. Las agentes policiales no solamente habrian sido testigos de la paliza propinada
          al Sr. J. F. E., sino que habrian alentado a los agresores gritando ujMaten a este
          maricón, golpéenlo!”. El Sr. J. F. E. utilizó un objeto afilado, posibleniente una
          botella rota, que habri a encontrado en ci suelo, para defenderse, hiriendo a uno de sus
          agresores, momento en el que habrian intervenido los agentes policiales.
          162. El Sr. J. F. E. fue arrestado y acusado de intento de homicidio en segundo
          grado y de robo. Sus agresores quedaron en libertad. El 27 de abril de 2007 se
          celebró la vista preliininar y los cargos fueron elevados a intento de homicidio en
          primer grado. Actualmente se encuentra encarcelado en una celda de la Penitenciarla
          estatal, normalmente reservada a convictos, denominada “celda de la muerte” en la
          que suelen ubicarse a presos que sufren tuberculosis, VIH!Sida y enfermedades
          mentales. Segi in información recibida, no habrIa recibido atención médica.
          163. Se teme que estos hechos estén relacionados con la actividad en defensa de los
          derechos humanos, particularmente de los derechos de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y
          personas transgénero (LGBT), realizada par ci Sr. J. F. E.
          Respuesta del Gobierno
          164. El 29 octubre 2007, el Gobiemo envió una respuesta a la cornunicación
          enviada par la Relatora, en la cual informó que los hechos alegados no eran ciertos.
          165. El informe medico practicado par la Dirección General de Servicios Especiales
          Preventivos, se afirma que el Sr. S. F. E. ingresó a la Penitenciaria Nacional par ci
          supuesto delito de homicidio en el grado de Ejecución de Tentativa. En su
          declaración refiere que ci dIa 21 de abril del 2007, fue agredido durante la noche par
        
          
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          cuatro personas que ingerlan bebidas alcohólicas en un bar en la Ciudad de
          Comayaguela; agregando que en el lugar donde lo agredieron se encontraba
          estacionada una patrulla con varios agentes policiales y en vez de protegerlo, los
          policIas alentaban a estas personas para que continuaran golpeándolo. Uno de los
          agresores le dio un golpe en la frente (region frontal derecha) produciOndole una
          herida y él en su defensa rápidamente sacó un cuchillo e hirió a su atacante.
          166. En ese preciso momento si actuó la policla, capturando y ilevando al Sr. J. F. E.
          a una Estación de Policla (CORE 7). Se le practicó al Sr. S. F. E. el examen fisico
          respectivo, presentando buen estado de salud. Durante los cuatro meses siguientes no
          solicitó atención médica, pero a partir del 12 de julio del 2007 la solicitó y continua
          recibiendo asistencia médica.
          167. Al ilegar a la Penitenciaria Central fue trasladado al módulo de diagnóstico y
          posteriormente a un lugar donde se encuentran los grupos vulnerables. En un
          principio vivió en compaflIa de otro homosexual. Pero posteriormente le the asignado
          una celda. Admitió que si recibió malos tratos fisicos y psIquicos por parte de
          personas cuyo nombre se reserva por temor a represalias, pero dejó entrever que se
          trata de personas que se encuentran internas en la Penitenciaria Nacional.
          Observaciones
          168. La Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer, con inclusion de sus
          causas y consecuencias, agradece la información proporcionada por el Gobiemo y
          agradecerIa recibir del Gobiemo, asI como de otros interesados, información sobre el
          resultado del proceso judicial relativo al Sr. S. F. E.
          India
          Allegation letter
          169. On 9 March 2007 the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child
        
          
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          prostitution and child pornography, sent an allegation letter to the Government
          concerning the systematic physical and sexual abuse of girl-children employed as
          dancers in Orissan folk-opera troupes. It is alleged that the owners and managers of
          these troupes rely heavily on child labour, particularly on the use of very young girls
          as dancers. It was alleged that the Banaswari, Niyatti and Sudamvati Troupes are
          particularly concerned.
          170. According to information received, most of the young girls were aged between
          ten and sixteen and hired out by their families in return for an advance on their wages.
          It was further alleged that each troupe employs between ten and twenty of these girls
          who come from poor families and are paid sub-standard wages. They are reportedly
          moreover kept in poor living conditions, sleeping only a few hours a day on mats on
          the floors or sometimes even outside. In one case, a girl had allegedly spent an entire
          day without eating.
          171. It was reported that these young girls encounter a high level of physical, mental
          and sexual abuse, including beating and rape. They face sexual harassment and blatant
          advances from male performers as well as from older actors and management, and
          due to their vulnerable position, they have oftentimes no choice but to acquiesce. It is
          alleged that sexual abuse is common in the troupes. The Special Rapporteurs had also
          received allegation of past managers having raped young girls. It was further alleged
          that these young girls are also publicly humiliated, slapped and beaten by the opera
          management or directors for alleged misbehaviour or mistakes.
          172. It is reported that on 17 December 2006, a young girl was publicly beaten by a
          male manager with a heavy wooden stick. All the girls interviewed, aged from ten and
          sixteen, admitted to being slapped or beaten with a stick as a fonn of punishment one
          to three times a week.
          173. According to information received, these young girls were being exploited,
          physically and sexually abused and the State of Orissa and the Government of India
          had not yet taken action on the matter. Though national child labour legislation
          requires that government inspectors visit any business that uses children to insure that
          they are not abused, it is reported that there are currently no such inspections of the
        
          
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          troupes. Furthermore, the Government has hitherto reportedly not placed dancing in
          the Opera troupes on its list of hazardous employments for children.
          Reply from the Government
          174. On 19 November 2007, the government of India sent a reply stating that
          comprehensive enquiries were undertaken which included visits to the headquarters
          of Banaswari, Niyatti and Sudamvati folk-opera troupes as well as the sites of their
          performance; interview with the female artists of the troupes and feedback from the
          opera visitors as well as the employees engaged in such performances. However, the
          aforesaid allegations could not be substantiated. The matter was also enquired into by
          the Labour Commissioner of Orissa through a team of officers having adequate
          exposure to the modus operandi of the opera parties and their recruitment process,
          who found the allegation to be without basis. The national Human Rights
          Commission of India has also been apprised of the findings of the enquiry by the
          Government of Orissa.
          Allegation letter
          175. On 14 August 2007, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, sent
          an allegation letter to the Government concerning Ms. A. B., aged 19, daughter of S.
          H., residing at Lakshmipur, Rajpara, Raj sahi district, Bangladesh.
          176. According to the information received, On 7 June 2007, at 18.45, Ms. A. B. was
          taken into custody together with Ms. C. K. by Indian Border Security Force (BSF)
          officers stationed at I & II Outposts at Kargil village, Murshidabad district of West
          Bengali State, while they were trying to cross the border from Bangladesh to India.
          177. Some hours after being taken into custody, Ms. A. B. was raped by a BSF
          officer. The incident witnessed by a superior officer of the intelligence branch at the
          BSF, who were visiting the outpost that day. The superior officer advised Ms. A. B. to
          visit a doctor and to lodge a complaint at the Raninagar Police Station. However,
        
          
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          when she attempted to do so, the responsible officers refused to register her case and
          to have a medical examination conducted. Thereafter she was returned to the BSF
          camp.
          178. On the next day, when Ms. A. B. was taken to Raninagar Police Station, the
          Senior Divisional Police Officer from Domkal, Mr. M. B. H., ordered that she be sent
          to the Beharampur District Hospital for a medical examination. However, according
          to the reports, the BSF put pressure on the medical officer who examined Ms. A. B.,
          Dr. S. B. K., so that the latter declared that she was not raped. No forensic laboratory
          examination was conducted.
          179. On 9 June 2007, Ms. A. B. and Ms. C. K. had to appear before the Additional
          Chief Judicial Magistrate in Lalbagh for the hearing of the case against them under
          the relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act of 1946. The Court issued an order to
          detain Ms. A. B. and Ms. C. K. in judicial custody.
          180. On 21 June 2007, Ms. A. B.'s court case commenced. During these proceedings,
          her lawyer informed the Court that she was raped while in detention.
          181. Concern was expressed that the authorities have failed to exercise due diligence
          to prevent, investigate and punish the violence against Ms. A. B. and to provide her
          with the required support and attention, including counselling.
          Urgent appeal
          182. On 23 August 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as
          a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, the Special Rapporteur on
          contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
          intolerance, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation
          of human rights defenders, sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding attacks
          on the Dalit communities, particularly women, in Somebhadra District, Uttar Pradesh,
          India.
        
          
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          183. It is reported that in Sonebhadra District, the poorest District in Uttar Pradesh
          with a large Dalit population, Dalit families have been cultivating and living in a
          Government's waste lands, the Gram Sabha's, for years. Reportedly, the land
          ownership has always been a conflicting issue between the Upper Caste controlling
          land resources and Dalits and tribes.
          184. Reports indicate that Dalits' reclaim of land has led to conflicts with forest
          officials and the Police, especially after the adoption of the “Schedule Tribe and other
          Forest Dwelling Communities (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act of 2006”. It is
          further alleged that since the Act is not yet operational, the forest department officials
          have been harassing the activists working for the rights of the forest dwellers and the
          tribes, with the aim to ensure that evictions take place before the clauses of the Act
          are enforced. Reportedly similar actions are taking place in other parts of the country
          including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.
          185. In this context, on 3 August 2007, Ms. R. and Ms. S. B., two members of the
          National Forum of Forest People and Forest Workers (NFFPFW) who have been
          working in the Sonebhadra District for the past seven to eight years, were arrested in
          Robertsganj under charges of provoking Dalits and Tibals to encroach forest lands.
          They were arrested under section 120 (B) and 447 of Penal Code; they were in
          Mirzapur jail and their bail applications have been rejected at the Circle Judicial
          Magistrate. On 5 August 2007, L. D. and S. P. were arrested from a local market in
          Rangarh, they are also in Mirzapur jail. As a consequence of these imprisonments,
          people have been staging a protest since 4 August in front of the District Magistrate
          (DM) office in Sonebhadra demanding immediate release of the activists. New
          charges have been brought against Ms. R. under article 4 of the National Security Act
          on 10 August.
          186. Reports also indicate that on 10 August 2007, at around 9 p.m., the police
          attacked Dalit women in Chanduli Village, in Sonebhadra District, leaving fifteen
          women seriously injured. Two trucks loads of Police along with Upper Caste
          representatives of the locality descended on Chanduli village in Sonebhadra district.
          They were allegedly heavily armed, and demanded to see B., an active member of the
        
          
          AIFIRC/7I6IAdd. 1
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          local organisation Kaimoor Kshetra Mahila Mazdoor Kisan Sangharsh Samiti
          (KKMMKSS). According to information received, when they did not find B. in the
          village, they started attacking women present in the village. Police and upper caste
          representatives barged into the house of B. and attacked his pregnant sister and sister-
          in-law; pulling them out and attacking them. In three hours, the police and upper caste
          representatives beat up around 15 women and destroyed their houses.
          187. At the time of the incident, there were very few male members in the village as
          most of them were staging a protest in front of the DM's office in Sonebhadra against
          the arrest of Ms. R., Ms. S. B., L. D. and S. P.
          188. This was allegedly the third attack of this kind against Dalits in less than two
          weeks and reportedly a consequence of the Dalits families' requests for land that
          started in the last two years, as a response to the forest department's Government
          Resolution of 2002-3 to clear forest lands from any encroachments.
          189. During the events, the police reportedly left the village giving an ultimatum to
          remove the bricks of the houses by 11 August 2007, or they would come back with
          the administrative order to destroy the houses.
          Observations
          190. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for its reply to her
          communication of 9 March 2007. Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur regrets that
          the Government of India did not reply to any other communications sent in 2007 and
          2006.
          191. The Special Rapporteur reiterates her interest in receiving responses from the
          Government in regard to the allegations submitted and would be particularly
          interested to know whether these cases have resulted in any prosecutions of alleged
          perpetrators.
          Iran (Islamic Republic of)
        
          
          AJHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          Urgent appeal
          192. On 7 March 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working
          Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
          protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the Special
          Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders
          sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding at least 24 women human rights
          defenders who were reportedly arrested while holding a peaceful demonstration in
          front of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran.
          193. According to the information received: On 4 March 2007, the franian authorities
          arrested at least 31 women, seven of whom were released on bail on 6 March 2007.
          Ms. A. A., Z. B. Y., M. A., M. H., S. L., M. H., J. J., Z. P., M. M., N. K., M. M., N.
          A., B. A., A. F., S. F., M. M., S. T., P. A., N. A. K., S. B., F. G., N. S., S. S., and R. M.
          still remain in detention. A number of these women have allegedly gone on a hunger
          strike.
          194. The women had staged a peaceful demonstration against the prosecution of
          several women, who had been charged with criminal offences against public order
          and security for having organized a peaceful women's demonstration in Haft-e Tir
          Square of Tehran on 12 June 2006. Many of the detained women are well-known
          women's rights defenders who have publicly expressed their views on numerous
          occasions. Reportedly, all of the detained women have been transferred to Ward 209
          of the Evin Prison in Teheran. Allegedly, police officers also broke the teeth of Ms.
          N. S. by banging her head against the door of a police bus. Serious concern was
          expressed that the arrest and detention of the aforementioned women human rights
          defenders may be related to their peaceful and legitimate activities in defence of
          women's human rights.
          Urgent appeal
        
          
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          195. On 14 March 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding Ms. M.
          A. and Ms. S. S. The two women were among at least 31 women arrested on 4 March
          while holding a peace demonstration in front of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in
          Tehran. The same concerns had already been expressed in an urgent appeal that was
          sent on 7 March 2007 by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, jointly
          with the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the
          Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion
          and expression and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the
          situation of human rights defenders.
          196. The Special Rapporteur on violence against women expressed appreciation that
          the Government had already released other women arrested on 4 March 2007.
          However, the Special Rapporteur remained gravely concerned about information
          indicating that Ms. M. A. and Ms. S. S. remain in detention in Section 209 of Evin
          Prison in Tehran. Information received indicates that Ms. M. A. has been held
          incommunicado since her arrest. Ms. S. S.'s outside contact was limited to two
          telephone conversations with her husband. In addition to charges of disturbing public
          order, the two women reportedly also face additional charges that have not been
          disclosed to them or their lawyers. It was also feared that the women do not receive
          adequate access to medical care, even though Ms. S. S. was said to suffer from
          chronic stomach pain and Ms. M. A. reportedly suffers from migraine and arthritis.
          Urgent appeal
          197. On 5 April 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
          protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the Special
          Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders,
          sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding Ms. N. K. and Ms. M. H.
          198. According to information received: Iranian security agents arrested the two
          women on 3 April 2007 in Laleh Park (Tehran) while they were collecting signatures
          for a campaign to change Iranian laws that discriminate against women. It is reported
        
          
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          that Ms. N. K. and Ms. M. H. remain in detention and have been transferred to Evin
          Prison. Three other persons, Ms. S. A., Ms. S. I. and her husband Mr. H. N., who were
          arrested on the same occasion, have since been released on bail. The charges against
          the five persons were not known. The Special Rapporteurs expressed concern that the
          arrest and detention of Ms. N. K. and Ms. M. H. may be related to their peaceful
          activities in defence of women's human rights.
          Urgent appeal
          199. On 2 May 2007, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and
          consequences and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief sent an
          urgent appeal to the Government concerning the arrest of 278 women on 21 April
          2007 alone for wearing overly loose headscarves or tight coats. 231 of these women
          were released after they signed papers promising they will not appear again
          “inadequately dressed in public”. Allegedly, until 29 April 2007, police in varibus
          cities of the Islamic Republic of Iran have also stopped and warned at least
          16,000 women who were showing too much hair or wore a headscarf deemed too
          colourful. The Iranian Police Chief, Mr. E. A.-M., reportedly stated on 18 April 2007
          that in 2006 more than one million women were stopped relating to the way they wear
          the hij ab (Islamic veil) and 10,000 charged for violating the dress code.
          Allegation letter
          200. On 31 May 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
          protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the Special
          Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders,
          sent an allegation letter to the Government concerning the situation of the following
          women's rights activists: Ms. Z. P., Ms. M. H., Ms. F. G., Ms. N. A. K., Ms. S. B.,
          Ms. P. A., Ms. F. D. M., Ms. S. T., Ms. B. H., Ms. A. F., Ms. M. H. Z. and Ms. N. K..
          Several of these women's rights activists have already been subject to an urgent
          appeal, which the Special Rapporteurs sent to the Iranian Government on 7 March
        
          
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          2007, jointly with the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary
          Detention.
          201. According to the latest information received: on 7 May 2007, Ms. Z. P., Ms. M.
          H. and Ms. F. G. were summoned to court for their participation in a peaceful
          demonstration on 4 March 2007. The demonstration was directed against the
          prosecution of women activists in connection with a peaceful women's demonstration
          that took place on 12 June 2006 in Haft-e Tir Square of Tehran and was addressed in
          an urgent appeal we transmitted to your Excellency's Government on 16 June 2006.
          Ms. Z. P. reported to the Revolutionary Court after receiving a summons, where she
          was then arrested and transferred to Evin prison. Ms. Z. P. was released on bail on 17
          May 2007.
          202. On 24 April 2007, the Sixth Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran
          sentenced Ms. N. A. K., Ms. S. E. and Ms. P. A. in connection with the peaceful
          demonstration of 12 June 2006 to three years' imprisonment for “collusion and
          assembly to endanger the national security,” under article 610 of the Islamic Penal
          Code. The court ordered Ms. N. A. K., Ms. S. E. and Ms. P. A. to serve six months in
          prison, but suspended the remaining two-and-half years of their sentences. The same
          court sentenced two other women's rights advocates to prison terms on 18 April 2007
          in relation to same demonstration. Ms. F. D. M. was sentenced to four years'
          imprisonment, of which three years were suspended, and Ms. S. T. was sentenced to
          two years' imprisonment, of which 18 months were suspended. The women, currently
          free, are expected to appeal against their sentences. The same day, Ms. B. H., a
          university student, was reportedly also tried, without the presence of her lawyer, due
          to her participation in the demonstration of 12 June 2006. On 26 May 2007, she was
          reportedly sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence for “acting against national
          security by participating in an illegal gathering.”
          203. On 11 April 2007, Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran gave Ms. A.
          F., a university student, a two-year suspended sentence in connection with the
          demonstration of 12 June 2006 for “acting against national security by participating in
          an illegal gathering.” Several days later, she was summoned to court where she was
          questioned and informed that she was facing new charges in connection with a
        
          
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          peaceful gathering on 4 March 2007 held to protest against the prosecution of activists
          in connection with the demonstration in June 2006.
          204. On this occasion, the Special Rapporteurs expressed their appreciation that Ms.
          M. H. Z. and Ms. N. K. have been released on bail on 15 April 2007. The two women
          were arrested on 3 April 2007 while collecting signatures in support of the “Million
          Signatures Campaign” to abolish laws that discriminate against women. The Special
          Rapporteurs had already communicated their concerns in relations to this case in an
          urgent appeal dated 5 April 2007. The Special Rapporteurs remained concerned that
          the charges against the two women have reportedly not been dropped and that they
          may be prosecuted at a future point in time.
          205. Concern was expressed that the arrests and sentencing of the aforementioned
          activists may be solely related to their peaceful activities in defence of women rights
          and could form part of wider pattern of harassment against women rights activists.
          Urgent appeal
          206. On 5 July 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
          protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur
          on the question of torture, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on
          the situation of human rights defenders, sent an urgent appeal to the government
          regarding Ms. D. A., a women's rights defender from Tebran University. According to
          information received:
          207. The Tehran Revolutionary Court convicted Ms. D. A. on charges of
          “Propaganda against the System” and “Disturbing Public Order” for having
          participated in a peaceful demonstration for a better recognition of women's rights and
          to remove discriminatory clauses against women from Iranian law, which took place
          in Haft Tir Square on 12 June 2006. Ms. D. A. was sentenced to two years and 10
          months imprisonment and 10 lashes. The sentence has not been suspended and could
          be carried out at any time. Reportedly, several other persons arrested during the
        
          
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          demonstration have also been convicted and sentenced, but had their sentence
          suspended.
          208. In an urgent appeal dated 16 June 2006, to which the Government responded by
          letter dated 15 August 2006, the Special Rapporteurs have already expressed their
          concern that Iranian security forces had arrested Ms. D. A. and others during the
          demonstration of 12 June 2006. The Special Rapporteurs have reiterated their concern
          that the conviction of Ms D. A. may be related to her peaceful activities in defence of
          women's rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
          209. The Special Rapporteurs urged the Government to ensure that Ms. D. A. will
          not be subjected to any punishment, including the cruel, inhuman and degrading
          punishment of lashing, for having exercised her right to freedom of expression. The
          Special Rapporteurs were particularly concerned that the execution of the lashing
          sentence may be imminent.
          Urgent appeal
          210. On 17 October 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the
          Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Special Representative of the
          Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders sent an urgent appeal to
          the Government regarding Ms. R. S.. Ms. R. S. is a campaigner for women's rights
          and a member of the One Million Signatures campaign, which calls for an end to
          discriminatory laws against women in Iran.
          211. According to information received, on 8 October 2007, Ms. R. S. participated in
          an event to mark the International Day of the Child during which she collected
          signatures for the One Million Signatures campaign.
          212. On 9 October 2007, nine agents of the security forces entered the home of Ms.
          R. S. and seized literature pertaining to the One Million Signatures campaign, her
          computer as well as some other personal belongings. Ms. R. S. was arrested shortly
          afterwards and placed in detention at the local Office of Information and Security
        
          
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          Ministry in Sanandaj, Kurdistan. It is alleged that she is being held in incommunicado
          detention as all efforts on the part of family members to contact her have as yet failed.
          213. Concern was expressed that the arrest and detention of Ms. R. S. may be
          directly related to her peaceful human rights activities, in particular her work to
          defend and promote women's rights in Iran. In view of her incommunicado detention,
          further concern was expressed with regard to her physical and psychological
          integrity.
          Allegation letter
          214. On 30 November 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences sent an allegation letter to the Government regarding the
          “Family Protection Draft Bill” No.36780/683 57 dated 22 July 2007.
          215. According to information received, the Government of Iran recently submitted a
          Family Protection Draft Bill to Parliament, with the alleged aim of matching the
          current legal framework with today's realities. It appeared that the Head of the Legal
          Commission within Parliament stated at the time of writing that the bill would be
          open to discussion in the Parliament.
          216. Allegedly, the “Family Protection Draft Bill”, instead of upholding women's
          rights within the family, reverses rights currently enjoyed by women. In addition, the
          law reinforces the unequal legal power of men within the family. The Bill contains
          various articles which may violate women's rights.
          217. First, under Iranian's civil code and its 1992 amendments, women have a very
          limited right to divorce, as they must extensively justify their request for divorce
          (such as on the basis of their husband's addiction, violence, etc) to prove that they are
          eligible to be divorced. Articles 17, 21, 26 and 31 of the “Family Protection Draft
          Bill”, would make it even more difficult for women to obtain the divorce:
        
          
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          218. Article 17 establishes Family Counselling Centres. The aim of these centres is
          to consolidate the foundations of the family and prevent an increase in family dispute,
          in particular divorce. The Family court will have the obligation to ask the opinion of
          the family counselling centres. According to article 21, these centres will be made up
          of experts on Family studies, law, Islamic canon, and foundations of Islamic law.
          219. Article 26 plans that registration of divorce by official offices shall be
          authorized only upon the issuance of a certificate stating the impossibility of
          reconciliation. The family counselling centre must give a certificate indicating the
          couple's agreement upon divorce.
          220. Article 31 states that the court will first require reconciliation and arbitration
          before pronouncing the divorce. When one of the partners is unable to bring an
          arbitrator, the court shall, at the request of the party or directly, appoint an arbitrator
          from the qualified members of the Family Counselling Centres.
          221. The above articles set different stages before the pronouncing of the divorce,
          which decreases the likelihood of obtaining a divorce.
          222. Further, article 23 of the” Family Protection Draft Bill”, would allow a man to
          marry up to four wives provided he can testify of his good financial capability and
          promises to the court to treat all wives equally. The current legal framework sets
          limitations to men having only a second wife, based on the permission of the first wife
          and justified by the first wife's specific health conditions, such as infertility. The
          husband's second marriage without the consent of his first wife is a ground to get
          divorce.
          223. Article 2 of the Draft Bill provides that the Family Court will consist of three
          judges; it does not mandate for the presence of a female judge but only stipulates
          that a female judge be present if feasible. Given the current context of dominance of
          men within the Iranian judiciary, it is very likely that most family courts will be
          composed of three male judges.
        
          
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          224. In addition, article 25 allows the Government to charge women taxes for the
          portion of the money that belongs to them (“Mahriehs”). The Finance Ministry will be
          required to annually declare a suggested amount of Mahriehs and such marriage
          nuptials that exceed that amount will be subject to taxation during their registration.
          This means that young brides will be faced with paying taxes on a dowry that they
          may never receive. Iranian women generally do not receive their dowries unless their
          husbands die or divorce them.
          225. Article 46 of the Bill further provides that an Iranian woman cannot marry a
          Muslim foreigner without the permission of the Government. If a marriage happens
          without governmental permission, the woman, her father, the registrar, and the
          husband will be punished to prison from 91 days to 1 year.
          226. The Special Rapporteur expressed her concerns that the provisions of the
          “Family Protection Draft Bill” would put women in an increased situation of
          inequality and discrimination within the family. Concerns were farther expressed that
          women victims of violence would be afforded fewer avenues for protection as it
          would be more difficult for them to divorce on grounds of violence perpetuated
          against them.
          Allegation letter
          227. On 30 November 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jointly with the Special Representative of the Secretary-
          General on the situation of human rights defenders, the Special Rapporteur on the
          promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression sent an
          allegation letter to the government concerning Ms. M. H.
          228. Ms. M. H. is a journalist and activist for women's rights. Ms. M. H. is also a
          member of the Campaign for Equality which is leading the One Million Signatures
          campaign, which calls for an end to discriminatory laws against women in the Islamic
          Republic Iran. She was a member of the Women's Cultural Centre prior to its closure
          by the Iranian authorities, days before her summons. Ms. M. H. was the subject of an
        
          
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          urgent appeal sent by the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary
          Detention, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to
          freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on violence against
          women, its causes and consequences, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-
          General on the situation of human rights defenders on 7 March 2007.
          229. According to information received, on 18 November 2007, Ms. M. H. was
          arrested when she reported to a branch of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran for
          questioning following a summons that had been issued to her. She has reportedly been
          accused of “disturbing public opinion”; “propaganda against the system”; and
          “publication of lies”, as a result of articles posted on a website of which she is the
          editor. No date for trial has reportedly been set yet.
          230. Concern was expressed that the arrest of Ms. M. H. and the accusations that
          have been made against her may be directly related to her peaceful human rights
          activities, in particular her work to promote women's rights in Iran.
          Observations
          231. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government of Iran did not reply to any
          of her communications sent in 2007.
          232. The Special Rapporteur reiterates her interest in receiving responses from the
          Government in regard to the allegations submitted and would be particularly
          interested to know whether any measure has been taken by the Government of Iran to
          facilitate the full, equal and effective participation and free communication of women
          at all levels of decision making in their societies.
          233. The Special Rapporteur also looks forward to receiving information about the
          draft Family Protection Bill, and whether considerations pertaining to women's equal
          rights to divorce and marriage, as well as their protection from violence, have been
          taken into consideration in the final version of the Bill.
        
          
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          Iraq
          Response from the Government to a communication sent in 2006
          234. On 20 November 2006 the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, sent a letter of allegation concerning the late Ms. F. A. J., a
          women's rights activist from Haweej a who was the head of the women's rights
          organization Maternity and Childhood. Concern was expressed that Ms. F. A. J. was
          murdered because of her activities in the promotion and defence of women's human
          rights.
          235. The full details of the allegations submitted have been reflected in the Special
          Rapporteur's previous report on communications sent and received. 7
          236. The government of Iraq replied to the letter dated on 18 June 2007. It stated
          that on 2 November 2006 formal statements were taken from the complainants,
          namely, the victim's husband A. al S. S. H. and her brother M. A. H.. They requested
          that the charges against the suspects in detention, K. K. I. and Y. N. A., be dropped
          and that a complaint against the perpetrators of the offence be brought as soon as their
          identities were known. The investigating judge decided to release the two above-
          mentioned suspects due to lack of evidence and to continue the investigation.
          Allegation letter
          237. On 2 March 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, sent
          an allegation letter to the Government of Iraq concerning the reported murder of Ms.
          L. T. S., Mr. E. K. and Mr. G. S., three teenagers from A. S., Ninewah Govemorate.
          238. According to information received: Ms. L. T. S., aged 16 at the time of her
          death, was the granddaughter of Mr. T. S. B., the principal Mir (leader/prince) of the
          A/HRC/4/34/Add. 1.
        
          
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          Yezidi ethnic group. The Yezidi are said to wield considerable political influence in
          the Am Seftii area.
          239. It was rumoured that Ms. L. T. S. had begun a romantic relationship with Mr. B.
          K., even though her family had planned to marry her to a cousin. These were
          reportedly seen as a stain on the honour of the T. B. family, especially since the boy
          belonged to a family of lower social status.
          240. On 10 August 2006, E. K. and his friend G. S. allegedly came to visit L. T. S. at
          her family home, when they were spotted by several security guards of the family. All
          three teenagers managed to escape.
          241. When the family found out that the three teenagers had sought temporary refuge
          at B. K.'s family home, several armed men allegedly led by B. T. B. and B. T. B., both
          sons of T. S. B., came to the K.' house and burned it down. B. K.'s family had to flee
          the area.
          242. L. T. S., B. K. and G. S. continued their flight to Mosul to hide at the house of
          an acquaintance. However, that acquaintance was repeatedly threatened to either
          surrender the three teenagers to the T. B. family or see several of his relatives
          murdered. On 11 August 2006, the acquaintance took the three teenagers to Shalalat
          checkpoint in Mosul and handed them over to a group of armed men allegedly led by
          B. T. B. The men took the three teenagers to Baathree village, close to Am Sefni.
          Reportedly, L. T. S.'s father H. T. S. was already present in the village along with
          about fifty armed men affiliated with the T. B. family.
          243. With a crowd of local villagers watching, the armed men first broke B. K. ‘s
          hands and legs and gouged his eyes out. Thereafter, they shot him dead, riddling his
          body with bullets. Subsequently, G. S. and then L. T. S. were shot dead. It is alleged
          that several influential members of the T. B. family directly took part in the planning
          and the execution of the murders.
        
          
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          244. The bodies of the three teenagers were buried in an undisclosed location and
          have yet to be found. As of 1 February 2007, not a single person had reportedly been
          formally investigated, indicted or arrested in connection with the crimes.
          245. Many family members of E. K. and G. S. have repeatedly fled the Am Sefni
          area and are afraid to return. Concern was expressed that family members may face
          further acts of violent retribution.
          Observations
          246. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for its reply to her
          communication of 20 November 2006. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the
          Government of Iran did not reply to her communication sent on 2 March 2007 and
          reiterates her interest in receiving response from the Government in regard to the
          allegation submitted and would be particularly interested to know whether these cases
          have resulted in any arrests and prosecutions of alleged perpetrators.
          Kyrgyzstan
          Response from the Government to a communication sent in 2006
          247. By letter dated 22 March 2007, the Government of Kyrgyzstan responded to
          the allegation letter sent by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences on 23 November 2006 concerning Ms. R. G. D., an 82-year-
          old woman living in Ananievo, Issyk-Kul, who was raped in her home by Mr. S. A.
          A.. Concerns were expressed over the alleged impunity for this rape. Another issue
          that was raised by the Special Rapporteur in the same allegation letter was about the
          increasingly widespread practice of “bride-kidnapping”, whereby a woman or girl is
          taken against her will through deception or force and forced to marry one of her
          abductors. The full details of the allegations submitted have been reflected in the
          Special Rapporteur's previous Report on Communications sent and received. 8
          8 AIHRC/4/34/Add. 1.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          In its letter the Government informed that:
          248. On 23 April 2005 the investigation department of the Issyk-Kul district internal
          affairs office of Issyk-Kul province of Kyrgyzstan instituted criminal proceedings on
          the basis of evidence of an offence cDntrary to article 129, paragraph 1 (Rape), of the
          Code of Criminal Procedure of the Kyrgyz Republic.
          249. In accordance with the requirements of Kyrgyz criminal procedural legislation,
          a police line-up of suspects was held, during which Ms. R. G D. identified Mr. S. A.
          A. Forensic medical and biological eKaminations were ordered. Subsequently, Mr. D.
          K., an investigator of the district i]i ema1 affairs office repeatedly took unwarranted
          decisions to terminate criminal proceedings against Mr. S. A. A. on the grounds of
          lack of sufficient evidence.
          250. The Issyk-Kul district procurabr's office made a recommendation to the Issyk-
          Kul provincial internal affairs office concerning investigator D. D. K.; as a result, Mr.
          D. K. was subjected to a disciplinary measure, which took the form of a reprimand.
          251. On 20 December 2006, Mr. S. A. A. was indicted for the commission of an
          offence contrary to article 129, paragraph 1, of the Code of Criminal Procedure and
          was placed under house arrest. On 23 December 2006, Mr. S. A. A. was arrested and,
          on the basis of article 94 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, placed in pre-trial
          detention.
          252. On 21 December 2006, the critminal case involving the rape of Ms. R. G D. was
          referred to the Issyk-Kul inter-district court, where it was being heard at the time of
          the response.
          253. With regard to the enquiry concerning “bride-kidnapping” in Kyrgyzstan, the
          following information was providel: In 2006, 73 statements and communications
          from citizens concerning the coercion of women into marriage were registered. With
          regard to 57 of the reported incide3rts, investigators of internal affairs offices took
          decisions not to institute criminal proceedings because citizens withdrew their original
          statements.
        
          
          AIHRCI7I6/Add. 1
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          254. Criminal proceedings were instituted in connection with the remaining 16
          incidents. The results of investigations of nine incidents were referred to the courts (in
          five cases, the courts handed down the verdict of guilty; four cases are still being
          heard). In two criminal cases, the investigation was suspended in connection with the
          search for the accused persons. Five criminal cases are being investigated. For the
          period under consideration, no criminal cases have been terminated and no defendants
          have been acquitted by the courts.
          Observations
          255. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of Kyrgyzstan for
          its reply to her communication of 23 November 2006 and for having undertaken an
          investigation and court procedure against the alleged perpetrator of the rape of Ms. R.
          GD.
          Malaysia
          Response from the Government to a communication sent in 2004
          256. On 18 May 2004, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, and the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child
          prostitution and child pornography sent an allegation letter to the Government of
          Malaysia concerning the trafficking of women and sale of children taking place in the
          region. According to information received, poor young Indonesian women were being
          trafficked to Malaysia. It was reported that there were cases of pregnant Indonesian
          women being trafficked to Malaysia for the purpose of selling their child after it is
          born for illegal adoptions. Further, some specific situations were brought to the
          attention of the Special Rapporteurs:
          - Tn 2002 the Malaysian police were said to have uncovered at least 20 cases
          of baby selling in Sarawak, East Malaysia; among these it is reported the rescue of six
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          Indonesian women and four babies in Kuching and of eight babies and four women in
          Sibu.
          - In September 2003 a fishing boat heading towards Malaysia was allegedly
          intercepted. According to information received, on this boat, eight babies were found
          packed in Styrofoam in fish boxes which were punctured in order to allow the babies
          to breath.
          - On 17 September 2003, a 22 year-old woman from Central Java, Indonesia,
          was lured from Indonesia to Malaysia with the prospect of a good job, but actually she
          became a victim of trafficking in human beings. The woman was over five months
          pregnant.
          Reply from the Government
          257. On 29 May 2007 the Government replied to the letter sent on 18 May 2004. It
          stated that trafficking in persons, particularly women and children, was a serious
          problem in the Asian region exacerbated by an increasing involvement of organized
          criminal groups. To this end, on 26 September 2002,. Malaysia signed the United
          Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and ratified it on 24
          September 2004. At the time of writing, Malaysia was in the process of tabling a Bill
          in Parliament crirninalising the offence of trafficking in Malaysia, thus affording more
          protection to victims of the crime. Among others, the legislation would provide
          necessary shelters and relevant mechanisms, in keeping with the United Nations
          Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
          258. As regarding the allegations regarding the cases the Special Rapporteur' s letter
          referred to, the following was reported:
          - On 20 June 2002, a Royal Malaysian Police team rescued six Indonesian
          women and four babies in Kuching. The police arrested a couple (Mr. B. J. L.
          M. and Mrs. J S. H.). The suspected were charged in court for the offence of
          harbouring illegal immigrants and afterwards released on court bail of RM
          10,000 with two sureties each.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          On 25 June 2002, the police rescue three babies and three children in Sibu.
          There is no information of any woman being rescued. One police report
          alleged that three arrests were made (Mr. L. S. K., Mr. W. T. H. and Mr. L. Y.
          M.). The investigation paper was sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor and on
          3 October 2003, instructions were given to conclude investigations as there
          was no evidence to show that the babies had been legally adopted by the
          suspects. The rescued babies were handed over to the Sibu Welfare
          • Department on the order of the Court which adjudicated the matter. Another
          police report was lodged concerning two young girls aged two and six years
          old respectively and a boy aged 4 years old who were found in Sibu. Three
          arrests were made (Mr. L. K. S., Ms. H. P. H. and Ms. I. J.). The suspects in
          this case were initially remanded but then they have been released
          unconditionally as there was no supporting evidence to prove that the children
          had been kidnapped or smuggled. The charges against them were withdrawn.
          As for the children, they were initially taken into temporary custody and
          placed at a shelter by the Social Welfare Department. The children were
          subsequently released into the custody of Ms. H. P. H. on the instructions of
          the Court as there was supporting evidence to show that the children had been
          legally adopted by her. At the time of writing they lived under her care and
          custody.
          On 22 August 2003, in Johor, the police saw a boat docking at a jetty and a
          man carrying a white Styrofoam box. The man (Mr. A. Abd. R.) was detained
          and it was subsequently discovered that the box contained two babies. An
          accomplice (Mr. I. S.) was later arrested on 31 st August. Both suspects were
          charged of unlawful transfer of possession, custody or control of child and
          importation of child by false pretenses. The Court impose a fine of RM 5,000
          in default 12 months' imprisonment against Mr. A. Abd. R., who was placed
          behind bars, having failed to pay the fine. Mr. I. S. was charged in Court but
          the charges were withdrawn on the instructions of the Public Prosecutor due to
          insufficient evidence. However, action under preventive detention was taken
          against him. The babies rescued were handed over to the Indonesian Consulate
          on 22 October 2003.
        
          
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          - In September 2003, a woman purportedly from Central Java, Indonesia,
          alleged that she was victim of human smuggling and forced to work at a
          restaurant and to prostitute herself. The victim was said to have sought refuge
          at the Indonesian Consulate in Kuching, Sarawak. The details of this case are
          quite vague as it has not been indicated if the alleged victim has lodged a
          police report. More details would be required to enable the relevant authorities
          in Malaysia to investigate the above allegation.
          Observations
          259. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of Malaysia for its
          reply to her 2004 communication and notes with appreciation the ratification by
          Malaysia of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
          Mexico
          Carta de alegaciones
          260. En 12 de marzo de 2007, el Relator Especial sobre la tortura, el Relator
          Especial sobre la situación de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentales de
          los indIgenas y la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la muj er, con inclusion
          de sus causas y consecuencias enviaron una carta de alegación al Gobierno de
          Mexico en relación con el supuesto ataque sufrido por la Sra. E. A. R., mujer
          indIgena de 73 aflos de edad, quien falleció el 26 de Febrero de este aflo en
          Tetlalzingo, municipio de Soledad Atzompa, Veracruz.
          261. Segün la información recibida, el 25 de Febrero del 2007, la Sra. E. A. R fue
          violada por miembros del 63 Batallón de InfanterIa de la 26 zona militar de Lencero,
          Veracruz. La Sra. E. A. R fue hallada por sus farniliares a quienes les dij o “los
          militares se me vinieron encima”. Debido a su crItico estado de salud, fue trasladada
          al hospital regional de RIo Blanco en donde falleció al dIa siguiente. El certificado de
          defunción seflala que la Sra. E. A. R murió como consecuencia de una infección en
          los intestinos y en el hIgado. Dicho informe también sefiala que el cuerpo presentaba
          huellas de tortura y perforación del recto.
        
          
          A!ETRC/7/6!Add. 1
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          262. Este incidente se une a otros casos de violaciones sexuales cometidas por
          militares en contra de muj eres indIgenas en zonas con un alto indice de marginación y
          pobreza. Esta situación fue analizada en el informe de la Misión a Mexico de la
          Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la muj er. En dicho informe, la Relatora
          Especial sefiala como motivo de especial alarma las alegaciones de violaciones de
          mujeres indigenas cometidas por soldados, que han quedado impunes
          (E/CN.4/2006/61/Add.4, párrs. 26-37). Asimismo, la Relatora Especial recomienda en
          su informe reformar la legislación si fuera necesario, para que todos los actos de
          violencia contra civiles cometidos por personal militar sean investigados por las
          autoridades civiles, encausados por las autoridades civiles, y juzgados por tribunales
          civiles independientes e imparciales (parr. 69).
          263. La situación fue analizada asimismo por el Relator Especial sobre la situación
          de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentales de los indIgenas acerca de su
          visita a Mexico, donde se seflalaron a la atención del Gobierno de Su Excelencia “los
          abusos cometidos por elementos del ejército contra la población civil indIgena en
          zonas de conflicto o de agitación social”, y especialmente violaciones de mujeres y
          niflas indIgenas.
          264. En la mayorIa de los casos, estos hechos no son objeto de persecución penal
          debido a la “corrupción y a la impunidad en el sistema de justicia, por lo que muchos
          indigenas desesperan de acudir a la procuradurla y a los tribunales”
          (E/CN.4/2004/80/Add.2, parr. 36). En este sentido, el Relator Especial recornendó que
          cualquier información flable sobre violaciones de muj eres/niflas indIgenas deberá ser
          investigada de oficio por el ministerio p iblico aunque no medie una denuncia fonnal
          (ibid. parr. 92).
          265. Sin implicar de antemano, una conclusion sobre los hechos descritos, lbs
          gustarla llamar la atención de Su Gobiemo sobre el informe del anterior Relator
          Especial sobre la cuestión de la tortura, el Sr. N. R., donde seflala que la violación es
          una forma de tortura excepcionalmente traumática (EICN.411995134, parr. 19).
          Igualmente, nos permitimos llamar su atención sobre las recomendaciones del Sr. R.
        
          
          AJHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          al Gobiemo de Mexico tras su visita en 1997 (E/CN.4/1998/38/Add.2). La
          recomendación 88 j) afirma que “Los delitos graves perpetrados por ci personal
          militar contra civiles, en particular la tortura u otros tratos o penas crueles, inhumanos
          o degradantes, deben ser conocidos por la justicia civil, con independencia de que
          hayan ocurrido en acto de servicio”.
          Respuesta del Gobierno
          266. Mediante comunicación de 17 de mayo de 2007 dirigida a la Relatora Especial
          sobre la violencia contra la mujer, sus causas y consecuencias, el Gobierno de Mexico
          contestó al liamamiento enviado ci 12 de marzo de 2007 por la Relatora
          conjuntamente con el Relator Especial sobre la situación de los derechos humanos y
          las libertades fundamentales de los indIgenas.
          267. La comunicación del Estado consta en fotocopias de artIculos del boletin
          informativo de la Secretarla de Relaciones Exteriores, Dirección General de Derechos
          Humanos y Democracia, bajo el tItulo “Derechos Humanos: Agenda Intemacional de
          Mexico. Jnformación para los representantes de Mexico en el exterior”.
          268. El artIculo seflalaba que una necropsia realizada ci 26 de febrero por personal
          medico de la ProcuradurIa General de Justicia del Estado de Veracruz concluyó que la
          causa de la muerte fue un traumatismo craneoencefálico, fractura y luxación de
          vertebras cervicales y anemia aguda.
          269. Pero diversas omisiones e inconsistencias en la primera necropsia practicada
          motivaron que la Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos solicitara ci 7 de marzo a
          la ProcuradurIa lievar a cabo la exhumación del cuerpo. Segün estos documentos, ci
          30 de abril de 2007, la ProcuradurIa General de Justicia del Estado de Veracruz
          concluyó que la muerte de E. A. R se debió a “causas fisiológicas y mecánicas y no a
          factores extemos”. Asimismo, se infonnaba de que ci Procurador General de Justicia
          de Veracruz, E. L., y el Fiscal Especial del caso, J. A., informaron en rueda de prensa
          sobre la decision de cerrar el caso judicialmente al no encontrar elementos probatorios
          de los delitos de violación y homicidio.
        
          
          AJHRCI7/6IAdd. 1
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          Liamamiento urgente
          270. El 24 de mayo de 2007, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer,
          con inclusion de sus causas y consecuencias, junto con el Relator Especial sobre la
          Yenta de niflos, la prostitución infantil y la utilización de niflos en la pomografia y el
          Representante Especial del Secretario-General para los defensores de los derechos
          humanos, enviaron un ilamamiento urgente al Gobierno de Mexico en relación con la
          Sra. L. C. R., periodista y defensora de derechos humanos, directora y ftmdadora del
          Centro Integral de Atención a las Mujeres (ClAM) en Cancimn, una organización no-
          gubemamental que se dedica a la provision de refugio y apoyo para las vIctimas de
          violencia familiar, violencia sexual, y trata.
          271. De acuerdo con la información recibida: El 7 de mayo de 2007, hacia las 12:20
          horas, la Sra. L. C. R. llegó de Ciudad Juárez al Aeropuerto Intemacional de la
          Ciudad de Mexico acompaflada de tres personas de la Agencia Federal de
          Investigaciones (AFT) que la escoltan a raIz de las amenazas de muerte que habrIa
          recibido por su trabajo.
          272. La Sra. L. C. R., tres periodistas y los tres agentes viajaban del aeropuerto en
          un vehIculo Suburban, propiedad de la Procuradurla General de la Repüblica.
          DespuOs de viajar cinco kilómetros, entre Viaducto y Eje Central (Ciudad de
          Mexico), el vehIculo comenzó a perder el control y el chófer tuvo que detenerlo.
          273. Al bajar del vehIculo, los agentes habrIan encontrado que la llanta y la rueda
          estaban a punto de salirse. Segün la información recibida, los agentes de AFI
          consideraron que el problema del vehiculo habria sido provocado deliberadamente
          para causar un accidente. La Sra. L. C. R. habria denunciado oficialmente el incidente
          ante la policla, exigiendo una investigación exhaustiva de lo sucedido.
          274. La Sra. L. C. R. es autora del libro “Los demonios de Eden: El poder detrás de
          la pomografia infantil”, en el cual denuncia a la mafia de la pederastia en Mexico,
          implicando a varios personajes pi blicos. En 2004, la Sra. L. C. R. habria sido
          acusada de difamación y a raIz de estas acusaciones the detenida en diciembre de
        
          
          A!HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          2005. Bn 1999 the vIctima de una violación, un acto de intimidación con la intención
          de advertirle de los peligros de seguir con sus investigaciones sobre los crImenes de
          violencia sexual en Mexico.
          275. Se expresa profunda preocupación por la seguridad e integridad fisica de la Sra.
          L. C. R.y se teme que estos eventos puedan estar relacionados con la actividad en
          defensa de los derechos humanos de la Sra. L. C. R., en particular su participación en
          la protección de los derechos de las mujeres y de los nifios en Mexico.
          Liamamiento urgente
          276. El 7 de septiembre de 2007, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la
          muj er, con inclusion de sus causas y consecuencias, junto con el Relator Especial
          sobre la tortura, el Relator Especial sobre la situación de los derechos humanos y las
          libertades fundamentales de los indIgenas y el Representante Especial del Secretario-
          General para los defensores de los derechos humanos, enviaron un liamamiento
          urgente al Gobierno de Mexico en relación con el Sr. F. P., miembro del pueblo
          indIgena tiapaneca, quien habia sido supuestamente vIctima de golpes e
          intimidaciones por parte de personas presuntamente al servicio del Ejército.
          277. Segi n la información recibida, el 30 de junio de 2007, el Sr. F. P. habrIa sido
          golpeado por los Sres. H. y A. M. S. al frente de la Comisaria Municipal de Ayutla de
          los Libres, estado de Guerrero. Mientras el Sr. F. P. se encontraba tendido en el suelo,
          uno de los hombres le mostró un arma que lievaba oculta baj o la ropa y le habria
          dicho: “Si intentas decir algo aqul te traigo tu comida. . .lo que estás denunciando con
          tu esposa I. en contra de los guachos es mentira, y ya sabemos que hasta Estados
          Unidos vas a ir, pero no te va a servir de nada porque es mentira lo que estás
          diciendo”.
          278. El 27 de julio de 2007, segt'in las informaciones, cuando el Sr. F. P. se dirigla a
          su domicilio, se le acercó el tb de los dos hombres que lo habian agredido frente a la
          Comisarla Municipal de Ayutla, y le habria dicho: udeja de chingar a los guachos,
          sabemos que quieres ir hasta Estados Unidos a denunciar, y si no paras algo feo te
          puede pasar”. El 1 de agosto, el mismo individuo lo volvió a amenazar con las
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          siguientes palabras: “Hijo de tu chingada madre, ya deja de decir que a tu esposa la
          violaron los guachos. Ya te dije que te vamos a partir tu madre”.
          Carta de aIegaCiôll
          279. El 18 de diciembre de 2006, la Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la
          muj er, con inclusion de sus causas y consecuencias, junto con el Relator Especial
          sobre la tortura, enviaron una carta de alegación al GobiemO de Mexico en relación a
          casos de violencia sexual contra miembros del movimiento social “Frente de Pueblos
          en Defensa de la Tierra”. El 3 y 4 de mayo de 2006 hubo enfrentamientos entre
          fIierzas de seguridad y habitantes de los Municipios de Texcoco y San Salvador
          Atenco, Estado de Mexico, que mantuvieron bloqueada la carretera Lecheria-
          TexcocO. Estos eventos tuvieron como antecedente un conflicto politico entre las
          autoridades municipales y grupos de vendedores e individuos pertenecientes al
          movimiento social arriba mencionado. Durante las protestas varios manifestantes se
          enfrentarOn de founa violenta a los cue o5 policiales del Estado de Mexico. Los
          agentes de la Policia Federal Preventiva y la Agencia de Seguridad Estatal
          reaccionaron haciendo un uso de la ftierza aparentemente excesivo. Segün informes,
          unos policias caminaron sobre personas que estaban acostadas y esposadas. Dos
          personas , entre ellos un menor de 14 aflos, fallecieron a consecuencia de los disturbios
          sin que hasta la fecha se hayan esclarecido las circunstancias de las muertes. Las
          ftierzas de seguridad detuvieron a 211 personas , incluidas 47 muj eres. Las muj eres
          tenian entre 18 y 40 afios. Durante su detención fueron obj eto de diversas
          modalidades de violencia sexual, fisica y b verbal. Al menos 23 de ellas reportaron
          agresiones sexuales, tales como pellizcos y mordidas en los senos, violación por via
          vaginal y anal con dedos y otros objetos y 4olaciOn por via oral. Los policias tambiOn
          ejercieron violencia sexual al amenazar verbalmente con la violaciOn y al utilizar un
          lenguaj e altamente discriminatorio relativo a la condición sexual de las muj eres
          detenidas. A algunas muj eres les quitaron la top a violentalnente. En contravención a
          lo dispuestO en los articulos 129 y 130 del COdigo de Procedimientos Penales del
          Estado de Mexico, el personal del Centro PreventivO y de ReadaptaciOn Social
          SantiagUito de Almoloya de Juárez, Estado de Mexico, no preservó las evidencias que
          las secuelas de las lesiones y abusos ocasionados por los policias dej aron en la la ropa
        
          
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          de las mujeres agraviadas. A la ilegada de las mujeres agraviadas al Centro,
          empleados del Centro quitaron algunas prendas de vestir a unas muj eres y a otras las
          obligaron a lay arias. Aunque las muj eres solicitaron desde un primer momento poner
          en conocimientO de las autoridades sus denuncias, no las registraron hasta la ilegada
          de la Fiscalla Especializada de Delitos Violentos contra las Mujeres el 12 de mayo de
          2006. Hasta la fecha del 4 de noviembre de 2006, 23 agentes de la Agencia de
          Seguridad Estatal ftieron consignados por el delito de abuso de autoridad por la
          FiscalIa Estatal.
          280. Solamente un agente policial de la referida Agencia Estatal the consignado por
          actos libidinosos. Ningün agente fue consignado por el delito de violación o abuso
          sexual. La Fiscalla Federal Especial para Delitos Violentos contra Muj eres, que
          también tiene competencia de investigar el caso, todavIa no ha formulado acusaciófl
          contra mngün agente.
          Respuesta del Gobierno
          281. Por carta con fecha 17 de mayo de 2007, el Gobierno infontó que se decidió
          implementar procedimientos administrativos y judiciales en contra de los elementos
          de la Agencia de Seguridad Estatal (ASE) por los hechos suscitados en Texoco y San
          Salvador de Atenco el 3 y 4 de mayo de 2006. Se informa que la autoridad judicial
          emitió 17 ordenes de aprehensión en contra de elementos de la Policla Estatal por la
          probable responsabilidad por el delito de abuso de autoridad. Sin embargo, dichas
          ordenes, no han sido cumplidas en virtud del amparo concedido por el juez federal a
          favor de los policlas acusados. El Gobiemo también afinna que 4 jefes de
          destacamento del grupo de la ASE ftteron destituidos de sus cargos y 5 fueron
          suspendidos por 90 dIas por tolerar tratos violentos por parte de sus compafieros a las
          personas con las cuales tuvieron contacto para su traslado y no velar por su integridad
          flsica.
          282. En cuanto a las investigaciOnes sobre los supuestos abusos sexuales cometidos
          en contra de las mujeres detenidas, el Gobiemo informa que el 15 de Mayo de 2006 la
          FiscalIa Especial para la Atención de los Delitos RelacionadOs con Actos de Violencia
        
          
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          contra las Mujeres (FEVIMI) dio motivo al inicio de la averiguacióii previa
          APIFBVIM/003/05-2006.
          283. También se informa que ci 22 de mayo de 2006 la Comisión Nacional de
          Derechos Humanos (CNDH), emitió un informe preliminar en ci que seflala que 211
          quej as fueron interpuestas ante este organismo nacional por los hechos ocurridos el 3
          y4demayodel200 6 .
          284. De las 23 muj eres que sefialaron haber sido vIctimas de abusos sexuales ante la
          Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos, 17 ratificaron su denuncia ante la
          Procuradurla General de Justicia del Estado de Mexico y 2 de ellas han reconocido a
          sus agresores.
          Observaciones
          285. La Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la muj er, con inclusion de sus
          causas y consecuencias, agradece las informaciones proporcionadas por ci Gobiemo
          en reiación con sus cartas de 12 de marzo de 2007 y de 18 de diciembre de 2006. La
          Relatora Especial sobre la violencia contra la mujer, con inclusion de sus causas y
          conseduencias, agradecerla recibir del Gobiemo, asI como de otros interesados,
          información sobre ci resultado de los procesos judiciales relativos a los casos de San
          Salvador Atenco.
          286. Por otro lado, la Relatora lamenta no haber recibido respuesta a sus
          comunicaciones de 7 de septiembre y de 24 de mayo de 2007 en ci momento de
          finalización del presente informe y reitera su interés en recibir respuestas en relación
          con las alegaciones sometidas.
          Myanmar
          Urgent appeal
        
          
          AIHRCI7I6/Add. 1
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          287. On 9 March 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Chairperson-RapPorteUr of the Working
          Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture
          sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding Ms. R. N., Ms. C. N. R., Ms. N. H.
          D. and Ms. P. R., four girls aged between 14 and 16 years from Kachin State
          reportedly detained at Putao Prison, Kachin State.
          288. According to information received: In early February 2007, the four girls were
          gang-raped by three army officers and four soldiers from a Government military base
          of the State Peace and Development Council. The alleged perpetrators belong to
          Infantry Battalion No. 138, based in Munglang Shidi, Putao District, Kachin State.
          289. Army officials reportedly gave money to the girls and their parents to induce
          them not to report their case to the police. However, in late February, the incident was
          reported by an independent news agency. After the information was released, the four
          girls were immediately arrested and are now detained at Putao Prison, Kachin State.
          Allegation letter
          290. On 10 May 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences jointly with the independent expert on minority issues, the Special
          Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, the
          Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, the Special
          Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and the Special
          Rapporteur on the question of torture sent an allegation letter to the Government.
          291. On 2 November 2005, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, along with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of
          human rights in Myanmar, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of
          the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on the question
          of torture, the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the
          highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, the Special Rapporteur on
          the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, the Special Rapporteur
          on trafficking in persons, especially women and children and the independent expert
        
          
          AIHRCI7I6IAdd. I
          Page 81
          on minority issues, sent a letter of allegation concerning reports of widespread and
          systematic violence against women and girls in Myanmar. The Special RapporteUrs
          used this opportunity to express their regret that, at the time of writing, they had not
          received any reply to this letter. This is of particular concern in view of the fact that
          they continue to receive allegations that such practices continue.
          292. According to information received: Military forces continue to commit rape in
          several regions, including KarenlKayifl, Mon, Shan and Chin. Over the last 18 months,
          125 cases of rape have been reported in Karen areas, and about 30 cases of rape
          against women and minor girls have been reported in Chin areas. The soldiers
          committing rape display extreme violence, sometimes torturing and murdering their
          victims.
          293. The Special RapporteUrs would like to reiterate their concern that the reported
          cases indicate a trend of sexual violence which is particularly alarming, bearing in
          mind that the above figures reflect only cases of rape that have been reported. Real
          numbers may be much higher due to the fact that many women do not report incidents
          of sexual violence because of the trauma and stigma attached it. The Special
          RapporteurS were also concerned that sexual violence seems to be particularly
          endemic in areas of Myanmar where ethnic minorities live. They had, moreover, not
          been informed about any attempts by the Government of Myarimar to identify,
          prosecute and punish the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Therefore, they were
          concerned that sexual violence and the consistent and continuing pattern of impunity
          have contributed to an environment conducive to the perpetuation of violence against
          women and girls.
          Observations
          294. The Special RapporteUr regrets not having received any reply to her
          communications sent in 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a reply from the
          Government in regard to all allegations submitted, particularly given the alleged
          widespread sexual violence and exploitation against women and girls.
        
          
          A!HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          Mongolia
          Allegation letter
          295. On 9 March 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jointly with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons,
          especially women and children, sent to the Government an allegation letter
          concerning Ms. B. B., a 28-year old woman from Dalanzadgad Soum, Umnugobi
          Province.
          296. According to information received: When Ms. B. E.'s husband left for the
          Republic of Korea in search of work, she and her son remained in Mongolia. Ms. B. E.
          earned a low salary at the ‘Mon-Fresh Co.Ltd, a local business. Ms. M., a resident of
          Erel Building 46, Apt.26, Bayanzurkh District, offered Ms. B. B. to accompany her to
          Beijing to work as her assistant. Ms. B. B. assumed that she worked as a translator in
          Beijing.
          297. Ms. B. E. accepted the offer and placed her son with her mother. Before their
          departure to Beijing in April 2006, Ms. M. gave Ms. B. B. a loan of 300.000 Tugrik.
          Ms. M. and Ms. B. B. took the train to Beijing, crossing the border in Brlyan.
          298. Upon their arrival in Beijing, Ms. M. demanded that Ms. B. B. to repay the loan
          of 300.000 Tugrik and forced her to work as a prostitute at a bar called “DEN” to
          repay her debt. Ms. B. B. did not speak Chinese and had never been to Beijing. Ms. M.
          also took away her passport, money and all phone numbers of friends and family
          members. Furthermore, Ms. M. reportedly beat Ms. B. B. when she refused to have
          sex with men, and threatened that she would call her family and friends and inform
          them that she was working as prostitute.
          299. On 19 April 2006, Ms. B. B. escaped, taking her passport with her. On 1 May
          2006, she returned to Mongolia with the help of two men, who also gave her 2500
          Yuan to help her. Allegedly, Ms. M. called Ms. B. E. from Beijing and threatened that
          if she did not pay her a sum of 200.000 Chinese Yuan she would inform everyone that
          Ms. B. B. had worked as prostitute. On 5 May 2006 Ms. M. called again threatening
        
          
          AfFfRCI7I6IAdd. 1
          Page 83
          to provide the same information to the police. Allegedly, Ms. M.'s sister, Ms. S., who
          lives in Mongolia, had als.o threatened Ms. B. B.
          300. On 10 May 2006, Ms. B. B. went to the police and filed a criminal complaint
          alleging that she had been trafficked to Beijing where she had been sexually exploited.
          However, on 28 May 2006, the Prosecutor closed the investigations into her case
          stating that Ms. B. E. had not been sold to a buyer as required by the definition of
          trafficking contained in article 113 of the Mongolian Criminal law. The prosecutor
          reportedly also took the position that the main alleged perpetrator and essential
          witnesses lived outside of Mongolia so that the case was outside the jurisdiction of the
          Mongolian authorities.
          301. Ms. M. is presumed to still be in Beijing. Ms. B. B. remains in Mongolia in a
          destitute situation without support from her family or friends, who have ostracized her
          due to her involvement in, albeit forced, prostitution.
          Observations
          302. The Special Rapporteur regrets not having received a reply to the
          communication sent in 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a reply from the
          Government in regard to all allegations submitted.
          Mozambique
          Allegation letter
          303. On 15 March 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jonitly with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons,
          especially women and children, the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child
          prostitution and child pornography; and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of
          migrants, sent an allegation letter to the Government concerning the trafficking in
          women and children for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour to
          Mozambique, and through and from Mozambique to South Africa.
        
          
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          304. According to the information received: From Maputo, women and children are
          reportedly trafficked via Ressano Garcia or the Lebombo border to Gauteng, in South
          Africa. Another route used for trafficking of persons to South Africa, specifically to
          Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, is the border at Ponta do Ouro. The trafficking of these
          persons continues further either to the south of Swaziland and directly to
          Johannesburg and Pretoria, or south to Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is estimated
          that approximately 1000 Mozambican women per year are trafficked along these
          routes. Reportedly, children are also trafficked daily in trucks through the Kruger
          National Park or the Swaziland border. Mozambicans from the north are trafficked
          into South Africa via Zimbabwe. It is further alleged that people being trafficked from
          the Great Lakes Region and East Africa enter the north of Mozambique via Malawi or
          Tanzania. Mozambican ports are also said to be a stopping point for traffickers
          travelling by sea, who then continue the journey overland to South Africa.
          305. It is moreover reported that small-scale trafficking networks, based at transit
          houses in the border region between Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa, use
          minivan taxis to smuggle both migrants and trafficking victims across the border.
          Accomplices in Johannesburg, Maputo and in the Lebombo region in South Africa
          reportedly assist this process through recruiting, accommodating and transferring
          migrants and trafficked persons to the final destinations. Organized groups of
          Mozambican refugees living legally in South Africa are also reported to be involved
          in such activities.
          306. In this context, young women attempting to find work in South Africa are
          allegedly led to believe that they will be offered employment as waitresses or
          domestic workers. However, upon arrival at the said transit centres the women are
          separated from others, and forced into prostitution or forced labour in agriculture,
          manufacturing or service industries. When subjected to forced labour, reports indicate
          that they are often subject to sexual abuse by their employers. Reports also indicate
          that young women and girls are sold, at the transit centres in Tonga and Johannesburg
          in South Africa, as “wives” to South African men. There are reports of “stocks” of
          women being displayed and of the possibility of “wives” ordered on demand.
        
          
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          307. Trafficked children are reportedly sold for 30 to 50 US $ per child. Orphans are
          particularly vulnerable to trafficking, particularly because of a reported practice of
          informal adoption of children and because of adoption laws alleged to facilitate their
          trafficking. There is an estimated 1.6 million orphans in Mozambique, of whom
          380,000 have lost their parents due to HI'V/AIDS.
          308. Moreover, AIDS is reported to play a major role in increasing the demand for
          the trafficking of younger and presumably uninfected sex workers. Extreme poverty
          may also render women and children more vulnerable to being trafficked.
          309. So far, no suspected trafficker has ever been tried for trafficking in persons, but
          instead under laws related to kidnapping, corruption of minors and hijacking.
          Furthermore, it is reported that trafficking through several unguarded borders is
          facilitated by the complicity or the tolerance of some border authorities.
          310. The Government of Mozambique has been undertaking considerable efforts to
          combat trafficking, including through the establishment of a National Campaign
          against Child Abuse. On 20 September 2006, the United Nations Convention against
          Transnational Organized Crime and the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress
          and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children were ratified. A
          national anti-trafficking law to ensure domestic implementation of the Protocol has
          yet to be adopted, however. At the time of writing, efforts to do so were reportedly at
          an advanced stage, and public debates had been held in several regions. The final draft
          law would reportedly be presented to the Council of Ministers in the near future and
          will be discussed during the March session of the Parliament.
          Observations
          311. The Special Rapporteur regrets not having received a reply to the
          communication sent in 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a reply from the
          Government in regard to all allegations submitted. Whilst recognising and
          commending the Government of Mozambique for the measures it was in the process
          of putting into place, the Special Rapporteur expresses concern that pending the full
        
          
          AIHRCI7/6/Add. 1
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          implementation of the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish
          Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, trafficking in persons
          apparently continues unabated.
          Nepal
          Response from the Government to a communication sent in 2006
          312. On 13 April 2006, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, and the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child
          prostitution and child pornography, sent a letter of allegation to the Government of
          Nepal concerning the trafficking and sexual exploitation of Nepalese girls in brothels
          in Calcutta and Mumbai, India. The full details of the allegations submitted have been
          reflected in the Special Rapporteurs' previous reports on communications sent and
          received. 9
          313. By a letter dated 23 January 2007, the Government of Nepal sent a “Brief
          outline of the Efforts made by the Government of Nepal in addressing the problem of
          trafficking of women and children”. This document, after a detailed introduction on
          the Government's commitment in fighting trafficking of women and children, states
          that there are no specific empirical studies carried out by the Government of Nepal to
          ascertain the statements made in the Special Rapporteurs' letter. However, legal
          arrangements have been made to curb such activities. The Trafficking in Persons
          (Control) Act, 1987, incorporates provisions of harsh penalty and imprisonment to the
          perpetrators of such crime (up to 20 years of imprisonment and Rs. 200,000.00
          penalty). It also provided an extra-territorial jurisdiction in such cases allowing
          indicted person to be prosecuted in the Court of Nepal wherever the crime may have
          been committed. Any of the police offices in Nepal can accept the complaint of such
          cases. The principle of strict liability is applied, under which the statement of the
          victim or the plaintiff is considered as strong evidence against the defendant who has
          to prove his/her innocence. Cases under this Act are investigated and prosecuted by
          the Government attorney as a party of the case. The Government brings a judicial-
          A/HRC/4/3 4/Add. 1 and A/HRC/4/3 1/Add. 1, respectively.
        
          
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          case as an example of the sensitivity in the interpretation of laws on trafficking from
          the victims' perspective.
          314. A table was provided with cases filed by prosecution officers to the court:
          Year
          Total Cases Filed
          Cases adjudicated
          by the court
          Cases awaiting
          court procedures
          to be completed
          2058/059 (July2001 -
          June 2002)
          136
          72
          64
          2059/060 (July 2002-
          June 2003)
          133
          50
          83
          2060/061 (July2003 -
          June 2004)
          173
          88
          85
          315. The Government affirmed that the above table shows that perpetrators have
          been identified and penalised by decisions of the court. In case where sufficient
          evidence proves that alleged person is involved in the trafficking of person, s/he is
          kept in judicial custody during the prosecution of the case. Even when the court of
          first instance acquits an accused, the Office of Government Attorney files appeal to
          the Higher Court for the review of the verdict.
          316. Furthermore it is reported that investigation and prosecution of every individual
          case takes place afler the complaint is lodged. This may follow necessary physical and
          medical examinations as per the nature of the case and condition of the victim, which
          is determined by the investigating officer. The investigating officer, in co-ordination
          with the Office of the District Govermnent Attorney files the case to the competent
          court for the adjudication of the case.
          317. Moreover, the Government declared to have established a rescue/emergency
          fund in some districts which are considered as major transit points of trafficking. As
          regards to the efforts to undertake necessary rehabilitation of the returned girls and
          women, in view of the need for special care and protection of the victims of crimes
          related to trafficking, MWCSW has run a “women self-reliance and rehabilitation
          home” since 1998. Several NGOs in co-operation with the Government have been
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
          Page 88
          providing shelter and training for the rehabilitation and provided means of livelihood
          to such victims in different parts of the country. The existing laws provide for the
          establishment of a rehabilitation fund to run social rehabilitation centre for the victims
          of trafficking. A committee for the overall co-ordination of the activities with
          different stakeholders is also envisioned.
          318. Finally, the Government assured that there were instances of compensation to
          the victims. Half of the penalty amount accrued from the convicted criminal of
          trafficking is awarded to the victim or her/his minor children, in case the victim has
          already died.
          Response from the Government to a communication sent in 2006
          319. On 1 December 2006, the Special Rapporteur sent a letter of allegation
          concerning Ms. M. R. C., a “metis” @ersons who are men by birth but identify as
          women), human rights outreach worker and member of the Blue Diamond Society.
          She was verbally abused by members of the Durbar Marg Police, and was intimidated
          and humiliated by police (including by sexual violence). The full details of the
          allegations submitted have been reflected in the Special Rapporteur's previous report
          on communications sent and
          320. By a letter dated 7 June 2007, the government of Nepal informed that upon
          inquiries by the concerned authorities of Nepal on the information contained in the
          communication sent by the Special Rapporteur, it has been revealed that Thamel
          being one of the most crowded areas in Kathmandu where incidences of clash and
          arguments between the people often happen, the police, in cooperation with the
          municipality officials, has been engaged in regular duty for managing traffic,
          removing of irregular parking as well as facilitating the smooth movement of crowd
          for the ease of commuters and pedestrians. They have not been engaged in taking
          photographs or filming the activities of the metis nor they have been indulged in
          verbal abuse or harassment of them as alleged in verbal abuse or harassment of them
          as alleged in the communication.
          10 AJHRC/4/34/Add 1.
        
          
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          Allegation letter
          321. On 2 May 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture sent an
          allegation letter to the Government concerning alleged human rights violations
          committed by members of the Maoist party against a lesbian couple, 16 year-old D.
          (N.) C., from the Village-Tarahara Ward No.-08, and 20 year-old S. C., from Village-
          Pakali Ward No.-l. Both women belong to a low caste in the Sunsari district of Terai,
          the marginalized area of East Kathmandu, where the Communist Party of Nepal
          (Maoist) is exercising delegated authority.
          322. According to information received, the two young women started living
          together in the beginning of 2006. They have been hiding in different places since
          their respective families do not approve of their lesbian relationship. Ms. D. C. was
          forcibly returned by her parents to her family home on several occasions, most
          recently on 22 March 2007. Her parents and her brother (who is a Maoist) informed
          the Maoists about their relationship in order to encourage them to discontinue their
          lesbian relation and lifestyle.
          323. In October 2006, Ms. D. C. and Ms. S. C. were abducted and held in the Maoist
          camp in Lochani village in Morang District. At the camp, the Maoists called the
          couple derogatory names for homosexuals including “chakka” and “hij ara” and
          ordered the girls to join the Maoist party and undergo the training for Maoist militia.
          As the young women refused to join the Maoist party and carry weapons, they were
          allegedly beaten, verbally abused, and deprived of food almost everyday. After being
          detained for almost one month, they managed to escape from the camp and went into
          hiding.
          324. On 2 March 2007, the women were allegedly abducted again by the Maoists
          from Pakali village when they were on their way to celebrate the annual Hindu Holi
          festival in Pankali village in Sunsari district.
        
          
          AIHRC/7!6/Add. 1
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          325. The women were taken into custody at the Maoist camp in Singiya village,
          Sunsari district. They were intensively interrogated about whether they were
          homosexuals. During their interrogation they were told that their blood should be
          tested in order to find out whether they are lesbian or not. The women were released
          after ten hours on the condition that they return with staff from the Human Welfare
          Society to their parents. Human Welfare Society was allegedly also summoned to the
          Maoist camp and subjected to part of the interrogation. Since the parents did not come,
          the Maoists allegedly informed the girls that they would talk to their parents
          separately and contact them soon again.
          326. On 9 April 2007, the couple filed an official complaint to the Nepal National
          Human Rights Commission. Their complaint is registered as number 3403.
          327. At the time of the writing, the couple was hiding, living under difficult
          economical conditions, surviving on daily labour but are allegedly frightened to go to.
          work due to that their family members or Maoists may find them and abduct them
          again.
          Urgent appeal
          328. On 20 June 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the
          situation of human rights defenders sent a letter to the Government of Nepal
          concerning human rights defenders Ms. R. M. and Ms D. K. M., members of the
          Women ‘s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC), in the Siraha district. WOREC is a non-
          governmental organization working on social justice and human rights, specifically
          women's rights, and the rights of marginalized groups in Nepal such as the Dalits. Ms
          R. M. and Ms D. K. M. have been involved in documenting cases of violence against
          women and providing support to victims for several years.
          329. According to information received: On 14 June 2007, at approximately
          13.00 pm, the offices of WOREC were surrounded by between 60 to 70 men who
          warned staff working at the time that if they did not leave the village within five days
          they would be raped and killed.
        
          
          A!HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          330. On 2 June 2007, at approximately 11 .5Opm, unidentified assailants attacked the
          WOREC office with sharp bricks. Staff working at the centre at the time, went outside
          to investigate and were met with a barrage of bricks before the assailants absconded.
          No serious injuries were sustained in the attack however staff claimed they felt their
          lives were being threatened. The police were called after the attack but allegedly
          maintained that they could not come to the scene of the attack for security reasons but
          assured staff that they would investigate the case the following morning. A few days
          later the main gate of WOREC was dismantled and thrown onto the road. Those
          responsible were identified as the alleged perpetrators in the rape cases mentioned
          below.
          331. During the months of April and May 2007, Ms. R. M. and Ms. D. K. M.
          documented two cases involving the attack and rape of two local women. They also
          assisted the women in registering their claims with the police and obtaining legal and
          medical advice. Ms. R. M. and Ms. D. K. M. have been challenged on numerous
          occasions by members of the Govindapur community, in the Siraha district, for their
          activities in defence of human rights, however since April their situation has
          deteriorated considerably. Ms. R. M. has reportedly been threatened with death, rape
          and kidnapping, and in one incident an alleged perpetrator in one of the
          aforementioned rape cases, threatened her by saying that he ‘had unleashed a man
          who would rape any woman and who will raise sensitive issues so the women should
          stay alert'. The Govindapur community has also strongly criticised Ms. R. M. and Ms.
          D. K. M. for taking the cited cases to the police instead of settling them within the
          community.
          332. Concern was expressed that the aforementioned events are directly related to the
          work of Ms. R. M. and Ms. D. K. M. in defence of human rights, in particular their
          involvement in making public the cases of two female rape victims in the Govindapur
          community. Further concern is expressed at reports of a lack of response from the
          police in investigating the alleged threats against Ms. R. M. and Ms. D. K. M., and the
          attack on the office of WOREC.
        
          
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          Allegation letter
          333. On 13 July 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture sent an
          allegation letter to the Government concerning Ms. K.K., a 15-year old girl with a
          mental disorder from Dekhatbhuli VDC, Kanchanpur.
          334. According to information received: On 4 June 2007, when Ms. K.K. was on her
          way to visit her uncle, two police constables, Mr. H. C., from Zonal Police of
          Mahakali Zone, and Mr. R. S., from the Police Battalion Kanchanpur, requested her to
          accompany them. The two men took her to a house, which was situated next to a tea
          shop that belongs to Mr. R. S., s brother, and raped her. Subsequently, the two police
          constables took Ms. K.K. to the residence of another police constable from Mahakali
          Zonal police, Mr. J. M., and left her there with Mr. J. M.'s wife, Ms. R. M. In the
          evening, Mr. J. M. and his nephew Mr. T. D. came to the house and proceeded to rape
          Ms. K.K. throughout the night.
          335. Mr. J. M.'s wife, Ms. R. M., was at home when the rape occurred. On the
          morning following the rape, Ms. R. M. tore off Ms. K.K. clothes, accusing her of
          wanting to become her husband's second wife. Later that day, Ms. R. M. took her to
          the Zonal Police Office. After a preliminary investigation Ms. K.K. and Ms. R. M.
          where referred to the District Police Office. One of the police officers who initially
          interviewed Ms. K.K. was a man. Subsequently Ms. K.K. was taken to Mahakali
          Zonal Hospital in Kanchanpur for a medical examination, which confirmed that she
          had been raped.
          336. Ms. K.K. was bleeding for several days from her uterus after the incident. The
          doctors who examined the victim prescribed medication for her physical injuries
          however, no counselling or specific protection measures have been provided to Ms.
          K.K.
          337. Mr. R. S., Mr. T. D. and Ms. R. M. were arrested on 5 June 2007. They have
          been charged with rape by the District Court, and remain in detention. The two other
          perpetrators, police constables Mr. H. C. and Mr. J. M., are still at large despite the
        
          
          AJHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          arrest warrants issued against them. All three police constables have been suspended
          from their jobs.
          338. Welcoming the investigative steps that the authorities have already undertaken,
          we urge the Government to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice without
          unnecessary delay. We also call on the Government to ensure that the child victim
          receives all necessary mental and physical health care; to protect her and her family
          from possible reprisals; and to compensate her for the violations she reportedly
          suffered at the hands of state agents on duty.
          Reply from the Government
          339. On 10 September 2007, the Government replied to the letter sent on 13 July
          2007, acknowledging receipt and noting the letter had been forwarded to Kathmandu
          with the request for information on this case.
          Allegation letter
          340. On 24 August 2007, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences sent an allegation letter to the Government concerning Ms. B. G
          C., aged 15, permanent resident of Ramghat Village Development Committee, ward
          number 8, Surkhet District, Nepal.
          341. According to information received, On 19 July 2007, Ms. B. G C. was on her
          way home from Latikoili on a micro bus, when Mr. R. N. B., a soldier working in
          Midwestern Divisional Army Headquarter, Banke district, and Mr. Y T., a civilian
          friend of Mr. R. N., sat down next to her and began questioning her. After learning
          Ms. B. G C's name and address, the two men followed her off the first bus, and tried
          to persuade her to take a separate vehicle home with them, as they insisted they lived
          nearby. When Ms. B. G C. got on a second bus, the men followed her.
          342. Allegedly, Mr. R. N., and Mr. Y. T. then convinced Ms. B. G C. to get off the
          bus and join them for some food. As soon as they were off the bus, Mr. Y. T. grabbed
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          her and dragged her to the ground, threatening her that she would be killed if she
          made any noise. Ms. B. G C. was then violently attacked by both men. Mr. Y T. raped
          her first, while Mr. R. N. watched; subsequently Mr. R. N., raped her as well,
          following which, the men left her naked on her own.
          343. Ms. B. G C. got on a bus and happened to be seated next to a nurse from the
          Bheri Zonal Hospital, who sent her to an NGO, Maiti Nepal, in Nepalgung. Maiti
          Nepal took her for a medical examination, with the help of the District Police Office
          (DPO) in Banke district. The statement she gave to this DPO was then forwarded to
          the DPO in Surkhet. The next day Ms. B. G C. was taken to the Bheri Zonal Hospital
          for another medical examination, which concluded that she had been raped.
          344. On 3 August 2007, Ms. B. G C., with the help of the NGO Advocacy Forum,
          filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the assailants with the DPO in Surkhet.
          While the DPO officers initially refused to register the report, presumably due to the
          involvement of army personnel, they finally accepted it.
          345. The DPO in Surkhet requested that the Mid-Western Divisional Army
          Headquarters hand Mr. R. N., over to the police for investigation, which they did on 9
          August. He is currently in police custody. The district court approved an extension of
          his detention for seven days starting from 13 August in order to complete
          investigations.
          346. An arrest warrant has been issued for Mr. Y. T., but he has not been arrested yet
          and has reportedly fled the area. The Special Rapporteur expressed concern that there
          were fears for the safety of Ms. B. G C. for reasons of personal security, as Mr. Y T.
          has not yet been arrested.
          Reply from the Government
          347. On 23 October 2007, the government replied to the letter sent on 24 August
          2007, acknowledging receipt and noting the letter had been forwarded to Kathmandu
          with the request for information on this case.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          Allegation letter
          348. On 25 September 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jointly with the Special Representative of the Secretary-
          General on the situation of human rights defenders sent an allegation letter to the
          Government regarding Ms. U. D. B., member of the “Badi Adhikari Sangharsa
          Samiti” (Badi community Struggle Committee), and women and male human rights
          defenders of the Badi community in Nepal.
          349. According to information received, on 22 August 2007, three dozen women
          human rights defenders from the Badi community were reportedly beaten and
          detained in custody. They were protesting in Singha Durbar, in Kathmandu. Allegedly,
          the aim of their protestation was the rehabilitation of women who have been forced to
          work as commercial sex workers, the right to own land, the equal representation of
          male and female candidates in the constituent assembly, and the establishment of legal
          bodies at all levels of the government addressing issues as racial discrimination,
          untouchability and legal identity for their children who are deprived of citizenship
          certificates. All the protestors were released later on that day without being charged.
          350. On 27 August 2007, 450 Badi women and men (225 of them were women from
          the Badi Community Struggle Committee and members of the Dalit Civil Society
          Movement) protested to enter in Singha Durbar. They were beaten with truncheons by
          the police. Reportedly, the police tried to take off the clothes of Ms. U. D. B., the
          coordinator of the Badi community Struggle Committee. 120 protestors were arrested
          by the police. Ms. U. D. B. and other women human rights defenders of the Women's
          rehabilitation centre (WOREC) were taken to the Armed Police Battalion number-2 in
          Maharaj gunj. They were released in the evening without charge against them.
          351. On 7 September, members of the Badi Community protested again in front of
          Singha Durbar. They were severely beaten by the police. On 9 September, during
          another protest in Harihar Bhawan, members of the Badi community were beaten by
          the police with sticks and boots. The police also poked sticks into people's organs.
          One of the victims is P. B., 18 years old, whose intestine was badly damaged.
        
          
          A!HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          Altogether 140 persons were arrested and taken to Mahendra Police Club in
          Maharagunj, Kathmandu, and were kept there for around 8 hours without being
          provided any food or water. Demonstrations seem ongoing.
          Reply from the Government
          352. On 31 October 2007, the Government of Nepal replied to the letter sent on 25
          September 2007, acknowledging receipt and noting the letter had been forwarded to
          Kathmandu with the request for information on this case.
          Observations
          353. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for its replies to
          some of her communications.
          354. The Special Rapporteur regrets not having received any substantive responses to
          her communications sent on 2 May, 20 June, 13 July, 24 August and 25 September
          2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a reply from the Government of Nepal in
          regard to all allegations submitted, and whether the cases reported in the
          communications have resulted in any prosecutions of alleged perpetrators. She notes
          in this respect that according to the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence
          against Women, States have a duty to take positive action and exercise due diligence
          to prevent and protect women from violence, to prosecute and appropriately sanction
          perpetrators of violence and to ensure that victims of violence receive compensation.
          States have this duty regardless of whether the relevant acts have been committed by
          private or State actors.
          New Zealand
          Allegation letter
          355. By letter dated 28 June 2007, the Special Rapporteur notified jointly with the
          Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children and, the
          Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants that they had received
        
          
          A!HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          information regarding the case of Ms. T.A.T reportedly a trafficking victim of
          Ukrainian origin.
          356. According to the information received, Ms. T.A.T was born in Ukraine. She was
          reportedly trafficked to Auckland, New Zealand in 2003. Ms. T.A.T is married to a
          citizen of New Zealand. They had a child born in 2005, who is therefore also a citizen
          of New Zealand.
          357. According to information received, in 2003, Ms. T.A.T was deceived by
          unknown persons residing in the Ukraine into believing that papers had been arranged
          for her to work lawfully as a waitress in New Zealand. Upon her departure from
          Ukraine to New Zealand, she was told by her traffickers in Ukraine that she would be
          travelling with a false passport. When she protested against this, she was warned that
          she already owed her traffickers the sum of US$ 5,000 for her ticket to New Zealand
          and for arrangements undertaken to provide her with a visa and temporary residence
          permit for New Zealand. She was also threatened that if she refused to comply with
          instructions, her family in Ukraine would suffer.
          358. Information received also indicated that she flew to New Zealand via Bangkok
          in the company of a man. Once in Bangkok, she was informed that she would fly to
          New Zealand alone but that she would immediately be met with a man at the airport
          who would take care of her from then on. Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, this man,
          took away her passport and took her to an apartment in a nightclub in Auckland,
          where she was sold to a group of men who forced her to work as a prostitute. There
          were two other Ukrainian women in that same apartment who had also found
          themselves in her same situation and who had also been brought to New Zealand
          under similar circumstances of false promises.
          359. It is also reported that, Ms. T.A.T and the women she lived and worked with,
          were never allowed to leave the apartment, except for once a week to buy their
          weekly groceries; on such occasions, they were always accompanied. The women
          were given very little food and when Ms. T.A.T fell ill during her captivity the
          traffickers were reluctant to let her see a doctor.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          360. Six months after Ms. T. A. T. arrived in New Zealand, the nightclub was
          suddenly closed down and the traffickers who had forced her to work as a prostitute
          left the premises. It is alleged that, she was nevertheless still forced to continue
          working as a prostitute by the man who had initially met her at the airport upon her
          arrival in New Zealand, claiming that she had still not repaid her debt. Ms. T.A.T and
          the two other women, however, managed to escape from the flat and went into hiding.
          It is then that Ms. T.A.T met the man who later became her husband.
          361. It is further alleged that, at that stage, Ms. T.A.T sent an application to the
          immigration authorities to obtain a residence permit. Her husband also wrote to the
          Immigration Office to support his wife's application, stressing that Ms. T.A.T had not
          voluntarily used false documents to enter New Zealand, but had been forced by her
          traffickers to do so. The immigration authorities nevertheless issued Ms. T.A.T with a
          Removal Order, arguing that they found no substantial evidence of Ms. T.A.T's actual
          identity.
          362. Reports indicated that the authorities argued that she had committed a serious
          offence in using false documentation to enter the country and was therefore advised to
          make arrangements to leave the country voluntarily; otherwise she would be arrested
          and deported.
          363. In order to respond to the authorities' request for identification, Ms. T.A.T
          managed to obtain copies of her birth certificate and her Ukrainian identity
          documentation from Ukraine. On 29 March 2007, Ms. T.A.T launched an appeal
          against the Removal Order, in accordance with Section 130 of the Immigration Act of
          1987.
          364. Finally, according to information received, investigations into the cases of the
          other Ukrainian women who were allegedly trafficked together with Ms. T.A.T are
          reportedly underway. Ms. T.A.T's house was searched and questioned as part of such
          ongoing investigations. It is reported that a number of the traffickers had been
          convicted but that some of the trafficked women had already been sent away from
          New Zealand. Other traffickers, including the man who met her at the airport,
        
          
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          allegedly remained at large. Moreover, Ms. T.A.T claims that this man and other
          members of the group that trafficked her to New Zealand were threatening her
          because they know that she is giving infonnation to the authorities. She fears that she
          would face a risk to her life, if she were returned to the Ukraine.
          365. On 20 July 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences and Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants wrote
          again to the Government asking for information of any developments on this case.
          Reply from the Goyernment
          366. By letter dated 5 July, the Government acknowledges receipt of the letter sent
          by the Special Rapporteurs on 28 June 2007, and informed that T.A.T.!s file would be
          assigned to an investigator.
          367. On 27 August 2007, the Government of New Zealand replied to the letter
          concerning the case of Ms T. A. T. In its response, the Government stated that it had
          reviewed Ms. T. A. T.'s case, and that further enquiries by the relevant authorities
          were still being conducted. The Government noted that all enquiries conducted thus
          far show no evidence to support the claim that Ms. T. A. T. is a victim of trafficking,
          and accordingly, the Government disputes the veracity of the allegations contained in
          the abovementioned letter of 28 June 2007.
          368. The Government also reported that any new information related to this case
          would be transmitted without delay to the Special Rapporteurs.
          369. Finally, the Government further reported that Ms. T. A. T. was in New Zealand
          at the present time, and assured the Special Rapporteurs that no further step will be
          taken to return Ms. T. A. T. to her country until the enquiries of her case have been
          concluded.
          Observations
        
          
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          370. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of New Zealand
          for its reply to her communication, and in particular for the Government's
          authorization to let Ms. T. A. T. stays in New Zealand until all enquires are concluded.
          She looks forward to receiving more infonnation on the outcome of the investigations
          launched in the case.
          People' Republic of China
          Responses from the Government to communications sent in 2006
          371. On 30 November 2006, the Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal
          concerning Mr. G. Z., a lawyer and Director of a private firm in Beijing, his wife Ms.
          G. H., their children aged 13 years and two years and his 70 year old mother in law.
          Concerns were expressed for the physical and physical and psychological integrity of
          Mr. G. Z. as it is feared that he may be subject to torture or ill- treatment while in
          detention. Concern was also expressed that the charges against him may be fabricated
          and may represent an attempt to prevent him and deter others from carrying out
          legitimate legal work in defence of human rights. Further concerns were also
          expressed for the safety of his family, particularly his family, his wife, Ms. G. H. and
          his children as it was feared that they may be subject to further act of intimidation,
          harassment or violence because of Mr. G. Z.'s aforementioned human rights work.
          372. The full details of the allegations submitted have been reflected in the Special
          Rapporteur' s previous report on communications sent and received.”
          373. By a letter dated on 14 August 2007, the government of China replied that on
          15 August 2006, Mr. G. Z. was placed under investigation by Beijing public security
          authorities, in accordance with the law, on suspicion of the commission of a criminal
          offence, and, on 21 September, his arrest warrant was approved by the procurator's
          office. Beijing people's procurator's office No.1 laid charges against G. Z. for the
          offence of fomenting subversion of the State and instituted proceedings against him
          with Beijing people's intermediate court No.1.
          11 A/HRC/4/3 4/Add. 1.
        
          
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          374. Beijing people's intermediate court No.1 determined, following its
          consideration of the case in open proceedings, that: from December 2005 to May
          2006, Mr. 0. Z. had composed and published on website such as “dajiyuan. Corn”,
          “kanzhongguo.com” and others, nine articles with such titles as “three open letters
          from G. Z. to H. J. and W. S.” and “this administration never stops killing people”. In
          these articles, Mr. 0. Z. engages in rumour- mongering and slander, vilifying the
          current Chinese state political and social system and inciting his readers to overthrow
          the authority of the State. At the same time, on 10 separate occasions, both from his
          home and in other places, Mr. G. Z. had given interviews to foreign media, such as
          “Radio Free Asia”, “Voice of Hope”, and other outlets, which held discussions with
          him and recorded his incitements to subvert the authority of the State. Those had been
          recorded by the foreign media as audio files and placed on their websites, for other
          people to listen to or download.
          375. During investigation, Mr. G. Z. made candid confession to the facts of these
          offences, and of his own initiative provided information about other people who has
          committed extensive offences. This information contained important leads which
          checked out and helped in solving other criminal cases. On 22 December 2006, the
          Beijing city people's intermediate court No.1 ruled that Mr. G. Z.'s conduct
          constituted the offence of incitement to subversion of the authority of the State, but in
          view of his meritorious conduct in denouncing the offences of culprits, decided in
          accordance with the law, that his penalty should be rendered more lenient and reduce
          it below the statutory level. Thus for the offence of incitement to subversion of the
          authority of the State, he was sentenced to three years fixed term, to be suspended for
          five years, and stripped of his political rights for one year. After the court handed
          down its judgement at first instance, Mr. G. Z. declared himself willing to accept the
          verdict and did not lodge an appeal. The judgement has since become enforceable.
          376. In the course of proceedings against Mr. G. Z. on the charge of incitement to
          subversion of the authority of State, the public security authorities fully upheld his
          rights in litigation and those of his family and conducted the proceedings in strict
          compliance with the law, applying the law in a civilized manner.
        
          
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          377. Three days before proceedings opened in this case, the court of first instance, in
          accordance with the stipulation of the law, notified the prosecutor's office and the
          defence counsel and published in advance the dates and venue of the trial. When the
          court rendered its judgement, Mr. G. Z. ‘s family were present in the public gallery.
          378. When serving papers on Mr. G. Z., the court expressly informed him of his
          rights in litigation to appoint a lawyer to conduct his defence. Mr. G. Z. indicated that,
          as he was himself a lawyer, he did not need assign a lawyer. to conduct his defence
          and he did not agree to his family appointing a lawyer for him. For that reason, the
          lawyers M. S. and D. X., from the M. S. law in Beijing, appointed by his brother G.
          Z., were unable to act in defence. Under these circumstances, the court decided, in
          order to ensure that Mr. G. Z. ‘s rights in litigation were fully upheld, that it should
          still appoint two lawyers to defend him, Q. L. from the Tianda law firm in Beijing
          (which goes by the English “East Associates”), and Y. X., from the Chao Yang law
          firm in Beijing, and Mr G. Z. agreed to this appointment.
          379. In the course of the trial, in addition to conducting his own defence, Mr. G. Z.
          also received full defence services from his two defence lawyers. The allegations in
          the letter that we have received that the police harassed Mr. G. Z.'s family members
          and others are unfounded.
          380. On 21 December 2006, the Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal
          concerning Mr. C. G., a 34 year old blind self- taught human right lawyer in Linyi,
          Shandong province, and his wife Ms. Y. W., his lawyers Mr. L. J. and Mr. L. F., a
          member of his defence team, Dr T., and witness to his trial-Mr. C. G.(l), Mr. C.
          G.(2), Mr. C. G.(3) and Mr. C. G.(4)
          381. Grave concerns were expressed that the charges against Mr. C. G. and his wife
          Y. W. were fabricated and were solely related to their legitimate activities in defence
          of human rights, in particular their defending villagers' rights. Serious concern was
          expressed that C. G. did not receive a fair trial as his lawyers were obstructed in all
          aspects of their work from collecting evidence from witnesses to meeting with their
          client. Concern was also expressed his lawyers were subjected to physical abuse and
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          detention to prevent them from representing their client at trial. Similar concerns were
          expressed for the fate of his wife, Y. W. Further concern was expressed for the
          physical and psychological integrity of any witnesses for the defence as it was feared
          that they have been subjected to acts of torture or brutality by the Yinin County PSB.
          The full details of the allegations submitted have been reflected in the Special
          Rapporteur' s previous report on communications sent and received. 12
          382. By a letter dated 2 August 2007, the Government of China indicated that in the
          evening of 5 February 2006, because he was unhappy with the work of poverty
          alleviation officials sent to his village, guided by his wife Y. W. and others, he
          stormed into in the offices of the Dongshigu village committee in Shuanghou
          Township, Yinan County, and started smashing the glass panes in the doors and
          windows. Upon returning to C. G.(3)'s home in his village, he called on C. G.(4), C.
          G.(2), C. G.(1) and others villagers and urged them to go and smash up police cars in
          service at the Yinan county police and minibuses belonging to the Shuanghou
          township local authority. C. G.(4), C. G.(2) and their associate went round the village,
          shouting and urging people to go and smash up cars, set on locals officials, chasing
          them to the municipal offices, and then charged across to the east end of the village,
          bearing wooden clubs, rocks and other implements, and proceeded to smash the
          windows in three police cars belonging to the Shuanghou police station, rolled these
          vehicles over into the roadside ditch, and then set about attacking and beating up
          police officers on duty at the Yinan county public security bureau.
          383. In the evening of 11 March 2006, C. G.(3), who had been drinking, claimed to
          have been beaten up in Dongshgu Village and burst into offices of the local village
          committee, where he started smashing office property. Claiming to be seeking an
          explanation for C. G. (3)' s beating, C. G. seized the opportunity to gather together C.
          G.(3), C. G.(5), Y. W. and others and, at 6p.m that same evening, they charged over to
          the Yinghou village section of state highway 205, where they proceeded to block the
          movement of traffic. First C. G. took up a position in the middle of the road and
          stopped the traffic, then he directed C. G.(5), C. G.(3) and the others to stand and
          shout in the middle of the road and to block the passage of all vehicles. Police officers
          12 AJHRC/4/34/Add 1.
        
          
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          from the public security bureau arrived on the scene to direct the traffic and instructed
          C. G. to halt what he was doing, namely, urging a crowd of people to block the
          passage vehicles. C. G. totally ignored their instruction and continued calling on C.
          G.(5), C. G.(3) and the others to block the traffic. This had the consequence that more
          than 290 motor vehicles, including ambulances attending to pregnancy and childbirth
          emergencies, were unable to move and that a section of state highway 205 was
          blocked for a period of three hours.
          384. On 10 June 2006, C. G. was arrested, in accordance with the law, by the Yinan
          County public security bureau in Shandong province on suspicion of offences of
          wilful damage to property and assembling a mob to disrupt the flow of traffic and, on
          21 June, he was taken into custody with the approval of the procuratorial authorities.
          385. After his case had been referred to the Yinan county people's court, C. G. ‘s wife
          assigned as his defence counsel the lawyers L. J., from the Yitong law firm in Beijing,
          and Z. L., from the Beijing office of the xingyun law firm, also known as the
          Astrorhyme “ law firm, based in Zhejiang province. Before the proceedings opened at
          first instance, C. G. requested the replacement of his defence lawyers by one X. Z., a
          lecturer at the State Posts and Telecommunications College. In accordance with the
          provisions of the Chinese Code of Criminal Procedure, only a lawyer, person
          recommended by a civic organization or the defendant's or suspect's work unit and
          duly nominated by him or her, or the defendant's or suspect's legal guardian or close
          relative or friend, may act in his or her defence. X. Z., however, only had his office
          pass and personal identity document and was unable to produce any official letter of
          introduction or other credentials; the court had no means of verifying his identity or
          his relationship to C. G. and for that reason was unable to approve his attorney ship.
          The court appointed L. J., a lawyer from the Yangdu law firm in Shanong, Z. B., a
          lawyer from Shandong tonglixing State Law office, as defence counsel for C. G., but
          C. G. refused their service.
          386. On 19 August 2006, the Yinan county people's court, meeting at first instance,
          found C. G. guilty of the offence of causing wilful damage to property and sentenced
          him to seven months' fixed —term imprisonment; it also found him guilty of the
          offence of gathering a mob to disrupt the flow of traffic and sentenced him to serve
        
          
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          four years' fixed- term imprisonment; the court decided that he should serve
          combined sentence of four years and three months' fixed-term imprisonment.
          387. Following his sentencing at first instance, C. G. lodged an appeal. Linyi city
          people's high court in Shandong province, meeting at second instance, found that the
          court of first instance had restricted C. G.'s right to defence (the assigned defence
          counsel had not been accepted by C. G.), a factor which might have adversely
          influenced the fairness of proceedings, and, on 31 October 2006, it quashed the
          original judgement and sent the case back to the court of first instance for retrial. The
          allegations in the letter that we have received that the case was sent back to the
          original court because there had been insufficient evidence to convict C. G. for the
          offence of gathering a mob to disrupt the flow of traffic are unfounded.
          388. On 27 November 2006, sitting at a reconstituted bench, the Yinan county
          people's court reopened the case in open proceedings, C. G.'s brother attended the
          court in the public gallery, and C. G.'s defence was conducted by the lawyers L. F.
          from the Beijing Ruifeng law firm and L. J. from the Beijing Yitong law firm. During
          the proceedings, Chen's rights in litigation were fully upheld: he exercised his own
          rights to defence and the lawyers appointed by him also made submissions in his
          defence. On 1 December 2006 the court ruled at first instance and made public its
          verdict: for the offence of wilful damage to property, it sentenced C. G. to seven
          months' fixed —term imprisonment and, for the offence of gathering a mob to disrupt
          the flow traffic, it sentenced him to four years' fixed term imprisonment and, for the
          offence of gathering a mob to disrupt the flow traffic, it sentenced him to four years'
          fixed term imprisonment, ruling that he should serve a combined term of four years
          and three months.
          389. G. once again lodged an appeal. The Linyi city intermediate people's court,
          after hearing the case at second instance, ruled that Chen, as a means of giving vent to
          personal grievances, has caused and incited others to cause wilful damage to property,
          the amount of which was considerable, and that this conduct had infringed public and
          private ownership rights and constituted the offence of wilful damage to property; it
          found further that C. G., with the aim of influencing and exerting pressure on the
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          government, had assembled a mob to block traffic, that he had been responsible for
          organizing the process of assembling a mob to block traffic, that he had directed the
          operation and had served as the ringleader and that his conduct had therefore
          constituted the offence of assembling a mob for the purpose of disrupting traffic. As
          the original court judgement had been based on clear facts, the conviction had been
          correct, the sentence had been commensurate with the offence and the trial
          proceedings had followed due process, the court dismissed the appeal and ruled that
          the original judgement should stand. This ruling was published on 12 January 2007.
          During the proceedings at second instance, the court also heard the views of C. G.'s
          defence counsel and, in accordance with applicable evidence, found that the facts set
          out in the accusation by the procuratorial authorities and the charges brought against
          the defendant were sound and accordingly handed down the judgement referred
          above.
          390. Tn their conduct of the proceedings against C. G., the public security authorities
          fully upheld his rights in litigation and those of his family members, acted in strict
          compliance with the law and applied the law in civilized mariner. The proceedings in
          this case were all conducted in accordance with the law, the facts underlying the
          court's judgement were clear, the evidence was ample and conclusive, the sentence
          was commensurate with the offence and the trial proceedings followed due process.
          391. With regard to the allegations in the letter to the effect that, on 30 October 2005,
          C. G. ‘5 lawyer endeavoured to lay charges with the Yinana county court against
          public security officials from Shuanghou township for having caused intentional
          bodily harm to C. G., but that the court ignored this suit, it is the understanding of the
          Chinese govermnent that the Yinan county court did receive an application from the
          lawyers to bring charges, but as the lawyers did not have C. 0. ‘s power of attorney,
          following an investigation the court determined that the lawyers were not authorized
          to act for the plaintiff and rejected the application.
          392. With regard to the allegations in the letter to the effect that L. S. and L. F. filed
          and administrative and civil action with the Linyi city intennediate people's court
          against the Linyi city public security bureau (including bureau chief, L. S.) and other
          government agencies, it is the government understanding that the court did receive
        
          
          AIHRC/7I6IAdd. 1
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          such an application from the lawyers, in December 2006, and that the matter is
          currently being investigated and no conclusion has been reached yet.
          393. The allegations in the letter that public security officials have been harassing
          members of C. G. ‘s family, his lawyer and other persons are entirely without
          substance.
          Urgent appeal
          394. On 12 July 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a
          component of the right to an adequate standard of living, the Special Rapporteur on
          the question of torture, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the
          situation of human rights defenders, sent an urgent appeal to the Government
          regarding Ms. M. H., a well-known petitioner against family planning policies and
          forced evictions in Shanghai since 1989. Ms. M. H. was the subject of joint appeals
          sent on 10 May 2007, 1 February 2006 and on 5 January 2006. The Special
          Rapporteurs noted Government responses received in this regard, including those
          dated 18 April and 14 June 2006.
          395. According to recent information received, on 15 May 2007 at approximately
          6. am, Ms. M. H. was transferred from the police detention centre to prison. She was
          given inadequate clothing which left her virtually naked. When protesting against this
          treatment, she was beaten by police officers and placed in solitary confinement upon
          her arrival at the prison. Ms. M. H. embarked upon a hunger strike as a gesture of
          protest against her situation. She was subsequently subjected to forced feeding on
          three occasions by prison guards who tied her hands and forced a tube down her
          throat. She was placed under constant surveillance by inmates that had been assigned
          the task by prison guards. These prisoners seem to have also been ordered to harass
          Ms. M. H. and they proceeded to verbally abuse her.
          396. At the time of writing, Ms. M. H. was in poor health, suffering from high blood
          pressure and arthritis. These conditions are further aggravated by her inadequate
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          living conditions. She has neither been provided with chairs, nor a bed. As such, she
          has no choice but to lie on the floor, often in cold and damp conditions. Ms. M. H.
          was visited by her husband on 28 June 2007. At this time her husband reported her ill-
          treatment and requested that the prison officials grant Ms. M. H.'s lawyers access to
          visit her in order to prepare for her upcoming appeal.
          397. Serious concern is expressed at reports that Ms. M. H. is being detained in poor
          conditions which may prove detrimental to her health. Further concern is expressed
          that the reported ill-treatment of Ms. Mao M. H. in prison may be directly related to
          her peaceful work in defence of human rights in China, and may form part of a pattern
          of harassment of human rights defenders in the country.
          Response from the Government
          398. By letter dated on 15 August 2007, the Chinese Government noted that it has
          carefully examined the matters referred to in the communications and informed that
          on 16 April 2007 M. H. was sentenced by the Yangpu district people's court to two
          years and six months' fixed-term imprisonment for the offence of causing malicious
          damage to property, to run from 30 May 2006 to 29 November 2008. She is currently
          serving her sentence in the Shanghai women's prison.
          399. Upon being admitted to prison, M. H. underwent a physical examination which
          showed that, apart from an inclination to high blood pressure, all other indications
          were within the normal range. M. H. is currently sharing a cell with two other women
          prisoners, she has not been sent to the punishment cells nor has she been placed in
          solitary confinement. Her eating and sleeping arrangements are normal.
          400. With regard to the issue of appeal, at the time of writing M. H. had not
          submitted any written application, nor had she applied to see her lawyer, so there was
          no proof that the prison refused to allow her lodge an appeal. The prison officers,
          acting in accordance with the law, treated the prisoners in a civilized manner. M. H.
          enjoys her rights on the same footing as the other prisoners, including the right to
          health and the right to appeal. The allegation that M. H. had been subjected to ill-
          treatment was not supported by the facts.
        
          
          AIKRCI7I6IAdd. 1
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          Urgent appeal
          401. On 5 November 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jointly with the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a
          component of the right to an adequate standard of living, the Special Rapporteur on
          the question of torture, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the
          situation of human rights defenders, sent an urgent appeal to the Government
          regarding Ms. M. H., a well-known petitioner against family planning policies and
          forced evictions in Shanghai since 1989. Ms. M. H. was the subject of previously
          transmitted communications. According to information received:
          402. On 13 September 2007, prison authorities reportedly ordered a fellow inmate to
          beat Ms. M. H. in punishment for revealing that she had been held in solitary
          confinement for 70 days in July and August 2007. This was in violation of Article 15
          of the Chinese Prison Law which stipulates a maximum of 15 days for the solitary
          confinement of prisoners. Ms. M. H. was badly bruised as a result of the beating.
          403. On 24 September 2007, prison authorities allegedly sent Ms. M. H. to the
          Nanhui Prison Hospital. She had previously refused to undergo a medical examination
          for fear that she would be forcibly injected with drugs, as had happened when she was
          held in a psychiatric institution in the 1980s. At the Nanhui Prison Hospital Ms. M.
          H.'s clothes were removed and she was tied to a bed and force-fed by other inmates.
          404. Ms. M. H.'s husband, Mr. W. X., was prevented from visiting her at the
          Shanghai Women's Prison until 26 October 2007. During his supervised visit Ms. M.
          H. was repeatedly silenced by prison guards when she attempted to inform him of
          having been force-fed.
          Observations
          405. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of China for its
          reply to her communications of 2006 and 2007. Nonetheless, the Rapporteur regrets
        
          
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          that the Government of China did not reply to her communication sent on
          5 November 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving responses from the
          Government in regard to the allegations submitted. She would be particularly
          interested to know whether this case has resulted in any internal disciplinary measures
          against police officers involved in the alleged ill treatment of Ms. M.H..
          406. The Special Rapporteur would also like to recall article 4 (b) of the United
          Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, which stipulates
          that States should pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of
          eliminating violence against women and, to this end, should refrain from engaging in
          violence against women
          407. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur would like to bring to the Government's
          attention article 4 (c & d) of the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of
          Violence against Women, which notes the responsibility of States to exercise due
          diligence to prevent, investigate and, in accordance with national legislation, punish
          acts of violence against women, whether those acts are perpetrated by the State or by
          private persons. To this end, States should develop penal, civil, labour and
          administrative sanctions in domestic legislation to punish and redress the wrongs
          caused to women who are subjected to violence. Women who are subjected to
          violence should be provided with access to the mechanisms of justice and, as provided
          for by national legislation, to just and effective remedies for the harm that they have
          suffered. States should, moreover, also inform women of their rights in seeking
          redress through such mechanisms.
          Philippines
          Urgent appeal
          408. On 20 April 2007, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, and the Special
          Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders,
          sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding the situation of Mr. N. A., national
        
          
          A!HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          council member of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (Peasant Movement of the
          Philippines) and Chair of Bayan - Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, an alliance of
          human rights organizations which promote and defend the rights of peasants, workers,
          women, students and minorities; Ms. M. L. P.-D., an active campaigner for women's
          rights and a member of Selda, the Society of Bx-Detainees for Liberation, Against
          Detention and for Amnesty; and Mr. J. B. G., Secretary-General of the Panay of
          Karapatan.
          409. According to information received: On 12 April 2007, Mr. N. A., Ms. M. L. P.-
          D. and Mr. J. E. G. were driving back home from the Antique province when they
          were ambushed by unidentified armed men in Oton town in Iloilo province. The
          gunmen opened fire at the vehicle and hit Mr. 3. B. G.min the left side of his neck.
          Mr. N. A. and Ms. M. L. P.-D. were forcibly taken to the van of the assailants who
          drove off. The van was later found charred in Barangay Guadalupe, Janiuay, 30
          kilometres northwest of Iloilo City. The whereabouts of Mr. N. A. and Ms. M. L. P.-
          D. remain unknown as of today. As for Mr. 3. E. G., he was taken to the Iloilo hospital
          for surgery, and remains in critical condition.
          Reply from the Government
          410. On 7 June 2007, the Government replied to the letter dated 20 April 2007. It
          informed the Special Rapporteur that investigation conducted by Iloilo City Police
          Office disclosed that on 12 April 2007 at around 9:30 pm, Mr. S. B. G., secretary
          general of KARAPATAN- Panay was driving a Mitsubishi L- 200 van with plate no.
          FEA -789, together with Ms. M. L. P.-D., member of the New People's army (NPA),
          Reafinnist Group and spokesperson of the society of ex- detainees for liberation
          against Detention and for Anmesty (SELDA) and Mr. N. A., chair of BAYAN-Panay.
          Said Van was owned by Mr. R. C., president of Panay Fruits and Trading
          Corporation.
          411. Accordingly, the group was travelling from Antique province to Iloilo City to
          attend the Anak- Pawis assembly in San Jose, Antique when they noticed a Delica van
          with plate no. FVF- 463 tailing them from Guimbal, Iloilo. Upon reaching Barangay
        
          
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          Cabanban, Oton, Iloilo, they were overtaken and blocked by said Delica van. At that
          juncture, about three unidentified men wearing fatigue pants and armed with pistols
          alighted from the vehicle.
          412. One of them shot Mr. J. E. G. at the neck while the other smashed the left side
          window of one of the L200 van. The men pulled out Mr. S. B. G. from L200 van and
          left him along the highway then drove said vehicle towards Iloilo City taking with
          them Ms. M. L. P.-D. and Mr. N. A.
          413. Concerned residents in the area brought Mr. S. B. G. to the hospital for medical
          treatment. On the following day, the L200 van was found burned at the sugarcane
          plantation in Barangay Janiuay, Iloilo City.
          414. Verification made with Land Transportation Office (LTO) region 6 revealed
          that the Delica Van plate no. FVF-463 was registered to a passenger jeepney. The
          owner of the Delica j eepney denied owning a Delica van and told the police that said
          plate number was lost long time ago and had reported the same to the LTO.
          415. A petition of Writ of Habeas corpus for Ms. M. L. P.-D. and Mr. N. A. was filed
          by the counsels for the petitioners Mr. L. P. and Ms. R. A. before Presiding Judge Fe
          Gayanillo of regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 35, Iloilo City against Armed Forces
          of Philippines (AFP) Major Gen. J. N., Col. R. D. and Col. M. P. Docketed under
          No.7 -8946.
          416. Continuous investigation is being undertaken by the Police Regional Office 6 to
          locate the whereabouts of Mr. N. A. and Ms. M. L. P.-D. and for the possible
          identification and apprehension of the suspects.
          417. No penal, disciplinary or administrative sanctions have been imposed as the
          identities of the suspects are not yet established.
          Urgent appeal
        
          
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          418. On 2 March 2007, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences jointly with the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
          Arbitrary Detention, and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, sent an
          urgent appeal to the Government regarding the arrest and alleged torture of Ms. M. A.
          (29) by army members in Kananga, Leyte, Eastern Visayas, in the Philippines. Ms. M.
          A. was reportedly six-months pregnant at the time.
          419. According to information received: On 7 November 2006, around 3:30 p.m.,
          Ms. M. A. disembarked from a bus at Kananga when a group of military officers
          apprehended her. The men introduced themselves as members of the 19th Infantry
          Battalion of the Philippine Army, they covered her eyes and took her to the military
          headquarters at Barangay Aguitinh, Kananga. The army officers alleged that Ms. M.
          A. was suspected of involvement in the killing of a soldier at the Kananga market
          earlier that day.
          420. Ms. M. A. was reportedly tortured in order to force her to reveal the
          whereabouts of her alleged companions from a paramilitary group calling itself the
          “New People's Army”. One of the military officers put a plastic bag over her head
          and tied it around her neck, and two other men, identified as Mr. H. and Mr. T., hit
          her legs with their weapons. She was hit in the chest by a man called H. and hit in the
          head and the back by other soldiers. She was kept in military custody for three days
          and later moved to Kananga Municipal Prison.
          421. On 26 January 2007, Ms. M. A. was transferred to the sub-provincial jail in
          Ormoc City, where she is currently being detained in a small and crowded cell.
          Ms. M. A. reportedly almost lost her unborn child as a result of the torture and still
          feels pain in her chest.
          422. The Special Rapporteurs expressed concern over the health of Ms. M. A. and
          her child.
          Response from the Government
        
          
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          423. On 7 June 2007, the Government of Philippine replied to the letter dated
          2 March 2007 concerning the case of Ms. M. A., based on information provided by
          the Philippine National Police.
          424. The government stated that according to police report, on 7 November 2006, at
          around 2:00 PM, SSgt. G. B. A., a member of the 19th Infantry Battalion of the
          Philippine Army based in Kanaga, Leyte, was shot to death at the public market of
          Kanaga by two unidentified assailant. The gunmen reportedly left the crime scene in a
          hurry on motorcycle. SSgt. A. and his two companions Sgt. B. J. E. and Cpl. D. C. J.
          were buying food supplies at the time SSgt. A. was killed.
          425. Sgt. B. J. E. and Cpl. D. C. J., both unarmed at that time, immediately followed
          the assailant and arrested at the scene was a woman suspected to be an accomplice,
          who was later identified as M. C. A., 20 years old, married and a resident of Sangka,
          Kanaga, Leyte. Ms M. A. was left behind allegedly to monitor the situation. A cell
          phone containing text messages implicating her as the lookout and accomplice in the
          killing of SSgt. A. was confiscated from her.
          426. On 8 November 2006, Ms. M. A. signed a waiver of her rights pursuant to the
          provisions of art.125 of the revised penal code, duly subscribed and sworn to before
          the Asst. Prosecutor of the provincial Prosecutor's officer in Ormoc City.
          427. In the morning of 09 November 2006, Ms. M. A. was brought for inquest before
          the Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Ormoc City for the crime murder under IS
          No.2006-120. In the afternoon of the same date, she was turned over to the Kanaga
          Municipal Police Station where she was temporarily detained while awaiting proper
          disposition of her case.
          428. On 25 January 2007, she was physically examined at the Ormoc District
          Hospital, Ormoc City. On the same date she was transferred from her detention to the
          Leyte Sub provincial Jail, Ormoc City pending hearing of her murder case in court.
          429. It does not appear that Ms. M. A. has instituted any complaint for the alleged
          human right violations committed against her. However, a case of murder against
        
          
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          Ms. M. A. was filed before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office, Ormoc city under IS
          No. 2006-120 on 09 November 2006 for her alleged involvement in the killing of
          SSgt A., pending trial before said Provincial Prosecutor office.
          430. Reference is made to the results of investigation, medical examination and
          judicial inquiries as provided for in question number 1.
          431. Based on the facts of circumstances, it appears that the warrantless arrest on
          Ms. M. A. by the military personnel was in accordance with the provisions of section
          5, Rule 113 of the revised Rules in Criminal Procedures. Evidently, she had signed a
          valid waiver, thus waived her right pursuant to article 125 of the Revised Penal
          Code. Hence, there is no arbitrary detention committed against her to speak of under
          circumstances.
          Observations
          432. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the reply on her
          communications and looks forward to receiving information on the outcome of the
          criminal investigations launched in the cases.
          Qatar
          Response from the Government to an urgent appeal sent in 2006
          433. On 5 December 2006, the Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the
          Government of Qatar, concerning Ms. M. A. I., and her two daughters Ms. F. I. M. A.
          and Ms. H. I. M. A. They were arrested and were not informed of the reason of their
          arrest.
          434. The full details of the allegations submitted have been reflected in the Special
          Rapporteur's previous report on communications sent and received. 13
          13 AJHRC!4/34/Add. 1.
        
          
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          435. On 6 February 2007, the Government of Qatar replied to the letter. The
          Government stated that having contacted the authorities and inquired about the
          background to and reasons for, these women's arrest there is no truth to the
          allegations in our letter. None of these women was hit by a police officer; on the
          contrary, Ms. M. A. I. and her daughters H. I. M. A. and F. I. M. A. assaulted a police
          officer who was in the process of arresting Ms. M. A. I.'s son in execution of a court
          order sentencing him to two months in prison. The wanted man attacked the police
          officer, stabbed him in the hand with a sharp instrument and fled the scene. The three
          women prevented the police officer from doing his duty. The deportation order issued
          against the three women has now been cancelled and that the women have been given
          permission to remain in the country.
          Observations
          436. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank to the Government for the reply to the
          allegations submitted on 5 December 2006.
          République démocratique du Congo
          Appel urgent
          437. Le 26 octobre 2007, la Rapporteuse spéciale sur la violence contre les femmes
          et la Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général concemant la situation des
          défenseurs des droits de l'homme, envoyèrent un appel urgent concernant Mme J. M.
          V., défenseur des droits de l'homme et coordinatrice de l'organisation non-
          gouvemementale Synergie des Femmes contre les Violences Sexuelles, basée a Goma
          au Nord-Kivu.
          Selon les informations reçues
          438. Dans la soirée du 18 septembre 2007, six hommes armés en tenue militaire a la
          recherche de Mme I. M. V. se seraient rendus a son domicile, en vain. us auraient
          alors tenté de violer ses deux jeunes flues et leur auraient porte des coups ainsi
          qu'aux garçons qui habitent la maison. Les assaillants auraient menace de mort avec
          leurs fusils tous les occupants de la maison.
        
          
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          439. Les forces de l'ordre auraient identiflé les assaillants comme appartenant a la
          garde rapprochée d'un officier militaire résidant dans les environs de la residence de
          Mme J. M. V. Celle-ci aurait déposé une plainte a 1' auditorat militaire de Goma.
          Appel urgent
          440. Le 14 décembre 2007, la Rapporteuse spéciale sur la violence contre les
          femmes, ses causes et ses consequences, le Rapporteur special sur les droits de
          Phomme des migrants et le Rapporteur special sur la torture, ont envoyé un appel
          urgent au Gouvemement congolais, concernant des déportés congolais en Angola.
          441. Selon les rapports portés a l'attention des Rapporteurs spéciaux, ii y aurait eu
          des violations graves des droits de l'homme a l'égard des déportés congolais, qui
          apparemment auraient été commis par les forces de sdcurité angolaises a la frontière
          entre la République démocratique du Congo et 1' Angola. Ces violations auraient été
          sciemment dirigées vers des groupes de travailleurs migrants principalement
          composes de citoyens congolais qui travaillent dans des activités informelles
          d' extraction de diamants.
          442. Ces violations reportées incluraient 1' emploi systématique de violences
          physiques et sexuelles, la confiscation des effets persorinels des migrants, la
          separation des membres de la famille pendant le processus d'expulsion, et le viol
          systématique des femmes par les forces de sécurité angolaises, souvent devant leurs
          enfants ou en public. Les viols auraient eu lieu a tous les stades du processus de
          refoulement, lors de l'expulsion des fenimes de leurs maisons, dans les lieux de
          detention provisoires, aux checkpoints et pendant leur transport vers la frontière.
          443. De plus, l'état de sante des migrants expulsés est très préoccupant. Beaucoup
          d' entre eux ayant menés des activités informelles d' extraction de diamants, auraient
          été forces, avec les membres de leurs familles incluant leurs enfants, de se soumettre
          a des fouilles corporelles inappropriées et envahissantes (incluant les cavités anales et
          vaginales) afin de découvrir des diamants caches. Selon les rapports, les fouilles
        
          
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          auraient été effectuées de façon a causer des traumatismes, aussi bien physiques que
          psychologiques, aux déportés. La sauté mentale et psychologique des femmes
          victimes de violences sexuelles est une grande preoccupation: ii a été rapporté que
          quelques-unes d' entre elles souffrent de différentes douleurs dans leurs vagins et au
          bas-ventre, et ont été profondément traumatisées par les abus dont elles ont souffert.
          La plupart d' entre elles n' auraient recu aucun soin medical depuis leur arrivée en
          République démocratique du Congo.
          444. En outre, les Rapporteurs spéciaux ont reçu des informations selon lesquelles
          les migrants auraient été détenus secrètement et dans des conditions difficiles avant
          leur deportation, qu'ils auraient été battus et soumis a d' autres formes de mauvais
          traitements, et qu'ils auraient été privés d'eau et de nourriture, aussi bien durant la
          période de detention que pendant la deportation a la frontière congolaise. De plus, ii y
          aurait eu des morts dues a i' épuisement et aux mauvais traitements.
          Observations
          445. La Rapporteuse Spéciale regrette que le Gouvemement n'ait pas répondu aux
          conununications envoyées en 2007 et réitère son intérêt a recevoir des réponses
          concernant les allegations soumises.
          Saudi Arabia
          Response to a communication sent in 2006
          446. On 8 December 2006, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on
          Arbitrary Detention sent a joint urgent appeal to the Government of Saudi Arabia
          regarding F.T. and her children N. and S.
          447. According to information receive, Mrs. F.T. and her husband were divorced
          against their will and subsequently imprisoned for living together as an unmarried
          couple.
        
          
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          448. On 29 January 2007, the Government replied to the letter sent by the Special
          Rapporteurs stating that the competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
          indicated that this matter, involving a family social dispute, has been referred to the
          court at the request of the persons concerned.
          Urgent appeal
          449. On 22 March 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the question of
          torture sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding A.A., a 19-year-old woman
          from al-Qatif.
          450. According to the information received: Shortly after the woman reportedly met
          with a male companion, the two were kidnapped at kriifepoint by a gang of seven
          men. The companion was attacked by the gang, but was then released. The woman
          was allegedly then raped by the gang.
          451. On 1 November 2006, four members of the gang were sentenced to prison terms
          ranging from one to five years, in addition to sentences of flogging ranging from 80 to
          1,000 lashes. The legal status of the remaining three defendants is not known as they
          had reportedly surrendered to the police only shortly before the conclusion of the trial.
          452. A.A. was convicted in the same trial of Kliilwa for being alone in private with a
          man who was not a member of her immediate family, after reportedly meeting with a
          male companion in 2006. The companion was convicted on the same charge. Both
          have been sentenced by a court in al-Qatif to 90 lashes and both are at risk of
          imminent corporal punishment.
          Reply from the Government
          453. On 16 July 2007, the Government of Saudi Arabia replied to the
          communication dated on 22 March 2007 concerning the case of A.A.
        
          
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          454. The Government stated that the competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi
          Arabia indicated that the case in question was investigated by the security authorities
          on the basis of a complaint lodged by the woman's husband, in his capacity as her
          legal guardian, in which he claimed that his wife had been the victim of abduction and
          rape. The sentences handed down against the woman, her companion and those who
          raped her were based on their conirnission of offences designated as criminal acts
          under Saudi Law and substantiated by legally valid evidence and other means of proof
          consistent with international legal standards.
          455. After the judgment was pronounced, the offenders declared themselves satisfied
          with the fairness of their sentences.
          Urgent appeal
          456. On 22 November 2007, the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women
          jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, the
          Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of
          religion or belief, sent an urgent appeal to the Government regarding the same 19-
          year-old Shiite woman from Al-Qatif. According to reports received, in 2006, the
          Shia woman and a male companion were kidnapped at knifepoint by a gang of seven
          Sunni men. The male companion was attacked by the gang, and later released. The
          woman was repeatedly raped by the gang.
          457. Four members of the gang were at the time sentenced by the Qatif General
          Court to prison terms ranging from one to five years, with floggings of up to 1000
          lashes. Three other gang members reportedly turned themselves in before the
          conclusion of the trial.
          458. The victim of the gang rape and her male companion were convicted in 2006 of
          being alone in private with a member of the opposite sex who was not an immediate
          family member, under an offence known as Khulwa in sharia law.
          459. Following the request of the review of the verdict, on 15 November 2007, a
          court in eastern Saudi Arabia increased the original sentence against the seven
        
          
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          members of the gang, and also increased the sentence against the 19-year old woman
          from 90 lashes to 200 lashes and a six month prison term. In addition, it is reported
          that the court revoked the professional license of her lawyer and banned him from
          defending her.
          Observations
          460. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of Saudi Arabia for
          its replies to two of her communications. With respect to the communication sent on
          8 December 2006 and to the Government's reply to it on 29 January 2007, the Special
          Rapporteur would be interested to know what exactly the legal basis for such forcible
          divorce was, and whether further judicial proceedings have resulted or would result in
          any positive outcome for F.T and M.T.
          461. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur regrets not having received a reply to her
          communication sent on 22 November 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a
          reply from the Government in regard to all allegations submitted, in particular the
          reasoning for the sentencing of a victim of rape to corporal punishment and prison
          term. Such sentence would appear contradictory to the international human rights
          obligations of the Kingdom, notably the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
          of Discrimination against Women and the Convention against Torture and Other
          Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Special Rapporteur
          acknowledges that the victim A.A. has been pardoned by the King in December 2007
          and congratulates the King for his action. She nonetheless recommends that legal and
          judicial measures be taken to prevent other similar sentences from being handed down
          against victims of rape.
          South Africa
          Allegation letter
          462. On 23 April 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences has jointly with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in
        
          
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          persons, especially women and children, Special Rapporteur on the sale of children,
          child prostitution and child pornography, and Special Rapporteur on the human rights
          of Migrants, sent an allegation letter to the Government concerning the trafficking in
          women and children for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour, through
          and from Mozambique to South Africa.
          463. According to the information received: South Africa is reported to be the main
          destination country for Mozambican victims of trafficking. Mozambique is
          particularly exposed to trafficking in persons due mainly to porous borders and the
          absence of protective legislation against trafficking.
          464. From Maputo in Mozambique, women and children are reportedly trafficked via
          Ressano Garcia or the Lebombo border in Mozambique to Gauteng. Another route
          used for trafficking of persons to South Africa, specifically to Gauteng and KwaZulu-
          Natal, is the border at Ponta do Ouro. The trafficking continues further either to the
          south of Swaziland and directly to Johannesburg and Pretoria, or south to Durban and
          Pietermaritzburg. It is estimated that approximately 1 000 Mozambican women per
          year are trafficked along these routes. Reportedly, children are also trafficked daily in
          trucks through the Kruger National Park or the Swaziland border. Mozambicans from
          the north of Mozambique are trafficked into South Africa via Zimbabwe. It is reported
          that people being trafficked from the Great Lakes Region and East Africa enter the
          north of Mozambique via Malawi or Tanzania. Mozambican ports are also said to be a
          stopping point for traffickers travelling by sea, who then continue the journey
          overland to South Africa.
          465. It is further reported that small-scale trafficking networks, based at transit
          houses in the border region between Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa use
          minivan taxis to smuggle both migrants and trafficking victims across the border.
          Accomplices in Johannesburg, Maputo and in the Lebombo region reportedly assist
          them through recruiting, accommodating and transferring migrants and trafficked
          persons. Organised Mozambican refugees living legally in South Africa are also
          reported to be involved in such activities.
          — ———————— —
        
          
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          466. In this context, young women attempting to find work in South Africa are
          allegedly led to believe that they will be offered employment as waitresses or
          domestic workers. However, upon arrival at the transit centres the women are
          separated from others, and forced into prostitution or forced labour in agriculture,
          manufacturing or service industries. When subjected to forced labour, reports indicate
          that they are often subject to sexual abuse by their employers. Reports also indicate
          that young women and girls are sold, at the transit houses in Tonga and Johannesburg,
          as “wives” to South African men. There are reports of “stocks” of women being
          displayed and of the possibility to order “wives” on demand.
          467. Trafficked children are reportedly sold for 30 to 50 US $ per child. Orphans are
          particularly vulnerable to trafficking, particularly because of an alleged practice of
          informal adoption of children and because of adoption laws in Mozambique that are
          reported to facilitate their trafficking. There is an estimated 1.6 million orphans in
          Mozambique, of whom 380 000 have lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS.
          468. In addition, the high prevalence of HIV/A]DS in South Africa is reported to
          play a major role in increasing the demand for the trafficking of younger and
          presumably uninfected sex workers. Furthermore, it is reported that trafficking
          through several unguarded borders with Mozambique is facilitated by the complicity
          or the tolerance of border authorities.
          469. The Government has been undertaking considerable efforts to combat
          trafficking, including the ratification, on 20 February 2004, of the United Nations
          Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women
          and Children. Furthermore, in June 2006, the President signed into law the Children's
          Act of 2005, which prohibits the trafficking of children, namely “the recruitment, sale,
          supply, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of children, within or across the
          borders of the Republic.” However, national legislation explicitly prohibiting
          trafficking in adults is still to be adopted. The protection of trafficking victims
          remains also remains inadequate. In December 2005, for example, 940 Mozambican
          illegal immigrants were deported without first being screened to identify if any
          amongst them were trafficked persons.
        
          
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          Observations
          470. The Special Rapporteur regrets not having received a reply to the
          communication sent in 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a reply from the
          Government of South Africa in regard to all allegations submitted.
          Sri Lanka
          Allegation letter
          471. On 23 April 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences and the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons,
          especially women and children sent an allegation letter to Government concerning a
          proposed regulation banning mothers of young children from migrating abroad for
          work.
          472. According to information received: On 7 March 2007, the Ministerial Cabinet
          discussed a proposal reportedly made by the Minister for Women's Empowerment and
          Child Welfare that would ban women with children under 5 years of age from
          emigrating for work. If adopted such a regulation would also require mothers with
          children aged 5 or older to obtain approval for overseas employment from a
          government committee after submitting proof that they can provide appropriate
          caretakers for their children.
          Observations
          473. The Special Rapporteur regrets not having received a reply to the
          communication sent in 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a reply from the
          Government of Sri Lanka in regard to all allegations submitted.
          The Sudan
          Urgent appeal
        
          
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          474. On 21 March 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences jointly with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of
          judges and lawyers and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture sent an
          urgent appeal to the Government regarding the sentencing to death by stoning of Ms.
          A. A. D. (23 years old) and Ms. S. I. F. (22 years old from the Tama ethnic group), by
          the Criminal Court of Al-Azazi, in Managil province, Gazeera state.
          475. According to the information received: On 13 February 2007 and 6 March 2007
          respectively, the Criminal Court of Al-Azazi, with Judge H. A. M. H. presiding,
          convicted Ms. S. I. F. and Ms. A. A. D. on charges of adultery and sentenced them to
          death by stoning. The two women are currently in detention in Wad Madani women's
          prison in Wad Madani, Gazira State. Ms. S. I. F. has one of her children with her in
          prison. The two women were reportedly convicted under article 146 (a) of the Sudan's
          1991 Penal Code, which states that “whoever commits the offence of sexual
          intercourse in the absence of a lawful relationship shall be punished with: a) execution
          by stoning when the offender is married (muhsan); b) one hundred lashes when the
          offender is not married (non-muhsan).”
          476. S. I. F. and A. A. D. did not fully understand Arabic, the language used during
          the entire judicial proceedings, and were not provided with an interpreter. The two
          women also had no legal representation.
          Reply from the Government
          477. On 20 April 2007, the Government of the Sudan replied to the communication
          21 March 2007 and informed the Special Rapporteur of the following:
          478. On 26 June 2006, a report was filed with the Azazi police in Jazirah State
          against Ms. S. I. F. Following the completion of inquiries, the report was referred to a
          court of first instance of Jazirah State, which delivered its verdict on 13 March 2007,
          in case No. 10/2007, convicting the accused under article 146 (1) (a) of the 1991
        
          
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          Criminal Code (the penalty for adultery) and based on her confession. The accused is
          married and engaged in intercourse with others during the husband's absence.
          479. Ms. A. A. D. was tried before a court of first instance of Jazirah State, in case
          No. 24/2007. She was convicted by the court on 6 March 2007 under article 146 (1)
          (a) of the 1991 Criminal Code (the penalty for adultery) and based on her confession.
          The accused is married and engaged in intercourse with others during the husband's
          absence.
          480. The two women appealed the verdicts and the Jazirah State Appeal Court issued
          a ruling overturning the convictions and sentences and returning the case files for a
          retrial of the two women for a number of reasons, including the fact that they had not
          had legal assistance during the proceedings. The two women know Arabic very well
          and so the court did not have to appoint an interpreter, in accordance with article 137
          of the 1991 Code of Criminal Procedures.
          481. At the time of the response, the case files were before the Jazirah State court of
          first instance with a view to the retrial of the two women on instructions from Al-
          Jazirah Appeal Court.
          Observations
          482. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for its reply to her
          communication. She would be particularly interested to know the outcome of the
          retrial regarding Ms. S. I. F. and Ms. A. A. D. The Special Rapporteur would also like
          to stress that the death penalty as applied in this case does not seem to fall within the
          category of the “most serious crimes” for which international law countenances its
          possible application. In its general comment No. 6 (2003), the United Nations Human
          Rights Committee stated that “the expression ‘most serious crimes' must be read
          restrictively to mean that the death penalty should be a quite exceptional measure”.
          Similarly, this Committee observed that the restriction encapsulated in that phrase
          cannot be interpreted as permitting the imposition of the death penalty “for crimes of
          an economic nature, for corruption and for adultery, or for crimes that do not result in
          loss of life” (CCPR/C/28/Add.15 , paragraph 8).
        
          
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          Sweden
          Urgent appeal
          483. On 11 January 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, has jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights
          of migrants and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, sent an urgent
          appeal to the Government of Sweden regarding Ms. L. K., a Turkish woman of
          Kurdish origin.
          484. According to information received: in 1988, while still living in Turkey, L. K.,
          then 16, was forced by her parents to enter a marriage with a 31 year-old man. Her
          husband abused her and their two sons, physically and mentally, almost every day
          throughout their marriage. Sometimes he would lock her and their two children out of
          the house and they would be forced to sleep outside. He also repeatedly threatened L.
          K. that he would hang her and make it look like suicide if she did not obey him. L. K.
          sought support from her family several times, but was told to return to her husband.
          Moreover, her mother threatened to marry her again to an even older man if she did
          not obey.
          485. In 2004, following a relationship with one of her husband's friends, which was
          discovered by her family and discussed in a village meeting, L. K. went into hiding.
          According to reports, her brothers announced that they would kill her if they found
          her. Subsequently, she received help in leaving her village and fleeing the country. L.
          K. arrived in Sweden on 31 March 2005, where she applied for asylum on 1 April
          2005, referring to the risk of violence committed in the name of honour. Her asylum
          application was rejected by the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket) on 26
          August 2006. Following that decision L. K. appealed to the Swedish Alien's Board
          (Utlanningsnamnden), which rejected her application on 29 October 2005. This
          decision could not be appealed, and the authorities prepared for her deportation. On
          15 November 2005, temporary legislation came into force, which allowed for a
          review of rejected asylum applications. L. K. s application was reviewed in
        
          
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          accordance with the new legislation, but once again rejected. The latter decision could
          not be appealed.
          486. In March 2006 a new Aliens' Act came into force, according to which asylum
          applications are tried in first instance by the Swedish Migration Board. This decision
          of the first instance can be appealed to the Migration Court. If there are exceptional
          reasons or if there is a need for a legal precedent, this decision can be appealed a
          second time to the Appellate Migration Court. However, the procedure in the new
          Aliens' Act does not apply to those asylum-seekers who, like L. K., already had their
          case tried in full.
          487. L. K., after having exhausted all the remedies in Sweden, was facing the risk of
          being deported to Turkey.
          488. The Special Rapporteurs were gravely concerned that L. K. may face a serious
          risk of being killed in the name of “honour” if deported back to Turkey and urged the
          Swedish Government not to deport her.
          Reply from the Government
          489. By letters dated 17 January 2007 and 1 February 2007, the Government
          requested a letter of attorney signed by Ms. L. K., due to secrecy legislation, in order
          to provide comprehensive information. While awaiting further examination, her
          deportation has been temporarily suspended.
          490. On 12 June 2007, the Government sent a third letter in which it stated that the
          facts alleged in the Special Rapporteur' s urgent appeal correspond with the facts that
          Ms. L. K. had referred to in her application for asylum. However, it claimed that there
          were strong reasons to question the credibility of this story and this was the main
          reason for rejecting the application.
          491. Either the Swedish Migration Board or the former Swedish Appeal Board, in
          their decisions of, respectively 26 August and 29 October 2005, are of the opinion that
          Ms. L. K. will not be subjected to violence or honour killings in case she returned to
        
          
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          Turkey. This conclusion was reached through the investigation that has taken place in
          connection with Ms. L. K.' s application for asylum.
          492. The Government affirms that the legislation applicable in Ms. L. K.'s case,
          which concerns enforcement, is much more restrictive than the one applicable before
          the decision to refuse the alien entry into Sweden has entered into force.
          493. The Swedish Migration Board decided to reject Ms. L. K.'s application of
          impediment to enforcement on the basis of the above-mentioned reasons. The
          Government advised that Ms. L. K. had the possibility to appeal the decision of the
          Board to the Migration Court in Sweden, Malmö.
          Observations
          494. The Special Rapporteur would like to thaiik the Government of Sweden for its
          reply to her communication. Nonetheless, the Special Rapporteur wishes to refer to
          her report to the Human Rights Council on her mission to Turkey 14 , which focuses on
          the continued severe problems of “honour”-related violence, including murder and
          forced suicides, in South-eastern and Eastern Anatolia and highlights serious
          protection gaps for women at risk of “honour”-related violence. The Special
          Rapporteur would appreciate if the Government of Sweden could take due
          consideration of her report while examining a possible appeal by Ms. L.K. to the
          Government's decision and other similar cases.
          Turkey
          Responses to a communication sent in 2006
          495. By letter dated 23 June 2006 the Special Rapporteur on violence against
          women, its causes and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on
          trafficking in persons, especially women and children, sent an urgent appeal to the
          ‘ 4 AJHRC/4/34/Add.2.
        
          
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          Government regarding Ms. T. B., a German citizen of Turkish descent. According to
          information received:
          496. Ms. T. B. is a German citizen from Hamburg. In April 2006, Ms. T. B. travelled
          with her mother from Hamburg to the settlement of Karastlak KöyU in the village of
          Yeni Halfeti, Sanliurfa province, Southeast Turkey, where her grandmother and other
          relatives reside. Allegedly, her family had pretended that she was going to vacation in
          the village.
          497. Upon Ms. T. B. arrival in the village, her mother took her passport and identity
          documents away and told her that she had to enter into an arranged marry with a close
          relative. According to the latest information received, Ms. T. B. is still in Yeni
          Halfeti. Reportedly, she faces serious limitation of her freedom of movement and is
          only on rare occasions able to leave her grandmother's house.
          498. Concern was expressed that Ms. T. B. may be forced to marry her relative
          against her will or face severe violence, if she refuses. We appeal to your
          Excellency's Government to intervene in this case and ensure that the competent
          Turkish authorities undertake all necessary action to protect Ms. T. B. from forced
          marriage, any form of violence or the threat thereof.
          499. By letter dated 29 June 2006, the Government informed that it was established
          that Ms. T. B. during her vacation in Turkey, contacted the Provincial Gendarmerie
          Command in Sanliurfa by phone on 30 May 2006 and requested help from the
          authorities, stating that there were attempts to force her to get married to her uncle's
          son. The gendannerie authorities had to refer the matter to the Foreigners Section of
          the Police, since Ms. T. B. was a German citizen. Ms. T. B. was then assisted by the
          authorities to return to Germany on 2, June, 2006. On 27 June 2006, the Provincial
          Gendarmerie Commander in Yeni Halfeti visited Ms. T. B.'s grandmother's premises
          and confirmed that she was not in Turkey.
          500. According to a relative in Germany whom the Turkish authorities have
          contacted, Ms. T. B. has been granted protection at a social institution in Germany
        
          
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          under the German laws and she will be hosted in this institution until October 2006
          when she will complete the age of 18.
          501. In this framework, it has been confirmed that a forced marriage has not taken
          place during her stay in Turkey.
          502. On 4 June 2007, the Government of Turkey sent a second reply to the same
          letter dated 23 June 2006 concerning information requested in relation to any
          criminal action taken against any alleged perpetrators in the case of Ms. T. B., a
          German citizen of Turkish descent, who travelled with her mother from Hamburg to
          karastlak village of Yeni Halfeti, province of Sanhurfa, where her family attempted to
          force her into an arranged marriage with a close relative.
          503. The Government's responded that in its letter of 29 June 2006 it stated that T. B.
          was assisted by the Turkish authorities to return to Germany on 2 June 2006; that she
          was assisted from the Provincial Gendarmerie Command in Sanhurfa and that a
          forced marriage did not take place during her stay in Turkey.
          504. According to follow- up information received from the relevant authorities in
          Turkey, no complaint has been lodged with the office of the Chief Public Prosecutor
          of Sanhurfa concerning this incident. The Provincial Gendarmerie Command in
          Sarthura did not initiate any criminal investigation since T. B. reported to the
          gendarmerie officials that she had no complains others than her request for return to
          Germany. Indeed, the purpose of her application to the Gendarmerie Command was
          related to her identity card and German passport, which she initially claimed as lost.
          The Gendarmerie official, who investigated circumstances surrounding the case,
          concluded that she could not have been deprived of liberty through use of force since
          she was staying with her 80 year-old grandmother and made her application to the
          Gendarmerie Command in person. Therefore, the Gendarmerie authorities did not
          initiate any legal proceedings and referred the matter to the passport and Foreigners
          Branch of Provincial Directorate for Security, who assisted her to safely return to
          Germany.
        
          
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          Urgent appeal
          505. On 14 September 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences sent an urgent appeal concerning Ms. C. M., born in 1981 in
          Marivan (Iran).
          506. According to information received, Ms. C. M. is the daughter of an Iranian
          refugee Mr. A. M. (born in 1947 also in Marivan, father's Name: A.) who was
          recognized as a refugee in Turkey under the mandate of the United Nations High
          Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and resettled to Canada in 2006. When Ms. C.
          M. first arrived in Turkey in 2001, she was registered as a dependent to her father's
          case. During their stay in Turkey, Ms. C. M. met Mr. I. Y. who was among the group
          of Iranian refugees that came from Iraq (IXIs) and the couple married in Turkey in
          2003. After their marriage, Ms. C. M. was added as a dependant to her husband's
          case. Mr. I. Y. decided to leave Turkey by irregular means in September 2006 and
          managed to arrive safely in Netherlands.
          507. Ms. C. M. tried to leave by the same means as her husband but she was arrested
          at Istanbul Airport on 14 February 2007 by the Turkish authorities and detained for a
          short period. Upon her release she was allowed to stay legally in Konya with a
          temporary residence permit. Ms. C. M. remains in Turkey without family support as
          her husband is now residing in Netherlands and her parents are in Canada.
          508. As Ms. C. M.'s family is in Canada, she could be sponsored for a family
          reunification visa and was interviewed by the Canadian Embassy on 13 March 2007.
          The Canadian Immigration authorities informed that her immigration application was
          approved. She was issued a visa to join her family in Canada and scheduled to depart
          on 25 July 2007.
          509. However, the Turkish authorities have reportedly refused to grant her exit
          permission on the basis that they had classified her as IXI due to her marriage with Mr.
          I. Y., even though she came directly to Turkey from Iran and has never been in Iraq.
          Furthermore, since she was not a minor, she did not meet the criteria established by the
        
          
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          Turkish Government to authorize the resettlement on family re-unification grounds for
          the group of Iranian refugees who came from Iraq.
          510. Ms. C. M. has been re-scheduled for a flight on 18 September 2007. UNHCR
          has requested exit permission for her, but has not yet received a reply from the
          Turkish Government. The lack of prospects of a durable solution in Turkey as well as
          the refusal by the Turkish authorities to authorize her departure puts Ms. C. M. in a
          vulnerable situation in Turkey. As an Iranian Kurdish refugee without family support,
          she may face an increased risk of violence or exploitation, if she cannot reunite with
          her family.
          Allegation letter
          511. On 14 November 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences sent an allegation letter concerning the intervention by third
          parties in lawsuits regarding the death of women as a result of suicides that took place
          under suspicious circumstances or as a result of honour related killings.
          512. The Special Rapporteur commended the Government for the extensive changes
          that were made recently to the Turkish Civil Code and the Turkish Criminal Code.
          These changes are positive steps towards the elimination of discrimination against
          women. Nonetheless, she drew the Government's attention to the specific provision in
          the Code of Procedure of the Criminal Code that seems to prevent third parties from
          intervening in cases of honour related crimes and alleged suicides on behalf of the
          dead victim.
          513. According to information received, opportunities for intervention in lawsuits
          regarding the death of women as a result of alleged suicides or honour related murders
          are quite limited. The limitation is elaborated upon in clause 237 of article 5271 of the
          Code of the Procedure of the Criminal Code, which provides as follows:
          “(1) The victim, individuals and legal entities who or which have
          suffered damage as a result of the offence and parties who are
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          financially liable may intervene in a criminal action by lodging
          complaints at every stage of the public prosecution before the court of
          first instance, until the judgment is rendered.
          (2) No requests to intervene in the prosecution may be lodged during
          the proceedings of appeal. However, requests for intervention which
          are submitted to the court of first instance and rej ected or which cannot
          be decided upon, shall be examined and decided upon if it is expressly
          stated in the application for appeal.”
          514. In practice, it seems that first degree relatives (i.e. mother, father, husband and
          children) qualify under paragraph 1 as ‘injured parties'. In order to be recognized as
          legal party, close relatives of the victim have to give representation rights to a lawyer
          or the victim has to be personally present at the trial to demand the punishment of the
          perpetrators of the act of violence. Apparently, victims' relatives are often reluctant or
          unwilling to defend the rights of women who committed suicide or were killed, since
          the perpetuators are generally kinsmen. As a result no lawyer may be appointed to
          defend the rights of the victim. Lawyers or non-governmental organizations wishing
          to vindicate the rights of the victim are thus not allowed to participate in such
          lawsuits.
          515. Although the Turkish legal system envisages that the public prosecutor
          represent both the suspect's and the victim's rights, reportedly in many cases the
          rights of women killed or injured are not adequately defended as no lawyers, women's
          organizations or other non-governmental organizations are allowed to intervene in
          court on behalf of the victims. Allegedly, this situation gives rise to deficient and
          partial investigations and judgments that do not take into account key elements behind
          the crimes.
          516. The following specific cases were brought to the Special Rapporteur's attention:
          A. A., a mother of five, had repeatedly applied to the Diyarbakir Baglar
          Police Department and other judicial offices to seek protection from her husband who
          used drugs and beat her. In January 2007 she was killed by her husband, leaving five
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          children behind. Women's organizations were not allowed to intervene in her case and
          were unable to raise issues that seemed to have been overlooked by the police and
          judicial bodies.
          G T. was shot by her brothers in Istanbul in February 2004 and then taken
          to a State hospital where she was killed by her brothers in her hospital bed. The
          Women's Rights Commission of the Istanbul Bar Association requested the
          authorization to represent G T. in the trial but its demand was rejected by the Court.
          The Women's Rights Commission wanted to raise in particular the issue of deficient
          security measures at the hospital, which facilitated the killing. In this respect, I sent an
          allegation letter to your Government dated 28 April 2004.15
          517. In both cases, the courts allegedly rejected the request by organizations to
          intervene in the lawsuits based on clause 237 of article 5271 of the Code of Procedure
          of the Criminal Code.
          518. Finally, according to information received, the Turkish National Assembly
          discussed amending clause 237 in period 22 of the 110th session during the 4th
          legislation year on 1 June 2006, as published in issue 122 of the National Assembly's
          Official Report. No amendment has been adopted yet.
          519. Concerns are expressed that the provision of clause 237 and the resulting
          limitation of intervention by third parties who would wish to take part in judicial
          proceedings to defend the rights of women who allegedly committed suicides or were
          victims of honour-related crimes affects women disproportionately and prevent their
          equal treatment before the law.
          Reply from the Government
          520. On 18 December 2007, the Government of the Turkey replied to the letter sent
          on 14 November 2007, with information on the general application of Article 237 of
          the Criminal Procedure Code. It stated that the parties who have the rights to
          15 E/CN.4!2005!72/Add. 1.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          intervene in criminal cases are listed exhaustively in the Criminal Procedure Code.
          The intervention of “victims, individuals and legal entities that have sustained
          damages as a result of an offence and those who are financially liable” is crucial in
          terms of revealing the truth in the criminal proceedings and to ensure a just judgment
          that provides them with immaterial satisfaction.
          521. Article 237 of the Criminal Procedure Code lays down two conditions for
          intervention in criminal proceedings. The first condition is the connection with the
          offence in terms of violation of an interest. For this reason, the list of interveners has
          been listed exhaustively as such. The Court of Cassation, in many of its decisions,
          interpreted the parties that suffered damages as “those whose interest have been
          directly violated by the offence” or “those against whom the material or immaterial
          elements of the offence are directed”. The second condition concerns the time limit.
          The persons and legal entities that have the right to intervene under article 237, should
          either orally or in written, inform the Court of their intention to intervene in the case
          during the course of the prosecution until a judgement is rendered.
          522. In view of the above, women's organizations or other non-governmental
          organizations have the right to intervene in cases where they suffer damages as direct
          result of an offence, within the prescribed time limit.
          523. The views and observations of the Special Rapporteur have been conveyed to
          the General Directorate for the Status of Women to be given due consideration in the
          preparatory work currently undertaken to develop a National Action Plan on the
          elimination of violence against women.
          Observations
          524. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for its replies to
          her communications. With respect to her communication dated 14 November 2007,
          she is encouraged by the Government's note that her observations will be given due
          consideration during the development of a National Action Plan on the elimination of
          violence against women. Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur would submit that the
          issue at hand requires a legislative amendment as already discussed at the Turkish
        
          
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          National Assembly on 1 June 2006. Moreover, the Special Rapporteur expresses
          concern that the exhaustive list of interveners may not grant third parties full access to
          such criminal proceedings, as their interest might not be considered as “directly
          violated”. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur would like to stress the importance of
          the participation of non-governmental third parties in judicial proceedings to defend
          the rights of women who have committed suicides or were victims of human rights
          violations.
          525. Furthermore, the Rapporteur regrets not having received a reply to her
          communication sent on 14 September 2007 and reiterates her interest in receiving a
          reply from the Government of Turkey in regard to all allegations submitted.
          United Arab Emirates
          Response to a communication sent in 2006
          526. On 18 October 2006, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children,
          child prostitution and child pornography, sent an allegation letter concerning the
          criminal charges against S. M.. Concerns are expressed that these charges and the
          possible closure of the shelter may be in retaliation for her activities in defence of
          women's rights since the shelter's •work is reportedly viewed as a threat to the
          traditional culture and family values of the country and its continued operation largely
          depends on S. M.'s work.
          527. By letter dated 23 April 2007, the Government responded to the letter of
          allegation and enclosed the report of the Public Prosecution of Dubai.
          528. On 7 August 2006, the victim notified the police that she had been assaulted by
          the accused, who had pushed her and pulled her by the hand, at the Hope Centre for
          the Welfare of the Needy. On 23 August 2006, the Public Prosecutions Office began
          an investigation into the case and took testimony from the victim and witnesses for
          the prosecution and the defense. On 14 September 2006, the Public Prosecutions
        
          
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          Office referred the accused, and the case to the criminal court, on a charge of physical
          assault of the victim, K. A. Abd al-K. K. On 13 December 2006, the court issued a
          verdict, in the presence of the parties, acquitting S. G 0. due to lack of evidence. The
          penalty prescribed by law for the offence is imprisonment and a fine, not closure of
          the premises.
          Observations
          529. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for its replies to
          her communication. Nevertheless, the Rapporteur would be particularly interested to
          be provided with more precise information on the course of the judicial proceeding
          and the reasons of the acquitting.
          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
          Allegation letter
          530. On 22 February 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences sent an allegation letter to the Government concerning Ms.
          S. A., a 15-year-old Afghan girl.
          531. According to information received: S. A. applied for asylum in the United
          Kingdom on 9 November 2006. She was born in Samangan province (Afghanistan)
          and is a Sunni Muslim. She attended school in Samangan province from 1996 to 2001.
          She relocated with her family to Peshawar (Pakistan), but returned to Afghanistan in
          August 2006. She spent about 8 to 10 days in Kabul and then returned to the
          Samangan province. Upon return, her family realized that their house had been
          destroyed and their property there had been confiscated. S. A. stayed with a neighbour.
          A few weeks later, her father, who was a fonner soldier and had supported the
          Taliban, went to the authorities to enquire on the confiscated property. He was
          arrested. S. A.' s mother enquired about his whereabouts with the local authorities but
          received no reply. Two days later she approached the international forces and was told
          that they could do nothing about it as it was an internal matter.
        
          
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          532. S. A. and her mother were told by a prison guard that the father was held in a
          private prison and would oniy be released if S. A. agreed to marry the warlord A. K.,
          a commander in the Junbish forces of General Abdur Rashid Dostum. S. A.!s father
          refused. A few days later, a delegation of women approached S. A. ‘s mother with the
          same request. S. A. told her mother that she would commit suicide if she was forced
          to marry A. K. and her mother asked for more time to consider the issue. Two days
          later, the women came back. They reportedly became aggressive when told that the S.
          A.'s mother would not agree and told S. A.'s mother that she would lose both her
          husband and her daughter.
          533. The next day S. A. found out that her father had been killed. S. A.'s mother
          made immediate arrangements for the family to leave Samangan. S. A., her mother
          and brother left on 20 October 2006 for Peshawar, where they stayed for two weeks. S.
          A. travelled to the United Kingdom on 7 November 2006, arrived at Heathrow airport
          in London on 8 November 2006, and applied for asylum on 9 November 2006. S. A.
          has no family left in Afghanistan. Her mother is assumed to live in Pakistan.
          534. On 4 January 2007, S. A. was refused asylum and humanitarian protection by
          the Home Office. She was granted discretionary leave to remain in the United
          Kingdom given that she was a unaccompanied child and the Home Office was not
          satisfied that adequate reception arrangement were available in her country of origin.
          When coming of age, however, S. A. may face removal to Afghanistan.
          535. In the written explanation accompanying the decision, the Home Office stated
          inter alia that there is sufficient redress from the Afghan authorities with regard to the
          threat to S. A.'s life if she did not marry the warlord, A. K.
          536. The Home Office further expressed the view that S. A. could move to Kabul
          where she had stayed for ten days upon return from Pakistan in August 2006 and
          where sufficient protection was said to be available both by the police authorities and
          the International Stabilization Assistance Force (ISAF). It was also stated that she
          would not be known in Kabul for A. K. wanting to marry her or in connection to her
          family.
        
          
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          Reply from the Government
          537. On 27 March 2007, the Government of the United Kingdom replied to the letter
          sent on 22 February 2007, concerning Ms S. A. who has appealed against the decision
          to refuse her asylum in United Kingdom.
          538. Trough the Immigration and Nationality directorate, the government confirmed
          that every asylum and human right claim is considered on its individual merit in
          accordance with' the obligations of the State under the 1951 Convention relating the
          Status of Refugees and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) against
          the background of the latest available country information.
          539. The home Office Country of Origin Information (COT) Service closely monitors
          the human rights situation in all countries that generate asylum seekers to the United
          Kingdom, including Afghanistan. It provides accurate, objective, sourced and up to
          date information on asylum seekers' countries of origin, for use by 1IND officials
          involved in the asylum determination process. In dealing with applications from
          female asylum seekers from Afghanistan, case workers have access to detailed
          Country of Origin Information Reports which are updated on rolling basis with
          information collected through out the year. Where material changes in country
          conditions occur these will be communicated to case workers as required. These
          reports focus on the main issues raised in asylum and human rights application to the
          UK. They are compiled from a wide range of reliable external information sources
          including international organisations such as ‘LINHCR, and non — governmental
          organisations, such as Human Right Watch and Amnesty International, and the media.
          540. The recently published October 2006 COl Report on Afghanistan which
          contains specific sections on women can be found on the Home Office website at:
          http : /!www.homeoffice. gov.uklrds/country reports . html
          541. In addition, decision-makers have access to the Afghanistan Operational
          Guidance note (OGN) which provides information and guidance on the main
          categories of Afghan asylum claims and can be accessed via ND website.
        
          
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          542. The Government stated that it was aware that the situation for women may be
          difficult in Afghanistan and that granting asylum in individual cases may be
          appropriate. In order to maintain the integrity of the United Kingdom asylum system
          and prevent unfounded applications, it was important that the Government was able to
          enforce the return of those who are found not to be in need of protection and who
          have no rights to remain in the United Kingdom. The Government assured the Special
          Rapporteur that it will only enforce the return of those Afghan women it is satisfied
          are not in need of protection, and that it would not seek to enforce returns to
          Afghanistan unless it were satisfied it is safe to do so.
          543. Having reviewed Ms S. A.'s case it was decided that, in light of her particular
          circumstances, a grant for leave in the United Kingdom would be appropriate. At the
          time of writing Ms. S. A.'s file was with the Government's Appeals Implementation
          Unit for preparation of status papers which will be forwarded to Ms. S. A. in due
          course.
          Urgent appeal
          544. On 28 September 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the question of
          torture sent an urgent appeal concerning Ms. S. M., aged 24, a Sri Lankan national of
          Tamil ethnicity. According to the allegations received:
          545. At the time the letter was sent, she was detained at Yarl's Wood Detention
          Centre near Bedford, and was at risk of removal to Sri Lanka on Monday, 1 October
          2007.
          546. Between April 2000 and April 2007, she was tortured by the security forces for
          her alleged support for the LTTIE. She suffered beatings, sexual assault and was
          threatened with death. Within the same period, she was also forced into providing
          assistance to LTTB activities, such as working in a LTTE-run hospital and collecting
          food. She fled Sri Lanka for the United Kingdom on 22 April 2007.
        
          
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          547. Concern has been expressed that Ms. S. M. may be at risk of torture or ill-
          treatment at the hands of the Sri Lankan security forces upon return. She may further
          be at risk of being abducted and extra-judicially killed by the LTTB for refusing to
          continue supporting them.
          Observations
          548. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for its reply to her
          communication of 22 February 2007, particularly for the information that Ms. S.A.,
          given her circumstances, was granted leave in the United Kingdom. The Rapporteur
          reiterates her interest in receiving a reply in regard to the communication of 28
          September 2007, particularly given the risks Ms. S. M. may face if removed to Sri
          Lanka.
          United States of America
          Response to a communication sent in 2006
          549. On 26 Mach 2007, the Government of the United States of America replied to a
          letter sent by the Special Rapporteur on 19 July 2006 regarding the case of J. L. G.
          The Government replied that in light of the circumstances it was understandable that
          Ms. J. L. G. felt more should have been done to prevent this crime. However, this
          matter should be evaluated based on evidentiary record. The facts as presented in the
          letter sent by the Special Rapporteur were not wholly accurate. In particular, the
          restraining order against Mr G. granted him a “mid week dinner visit” to be arranged
          by the parties”. Transcripts of conversations and police reports indicate that Ms. J. L.
          G. has agreed a visit between Mr. G. and their three daughters that evening; the Castle
          Rock Police Department was responsive to the infonnation and numerous requests for
          assistance from Ms. J. L. G. throughout the course of the evening; and that the
          information available at the time revealed no indication that Ms. 1. L. G. was likely to
          commit this crime against his children. Accordingly, since Ms. J. L. G. consented to
          the mid- week dinner visit, Mr. G. did not violate the restraining order by taking his
        
          
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          daughters out for the evening, a fact Ms. J. L. G. later acknowledged explicitly to the
          police department.
          550. The Government also stated that the fact that Ms. J. L. did not prevail in her
          federal court case does not mean that the United States authorities failed to properly
          investigate her claim or that she was denied access to proper remedies in the United
          States court system. The judicial remedies available in the United States to victims of
          domestic violence were extensive.
          551. The Government claims that the Unites States' conduct in this case was fully
          consistent with the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of
          Violence against Women and with United States obligations under the International
          Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The facts demonstrate that there was no
          human rights violation. There was no failure to exercise due diligence; nor was there a
          failure to provide access to the mechanisms of justice and to just and effective
          remedies.
          552. The Government declared to be among the world's strongest protectors of
          victims of domestic abuse. It regrets that even the strongest of laws cannot prevent
          every tragedy.
          553. The Government also attached the extremely detailed “Response of the
          Government of the United States of America to the Inter- American Commission on
          Human Rights regarding J. L. G., Petition No. P-1490-05”, which can be summarized
          as follow:
          554. The State alleges that the events which occurred prior to the murders of Ms. J.
          L. G.'s three daughters, on 23 June 1999, confirm that she had agreed that Mr. G.
          could see their three daughters that evening for a mid-week dinner visit and that the
          visit was consistent with the restraining order. Therefore, the State alleges that the
          information available at the time revealed no indication that Mr. G. was likely to
          commit that tragic crime against his own daughters.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          555. The State alleges that the evidentiary records show that throughout the evening
          of June 22, 1999, and the early hours of June 23, 1999, the police responded
          professionally to the information Ms. I. L. G. provided. The State argues that
          although the restraining order granted Mr. G. “temporary sole physical custody” of
          the children, it granted Mr. U. “parenting time with the minor children on alternating
          weekends commencing after work on Friday evening and continuing through 7:00
          p.m. Sunday evening”. It also granted Mr. G. a “mid-week dinner visit” to be
          “arranged by the parties.” Therefore, the State argues that since Ms. J. L. G. consented
          to the mid-week dinner visit, Mr. G. did not violate the restraining order by taking his
          daughters for the evening.
          556. The State argues that members of the Castle Rock Police Department were
          responsive to her numerous requests for assistance and took her concerns
          seriously. In response to her initial call, allegedly two officers were dispatched to Ms.
          G.'s house, one went directly to her house and the other one went to Mr. Gonzales'
          house, and later joined the first officer at Ms. G.'s house. The State also alleges that
          at no point did Ms. J. L. G. show the officers a restraining order.
          557. At approximately 8:43 p.m., Ms. J. L. G. called the police and informed the
          dispatcher that she had received a telephone call from her husband and that he was
          with the children at Elitch's amusement park in Denver. In that occasion, the State
          alleges that Ms. J. L. G. did not mention any conversation with Rosemary Young (Mr.
          Gonzales' girlfriend) nor did she mention any concern about Mr. G. mental state or
          the safety of her children, nor did she request that an officer should be dispatched to
          locate Mr. G. at the amusement park.
          558. At 9:57 p.m., the State alleges that Ms. J. L. G. called again and expressed
          frustration that her daughters had not arrived home. She did not mention that she was
          concerned about the safety of any of the children. Nor did she request that the Castle
          Rock police put out an “APB” (all points bulletin to other police
          departments). According to the State, Ms. J. L. G. implicitly acknowledged that there
          was no restraining order violation when she explained to the police dispatcher in her
          first call to the Castle Rock police and in her subsequent conversations with an officer
          that she had agreed to the visit.
          --
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          559. At approximately 12.30 am, on Wednesday, 22 June, Ms. J. L. G. showed up at
          the police department in tears. The State alleges that at this point she expressed
          concern about Mr. G.'s mental state saying that he had “lost it” and that he might be
          “suicidal”. The State claims that the police ordered to locate Mr. G. and his vehicle
          through an “Attempt to Locate BOLO” (an acronym for “Be On The Look Out”
          which is directed to other jurisdictions so that they may notify the requesting police
          department if they locate the individual in question). According to the investigation,
          the State informs that Mr. G. reached the police station at 3.25 am and fired shots
          through the window. After an exchange of gunfire with the officers, Mr. G. died.
          When the officers approached Mr. G. ‘s truck, they discovered the bodies of the three
          young girls.
          560. The State argues that the petition is inadmissible for failure to state a breach of a
          duty by the United States under the American Declaration. The State alleges that no
          provision of the Declaration imposes an affirmative duty on States to actually prevent
          the commission of the crimes perpetrated by Mr. G. Furthermore, the State also
          alleges that no other provision of the Declaration contains language that even
          addresses implementation of the enumerated rights as the American Convention. The
          American Convention, on the other hand, includes a provision that describes the
          actual obligations of State Parties regarding implementation of the rights enumerated
          in the Convention.
          561. Furthermore, the State alleges that Ms. S. L. G. did not exhaust all available
          remedies to report the events suffered. Particularly, the State alleges that the actual
          facts of the case were not addressed in the domestic litigation. At the district court
          level, the Town of Castle Rock filed a motion to dismiss the claim. The District Court
          found that as a matter of law, Ms. S. L. G. had failed to state a claim upon which relief
          could be granted. Accordingly, the actual facts were not addressed in the litigation
          because the appeals process dealt with whether the federal law invoked by Ms. J. L.
          G., was available based on the allegations set forth in her complaint. The State claims
          that had Mr. G. survived an additional range of remedies such as criminal prosecution
          and criminal or civil contempt proceedings would have been available to Ms. S. L.
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          G.. The Supreme Court determined that the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process
          Clause, granted police officers discretion in enforcing restraining orders, and
          determined that Ms. J. L. G. did not have federal entitlement to enforcement of the
          restraining order.
          562. The State alleges that Ms. J. L. G. never filed a complaint with the Castle Rock
          Police Department or with the Town of Castle Rock which would have prompted an
          investigation of her complaint by the Castle Rock Police Department or the Town of
          Castle Rock. In addition, although Ms. J. L. G. chose not to pursue a claim under
          Colorado law, such as a civil suit in state court against the police officers under state
          tort law, the State alleges that “had she been able to establish that the Castle Rock
          police officers acted “willfhlly and wantonly” outside the scope of their employment,
          she should have filed a civil suit against them in state court.” Furthermore, the State
          argues that the Colorado Governmental Immunity Statute would have permitted such
          a suit had she been able to meet this standard.
          563. The State claims that the fact that Ms. J. L. G. did not obtain positive results at
          the federal judicial level through the decision of the United States Supreme Court in
          this specific case, does not mean that domestic violence victims do not have resources
          available to them at the state or local level or that protection orders do not effectively
          protect their beneficiaries.
          564. The Government also describes a series of additional remedies and protections
          for victims of domestic violence at the national and state levels, such as a large sums
          of money devoted to implement programs related to domestic violence, as well as a
          diversity of laws that have been designed to improve the investigation of domestic
          violence cases.
          Observations
          565. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of the United
          States of America for its comprehensive reply to her communication. Moreover, the
          Special Rapporteur will follow with interest the deliberation of the Inter-American
        
          
          AIKRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          Commission on Human Rights on this case (Petition No. P-1490-05), considering that
          the case was declared admissible on 24 July 2007.
          Uzbekistan
          Reply of the Government to a communication sent in 2006
          566. On 21 July 2006, the Special Rapporteur on violence against woman, jointly
          with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human
          rights defenders, sent an urgent appeal concerning Ms. M. T., a human rights activist.
          567. On 7 July 2006, M. T. was transferred to the psychiatric department of the
          Tashkent women's prison. On 13 July 2006, her two lawyers went to visit her and
          reported that her physical condition had markedly deteriorated, one of her hands was
          bandaged and she uncharacteristically talked very slowly. When asked by one of her
          lawyers how her hand was damaged, she did not reply. She did say, however, that she
          has to take pills every day without being informed about what type of pills she is
          given. She is kept in a room with 16 drug users and persons with mental problems.
          On 14 July 2006, her lawyers sent a letter to the prison director to find out why M. T.
          was transferred to the psychiatric department, but they did not receive a reply. 16
          568. On 14 August 2007, the Government sent a letter which stated that false
          information was disseminated by mass media and NGOs about Ms. M. T,'s health
          conditions. It is reported that, according to the decision of the Court, Ms. M. T. had
          pledged guilty for committing such crimes as blackmail, robbery, embezzlement
          through appropriation and misapplication, fraud, evasion from tax payments,
          violation of trade rules and land tenure conditions, functional forgery, arbitrariness,
          distribution of materials containing threat to public safety and order. On 6 March
          2007, she was convicted to 8 years of imprisom ent with the deprivation of the right
          to take up any administrative and financially-liable positions within 3 years.
          ‘ 6 A/HRC/4/34/Add. 1
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          569. The Government affinned that since 7 July 2006, Ms. M. T. was serving a
          sentence in the colony of general regime and she had a right for health protection,
          including medical care outlined in the Criminal-Executive Code of Uzbekistan. She
          already contacted the medical unit of the colony and underwent in-patient treatment
          twice. On 11 August 2007, the medical examination states her health condition is
          satisfactory and she is able to work.
          570. The government listed the four meetings with relatives Ms. M. T. had in
          accordance with article 9 of the Criminal-Executive Code:
          - on 19 July 2006, a short meeting with her nephew, Mr. G. U.
          - on 10 August 2006, a 3 day-meeting with her sister Ms. M. T.
          - on 9 January 2007, a short meeting with her daughter Ms. M. T.
          - on 10 August 2007, a short meeting with her younger brother Mr. R. T.
          571. Furthennore, it is claimed that, in accordance with written request by Ms. M.
          T., lawyer Ms. D. N. visited her on 13 July 2006. Aflerwards she never requested
          such visit. Finally, it is alleged that Ms. M. T. regularly receives parcels and packets
          from relatives. She also received and sent numerous letters to and from relatives.
          Urgent appeal
          572. On 13 April 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
          causes and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the question of
          torture, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of
          human rights defenders, sent an Urgent appeal to the Government regarding Ms. M.
          T., Chairperson of the human rights organization Plaininenoe Serdtse, Ardent Hearts
          Club, based in Ferghana City. She is also one of the founders of the national
          movement Civil Society and a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Ms. M. T. was the
          subject of a communication sent by the Special Rapporteur on violence against
          women, its causes and consequences, jointly with the Special Representative to the
          Secretary-General for human rights defenders on 21 July 2006.
          573. Ms. M. T. was also the subject of a communication sent by the Special
          Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, the Special Rapporteur on the
        
          
          A/HRC/7/6/Add. 1
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          promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the
          Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights
          defenders on 6 February 2006; of a communication sent by the Special Rapporteur on
          violence against women, its causes and consequences jointly with the Special
          Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders on
          18 July 2005; and of a communication sent by the Special Rapporteur on violence
          against women, its causes and consequences, with the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the
          Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Special Representative of the
          Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders on 27 October 2005.
          574. According to information received: On 6 March 2006, Ms. M. T. was sentenced
          to 8 years in prison. She is currently being detained at Tashkent Prison. Ms. M. T.
          reportedly spent seven months in solitary confinement and was held in a psychiatric
          unit for mentally ill and drug-addicted persons, located in a women's detention centre
          in the Mirabad district of Tashkent. Ms. M. T. ‘s health is deteriorating as a result of
          the conditions in which she is being held and is in need of urgent medical attention. It
          is reported that she has lost approximately 20 kilograms in weight and is suffering
          from a kidney-related illness caused by cold and low blood pressure. Ms. M. T. was
          last seen by her family on 9 January 2007 despite numerous attempts by relatives to
          visit her at the detention centre in order to bring her medication and food.
          575. According to reports, members of Ms. M. T. ‘s family, including her brother Mr.
          R. T. and her daughter Ms. M. A., have been subjected to harassment and
          intimidation. On 22 December 2006 Mr. R. T. was evicted from his apartment and is
          under constant surveillance by the authorities. He has also received a warning that if
          he continues to object to the detention of his sister it will be difficult for him to
          continue to work and he will be forced to leave Tashkent. She was also warned that if
          she would then travel to Tashkent again (to see her mother) she will be killed. Ms. M.
          A. has been followed by individuals believed to be law enforcement agents.
          576. Concern is expressed that the above-mentioned events form part of an ongoing
          campaign to silence human rights defenders in Uzbekistan. Grave concern is also
        
          
          AIHRC/7/6!Add. 1
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          expressed at the reported ill-treatment of Ms. M. T. and consequent deterioration of
          her health.
          Response from the Government
          577. On 26 April 2007, the Uzbekistan Government replied to the letter sent on 13
          April 2007. It made reference to a series of provisions regarding citizens' rights and
          freedoms such as article 27 of the Constitution, the Law “On citizens' applications”
          and criminal and administrative legislations.
          578. Moreover, the Government affirmed that judicial and non-judicial institutions
          on protection of human rights and freedoms were established and successfully
          functioned, which facilitated timely reaction to citizens' applications and the adoption
          of fair decisions upon issues raised. However, it claimed that some citizens,
          “pretending to be a victim of alleged violations by State bodies, premeditatedly refuse
          to submit applications to such institutions and instead target the attraction of attention
          of international human rights or other organizations to themselves. Thus, they pursue
          a political purpose to cause a wave of criticism against Uzbekistan.”
          579. Finally, the Government advised the Special Rapporteur to inform Ms. M. T. to
          appeal to competent bodies in Uzbekistan to restore her rights, provided that alleged
          violations have taken place.
          Urgent appeal
          580. On 10 July 2007, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes
          and consequences, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, the
          Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights
          defenders sent an urgent appeal to the Government concerning Ms. M. T.,
          Chairperson of the human rights organization Plarninenoe Serdtse, Ardent Hearts
          Club, based in Ferghana City. She is also one of the founders of the national
          movement Civil Society and a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Ms. M. T. has been
          the subject of numerous urgent appeals by special procedures mandates. Government
        
          
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          responses dated 10 and 26 April 2007 have been noted. However, according to recent
          allegations received:
          581. Ms. M. T. is being ill-treated by prison wardens whilst in detention in Tashkent
          prison, and this ill-treatment is having adverse effects on her health. She is frequently
          being humiliated and threatened with acts of violence against her daughter. She is also
          placed in solitary confinement, and has been denied access to medical treatment
          which she urgently requires. In addition, she has been denied her visitation rights, and
          delegates from the International Committee of the Red Cross have been prevented
          from seeing her.
          582. Serious concern is expressed at the reported continuing ill-treatment of Ms. M.
          T. and the consequent deterioration of her health. Further concern is expressed that
          the above-mentioned events may form part of an ongoing attempt to silence human
          rights defenders in Uzbekistan.
          Observations
          583. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for its replies to
          some of her communications. With respect to the Government's reply of 26 April
          2007 to her communication dated 13 April 2007, the Special Rapporteur would like to
          remind the Government of Uzbekistan that the special procedures mechanism of
          communications to and from Governments, as established by Member States, does not
          prevent any citizen from applying to the national protection mechanisms in place in
          his/her country. The two sets of mechanisms are complementary. The Special
          Rapporteur further notes that the Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution
          2005/41, paragraph 17 (a), stressed “that States have an affirmative duty to promote
          and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls and must
          exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish all acts of violence against
          women and girls, and [ called] upon States to apply international human rights norms
          and to consider, as a matter of priority, becoming party to international human rights
          instruments that relate to violence against women and girls, and to implement fully
          their international obligations.”
        
          
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          584. Finally, the Special Rapporteur would be interested to know whether the case
          reported in the communication of 10 July 2007 has resulted in any investigations into
          alleged ill-treatment by prison wardens.
        

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