Public Defender Submits Alternative Report to UN Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women
On January 9, 2023, the Public Defender of Georgia submitted an alternative (shadow) report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) - on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women by the Georgian authorities. The alternative report echoes the 6th Periodic Report submitted by Georgia to the Committee and reviews the measures taken by the Government to implement the Convention.
The Public Defender’s alternative report reviews shortcomings in the national legislation, including the inconsistency of the definition of sexual crimes with the Istanbul Convention, the absence of a definition of violence/crimes committed in the name of "honor", improper regulation of economic violence, etc.
The alternative report assesses the rights situation and needs of various vulnerable groups of women, namely women with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, women living in regions and rural areas, women living in occupied territories, victims of armed conflict and internally displaced women.
The Public Defender provided CEDAW with information about the current situation of violence against women. In particular, the alternative report evaluates the reactionary and preventive measures taken by the State to combat violence against women and the available support services/mechanisms for female victims.
In addition, the alternative report reviews the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms for gender equality in Georgia, inadequate education of minors about sexual and reproductive health and rights within the formal education system, important issues relating to women's health and health care, such as maternal health and family planning services, etc.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women will discuss the report submitted by Georgia at the 84th session, which will be held from February 6 to February 24. After the end of the session, the Committee will adopt a final opinion, in which the implementation of the Convention by Georgia will be evaluated and recommendations of the Committee will be offered.
