ICCPR concluding observations 2024, paragraph 21
Plain English recommendation
Government should continue work to combat violence against women and girls, including domestic and sexual violence. It should ensure comprehensive protection and support for victims, regardless of immigration status. In particular, the Government should:
(a) Remove its reservation to Article 59 of the Istanbul Convention;
(b) Change the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to make sure that migrant women are equally protected, including by providing them the same social and economic support. There must also be a safe way for them to report violence without fear of backlash or immigration enforcement;
(c) Encourage reporting on violence against women. Ensure all victims, including migrant women and girls, can get remedies and protections. This includes shelters and medical, psychosocial, legal, and rehabilitative support services.
Original UN recommendation
The State party should continue to strengthen its efforts to combat violence against women and girls, including domestic and sexual violence, and take steps to ensure comprehensive protection and support for all victims of gender-based violence, including migrant women and girls, regardless of their migratory status. In particular, the Committee calls on the State party:
(a) To withdraw its reservation to article 59 of the Istanbul Convention;
(b) To amend the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to ensure equal protection for migrant women, including by providing equal access to social and economic support and a safe mechanism for reporting violence without fear of reprisals or being reported to immigration enforcement authorities;
(c) To encourage the reporting of cases of violence against women and ensure that all victims, including migrant women and girls, have adequate access to effective remedies and means of protection, including shelters and medical, psychosocial, legal and rehabilitative support services.
Date of UN examination
03/05/2024
Original UN document
Download the original ICCPR concluding observations 2024 on the UN website.
Last updated on 25/04/2025