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Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Concluding observations on the third periodic report of Bahrain*
1. The Committee considered the third periodic report of Bahrain (CEDAW/C/BHR/3) at its 1187th and 1188th meetings, on 11 February 2014 (see CEDAW/C/SR.1187 and 1188). The Committee’s list of issues and questions is contained in CEDAW/C/BHR/Q/3 and the responses of Bahrain are contained in CEDAW/C/BHR/Q/3/Add.1.
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the third periodic report of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which took into account its previous recommendations. It also expresses its appreciation to the State party for its written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by its pre-session working group. It welcomes the oral presentation of the delegation and the further clarifications provided in response to the questions posed by the Committee during the dialogue.
3. The Committee commends the State party for its high level delegation, headed by Shaikha Mariam Bint Hassan al Khalifa, the Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Women, which included experts from relevant ministries, the Parliament and the judicial authority involved in the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee appreciates the constructive dialogue that took place between the delegation and the members of the Committee.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the progress achieved since the consideration in 2008 of the State party’s combined initial and second periodic reports (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2) in undertaking legislative reforms, in particular the adoption of:
a. Law No. 36/2012, Labour Law in the private sector;
b. Royal Orders 46/20009 on the establishment of the National Human Rights Institution and 28/2012 amending certain provisions; and
c. Law No. 35/2009 to support the children of Bahraini women married to foreigners.
5. The Committee welcomes the State party’s efforts to improve the institutional and policy framework aimed at accelerating the elimination of discrimination against women and promoting gender equality, through the adoption of:
a. The National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2013-2022) and its implementation strategy;
b. The vocational and technical training strategic plan 2008-2014, which widens training opportunities for girls in non-traditional fields;
c. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Supreme Council for Women and the Information Affairs Authority to boost women’s role in the media (2011); and
d. The National Model Integrating Women’s Needs in Development (2010).
6. The Committee welcomes the ratification by the State party of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 22 September 2011.
7. The Committee welcomes the State party’s expressed willingness to review some of its reservations to the Convention, with a view to withdrawing them or amending their content and the fact that a bill on the matter has been referred to the Parliament.
C. Principal areas of concern and recommendations
Parliament
8. The Committee stresses the crucial role of the legislative power in ensuring the full implementation of the Convention (see CEDAW statement on ‘The relationship of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women with Parliamentarians’, 41st session, 2008). It invites the Parliament, in line with its mandate, to take the necessary steps regarding the implementation of the present concluding observations between now and the next reporting period under the Convention.
Reservations
9. The Committee takes note of the assurances provided by the State party delegation in its opening statement and during the dialogue regarding the possibility of withdrawing or amending some of its reservations in relation to articles 2; 9 (2); 15 (4); and 16 of the Convention. Nevertheless, the Committee remains concerned that no timeframe has been set to undertake the review of these reservations. The Committee reiterates that their withdrawal or narrowing is essential for the full implementation of the Convention in the State party and considers that the reservations to articles 2 and 16 are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention (see Committee’s statement on reservations, A/53/38/Rev.1).
10. The Committee calls upon the State party to expedite, without delay, the review of its reservations to the Convention, with a view to withdrawing them or narrowing their scope, in line with the Convention, within an established timeframe and with the full participation of women’s civil society groups. It especially calls upon the State party to withdraw its reservations to articles 2 and 16, which are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.
Definition of discrimination against women
11. The Committee acknowledges that the Bahraini Constitution, in its articles 4 and 18, stipulates that equality is guaranteed by the State, that all citizens are equal before the law and that there shall be no discrimination based on sex, as well as the fact that the Convention has the status of law in Bahrain. Nevertheless, the Committee reiterates the need for an explicit prohibition of discrimination against women in the State party’s domestic legislation, as defined in article 1 of the Convention.
12. The Committee calls on the State party to prohibit and sanction discrimination against women, encompassing both direct and indirect discrimination, in line with obligations under articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. It recommends the State party to strengthen education and training programs, in particular for judges, lawyers and law enforcement personnel, on the Convention and its direct applicability in domestic courts and on the forms and scope of discrimination. The Committee also encourages the State party to strengthen awareness-raising and education measures to enhance women’s knowledge of their rights under the Convention.
Discriminatory laws
13. The Committee welcomes the State party’s efforts to review and revise discriminatory legislation, including its Penal Code and Nationality Law. The Committee notes information from the State party delegation concerning draft laws presented to the chambers of Parliament. However, the Committee is concerned that the law reform process experiences long delays, that many amendments are still in the process of being drafted, and that bills that have been drafted have yet to be adopted.
14. The Committee calls upon the State party to give high priority to its law reform process and to modify or repeal, without delay and within a clear time frame, discriminatory legislation, including discriminatory provisions in its Penal Code and Nationality Law, as well as in family matters. The Committee recommends the State party to increase its efforts to sensitize the chambers of Parliament, religious and community leaders, civil society organizations and the general public on the importance of supporting the acceleration of legal reform.
National machinery for the advancement of women
15. The Committee notes the restructuring of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), the many awareness raising activities and training carried out, and the establishment of equal opportunity units in various ministries and government bodies. Nevertheless, the Committee reiterates its concern about the limited support provided by the SCW to non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
16. The Committee recalls its previous recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, par. 19) and recommends that the SCW strengthen its cooperation with all stakeholders, in particular by supporting women’s civil society groups and non-governmental organizations.
Temporary special measures
17. The Committee reiterates its concern about the lack of understanding of temporary special measures which are considered by the State party to be contrary to the Constitution and discriminatory. The Committee notes with concern that no temporary special measures, including a system of quotas aimed at accelerating equality between women and men, have been adopted or are envisaged in the near future as part of a strategy to accelerate the achievement of de facto or substantive equality between women and men in all areas of the Convention.
18. Recalling its general recommendation No. 25 (2004) on temporary special measures, the Committee notes that such measures adopted and implemented by States parties under the Convention do not constitute discrimination. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, par. 21) and urges the State party to:
a. Inform and train relevant officials on the non-discriminatory nature of temporary special measures within the meaning described in article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, as interpreted in the Committee’s general recommendation No. 25;
b. Adopt and implement temporary special measures, including time-bound goals and quotas, directed towards the achievement of de facto or substantive equality between women and men in areas where women are underrepresented or disadvantaged, including in political life, decision-making bodies and the private sector; and
c. Include in its legislation provisions to encourage the use of temporary special measures, in both the public and private sectors.
Stereotypes
19. The Committee appreciates the efforts of the State party to re-examine the stereotyped content of school curricula and books and to provide vocational education to both girls and boys, including in non-traditional fields. The Committee welcomes the efforts of the State party in partnership with the media to increase the participation of women and to show a positive and diverse image of women in public life. However, the Committee remains concerned about the persistence of traditional stereotypes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men in society and, particularly, within the family.
20. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, par. 22) and encourages the State party to continue implementing measures to bring about change to the widely shared stereotypical roles of women and men, including awareness-raising and training programs and campaigns, and the promotion of equal sharing of family responsibilities and the equal status and responsibilities of women and men in the private and public spheres.
Violence against women
21. The Committee notes the existence of a bill to combat domestic violence drafted since 2007, and assurances by the State party delegation that the bill is currently under consideration by the chambers of Parliament. Nevertheless, the Committee is deeply concerned about the slow process of adopting specific legislation to eliminate violence against women in all settings, including a definition of violence and provisions on remedies and sanctions. The Committee reiterates its concern that several provisions in the Penal Code condone acts of violence against women by exempting perpetrators from punishment. In particular, it regrets that the Penal Code excludes marital rape, that article 353 of the Penal Code exempts perpetrators of rape from prosecution and punishment if they marry their victims and that article 334 of the Penal Code reduces the penalties for perpetrators of crimes committed in the name of so called honour. It also notes the absence of statistical data on the incidence of violence against women as well as the absence of any rape complaints to the SCW or the police.
22. In the light of its general recommendation No. 19 (1992) on violence against women and its previous recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, par. 25), the Committee urges the State party to put in place a comprehensive national strategy and program to address all forms of violence against women, and:
a. Expedite the adoption of the bill to combat domestic violence, criminalizing violence against women and providing for effective remedies and sanctions;
b. Revise the Penal Code, repealing any provisions contained therein which condone acts of violence against women, such as articles 334 and 353, and including provisions to criminalize marital rape;
c. Provide mandatory training to judges, prosecutors and the police on the dynamics of violence against women and on gender-sensitive procedures to deal with women victims of violence;
d. Systematically collect data on violence against women and girls, disaggregated by sex, age and relationship between the victim and perpetrator;
e. Ensure that women and girls victims of violence, including domestic violence, have access to effective protection and that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished;
f. Take measures to ensure that the lack of reported cases of rape is not due to victims’ fear of retribution or stigma or a sign of lack of confidence in the police and judicial authorities; and
g. Address the traditional cultural attitudes preventing women from reporting cases of violence, including through educational and awareness-raising programs to the general public about the criminal nature of all forms of violence against women.
23. The Committee welcomes information on the existence of a shelter for women victims of violence. The Committee is nevertheless concerned about the insufficient support services for victims of violence as well as the absence of data on their reintegration and rehabilitation.
24. The Committee recommends the State party to:
a. Increase the numbers and capacity of shelters and services for victims of violence against women, in collaboration with and through adequate funding for NGOs; and
b. Take measures to increase collection of data with a view to ensuring access and availability of reintegration and rehabilitation for women victims of violence.
Trafficking and exploitation of prostitution
25. The Committee welcomes the State party’s efforts through the “National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons,” increased labour inspections, bilateral cooperation with countries of origin, and the provision of psychological assistance and physical protection of victims. However, the Committee reiterates its concern about the prevalence and extent of trafficking of girls and women into the State party for purposes of forced labour and/or sexual exploitation. The Committee is particularly concerned about:
a. The absence of a comprehensive national strategy to address trafficking;
b. The lack of information on the number of women victims who have benefited from existing programs as well as on prosecution and punishment of perpetrators in cases of trafficking;
c. Reports that fear of retribution by employers and the risk of being detained or deported prevent women victims of trafficking from filing complaints; and
d. The lack of information on the extent and the scope of prostitution, and the fact that mainly migrant women trafficked into the State party are particularly vulnerable to exploitation of prostitution.
26. The Committee reiterates its recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, par. 27) that the State party:
a. Adopt and implement a national strategy against trafficking that includes criminal justice measures to prosecute and punish traffickers as well as protection and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking for purposes of forced labour and/or sexual exploitation;
b. Provide statistical data on cases of trafficking for purposes of forced labour and/or sexual exploitation, as well as on victims who have benefited from existing programs;
c. Strengthen training and awareness-raising programs for the police, border control and other law enforcement agencies as well as labour inspectors on their role in preventing and combating trafficking in women and girls;
d. Undertake measures to ensure access to legal aid for victims and to the necessary assistance, support and protection, including facilitating provision of residence permits where appropriate;
e. Raise awareness about the risks of trafficking and exploitation of women for forced labour and prostitution, with a focus on migrant women; and
f. Provide comprehensive information on the issue of prostitution, including measures adopted by the State party to discourage demand for prostitution and to prosecute and punish those who exploit prostitution.
Participation in political and public life
27. The Committee welcomes the initiatives undertaken by the State party to encourage women’s participation in leadership positions. However, it regrets that despite their high levels of education and economic empowerment, women continue to be underrepresented in political and public life, in particular in the National Assembly and local councils and in decision-making positions.
28. The Committee reiterates its recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, par. 29) and calls upon the State party to take measures, including temporary special measures in the form of quotas, with benchmarks and concrete timetables, to increase the number of women in political and public life, at all levels and in all areas, including in the National Assembly and local levels of government, in the light of its general recommendation No. 23 (1997) on women in political and public life. It recommends the State party to promote women in leadership positions and foster a political and social environment conducive to women’s promotion in all sectors.
Women human rights defenders
29. The Committee notes the statement from the State party that 19 of the 26 recommendations from the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report have been implemented and that steps are being taken to achieve their full implementation. However, the Committee is particularly concerned about allegations that in the aftermath of the February/March 2011 political events, some women experienced ill-treatment and intimidation by law enforcement officials as well as dismissals, suspensions, and downgrading of professional positions from the public and private sectors, as well as various other forms of retribution for their civic engagement including detention, revoking of nationality, and that a number of women are still in detention.
30. The Committee recommends the State party to:
a. Expedite the implementation of all the BICI recommendations to their full extent;
b. Ensure that any sanctions against women who peacefully participated in, or appeared to support, the events since February 2011 are immediately discontinued, that women do not suffer the impact of their political affiliations and are immediately reinstated in the posts they occupied, compensated and rehabilitated;
c. Ensure that women activists are able to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association and that the July 2013 revision of the Law on the Protection of Society from Acts of Terrorism (2006) does not have a negative impact in this regard; and
d. Ensure the representation of women and the inclusion of women’s issues in the ongoing national dialogue.
Civil society and non-governmental organizations
31. The Committee notes the information provided by the State party that it is in the process of revising the draft law on civil organizations and institutions currently before the chambers of Parliament for consideration. The Committee welcomes assurances that the State party adopted measures to increase access to funding for civil society associations. Nevertheless, the Committee is concerned that under the current Law of Associations (Law 21/1989):
a. Women’s freedom of association is hindered by lengthy registration procedures and excessive supervision, as well as the need to channel international funding requests to the Ministry of Interior; and
b. Women associations are prohibited from engaging in political activities.
32. The Committee recommends the State party to:
a. Take concrete steps, including through legal amendments to create and ensure an enabling environment in which women’s civil society groups and NGOs working on gender equality and women’s empowerment may be freely established and can freely raise funds and operate. It also recommends the State party to strengthen its consultation with civil society in this regard; and
b. Ensure that the draft law on civil organizations and institutions enables women’s non-governmental organizations and associations to engage in the public and political life of the country, in line with article 7 (c) of the Convention.
Nationality
33. The Committee welcomes the Royal Order of 2011 granting Bahraini nationality to 335 children of Bahraini women married to foreigners and notes with appreciation the Cabinet decision of January 2014 granting Bahraini nationality to the children of Bahraini women married to foreigners subject to certain conditions. Nevertheless, the Committee is concerned that women still do not enjoy equal rights to nationality, since men automatically confer their nationality to their children, which is not the case for Bahraini women. The Committee notes the slow pace of adoption of the draft amendments to the Nationality Law and is especially concerned that such amendments will not automatically grant children of Bahraini women married to foreigners the nationality of their mothers, but will only codify the present system according to which, women, upon request and royal decision, can transfer their nationality to their children. In addition, the Committee is concerned about the situation of stateless persons, including the possibility of children of Bahraini women married to foreigners becoming stateless.
34. Recalling its recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, par. 31) and in the light of the State party’s commitment during its latest Universal Periodic Review, the Committee urges the State party to expedite the amendments to the Nationality Law, to bring it into full compliance with article 9 of the Convention, and to withdraw its reservation to article 9 (2). Further, it recommends the State party to consider acceding to international instruments to address the situation of stateless persons, including the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
Education
35. The Committee commends the State party for the advances made in education of girls and women and the importance given to their enrolment in non-traditional vocational training. Nevertheless, the Committee notes the persistence of traditional attitudes and stereotypes which affect the educational paths followed by women, in particular in the scientific and technical disciplines.
36. The Committee recommends the State party to take coordinated measures to further diversify the educational and vocational choices of girls and boys and provide in its next periodic report, tabulated data, disaggregated by sex, on the above, indicating the respective levels at which courses are pursued.
Employment
37. The Committee notes with appreciation that the participation of women in the workforce continues to grow. However, the Committee is concerned that women are disproportionately affected by unemployment and discrimination related to work and that:
a. A persistent wage gap between women and men exists, in practice;
b. Neither the Penal Code nor the Labour Law in the private sector (Law 36/2012 or Labour Law) specifically define or criminalize sexual harassment in the workplace; and
c. The Labour Law allows for prohibitions on women’s employment and gives the Minister powers to determine the occupations in which employment of women is prohibited.
38. The Committee recommends the State party to:
a. Adopt effective measures to close the wage gap between women and men;
b. Consider ratifying ILO Convention No. 100 (1951) on Equal Remuneration;
c. Adopt legislation criminalizing all forms of sexual harassment in the workplace and ensure that such provisions are enforced; and
d. Ensure that ministerial decisions placing restrictions on women’s work concern only pregnancy and maternity protection and do not perpetuate occupational segregation or stereotypes on women’s roles and capabilities.
Female migrant workers
39. The Committee welcomes the commitment expressed by the State party delegation to adopt legislation that will confer rights and legal protection to domestic workers. Nevertheless, the Committee is concerned about the limited scope of application of the Labour Law (No. 36/2012) to domestic workers despite many cases of violence, abuse and exploitation experienced by women migrant workers who are mainly employed as domestic workers in the State party. The Committee commends the State party for the adoption of Decision No. 79 (2009) reforming the sponsorship system but is concerned that conditions in employment contracts set by employers could undermine the purpose of the decree. The Committee notes with concern the lack of information on the availability of support services and programs for protecting women migrant domestic workers from violence, abuse and exploitation, and on the availability of legal and administrative remedies to complain about cases of violence against them.
40. Recalling its general recommendation No. 26 (2008) on women migrant workers as well as its previous recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, para. 35), the Committee calls upon the State party to:
a. Strengthen the legal protection of women migrant workers, in particular by amending legislation to make its provisions applicable to women migrant domestic workers;
b. Ensure that the objective of Decree No. 79 is not undermined by discriminatory or abusive provisions in employers’ contracts;
c. Continue taking steps with a view to effectively abolish the sponsorship system, and seek technical assistance from ILO;
d. Prosecute and sentence violent, abusive and exploitative employers and recruitment agents;
e. Raise awareness of labour rights among women migrant and domestic workers; and
f. Ensure women migrant workers’ effective access to legal aid and complaint mechanisms and provide victims of exploitation and abuse with the necessary protection and assistance, including immediate access to shelters and rehabilitation services.
Health
41. The Committee commends the State party for reversing the practice requiring a husband’s consent before a caesarean operation is performed on his wife. However, the Committee is concerned that:
a. Female migrants workers have difficult access to free emergency health services;
b. Abortion is criminalized even when a woman is a victim of rape or incest.
42. The Committee recommends the State party to:
a. Take appropriate measures to ensure that female migrant workers have access to free emergency medical services; and
b. Consider undertaking legal amendments to allow abortion in cases of rape and incest with a view to protecting the best interests of the victim, and to remove punitive measures imposed on women who undergo abortion in such cases, in the light of its general recommendation No. 24 (1999) on women and health services.
Marriage and family relations
43. The Committee takes note of the State party delegation’s assurances that polygamy and early marriage are not common in the State party. Nevertheless, the Committee remains concerned that women continue to be denied equal rights with men with regard to family relations, in particular marriage, age of marriage, divorce, child custody, guardianship, and inheritance under the existing laws. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Law of Family Rulings (Law No. 19 of 2009), Part 1, pertaining to family issues within the Sunni community. However, the Committee remains concerned that the lack of a uniform family code and the fact that the law does not apply in Shiite courts, leaves Shiite women unprotected by a codified personal status law.
44. The Committee encourages the State party to build on the progress achieved concerning Part 1 of the Family Law (2009) and expedite the adoption of Part 2 of the Law, with a view to adopting a unified family law that provides for equality and effective access to justice in family issues. In this regard, it recommends the State party to:
a. Take steps to ensure access to justice in family issues for the Shiite community;
b. Raise awareness about the need of a unified family law that ensures women’s rights under the Convention; and
c. Draw on the examples of other countries with similar religious backgrounds and legal systems that have reconciled their domestic legislation with the legally binding international instruments they have ratified, specifically regarding equal rights for women and men concerning marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance.
d. The Committee also reiterates its recommendation (CEDAW/C/BHR/CO/2, par. 39) that the State party raise the minimum age of marriage for girls to 18 years, to be equal to that of boys and to take concrete measures to end the practice of polygamy. The Committee calls upon the State party to reassess its reservations to articles 15 (4) and 16 of the Convention with a view to their withdrawal.
Economic consequences of divorce
45. The Committee notes the information provided by the State party on contemporary divorce practices. However, it is seriously concerned about the discrimination and legal restrictions that women continue to face in the context of divorce. The Committee reiterates its concern about the negative economic consequences on women as a result of divorce, including obligations to return dowry, pay compensation, and accept limited alimony.
46. In the light of its general recommendation 29 (2013) on the economic consequences of marriage, family relations and their dissolution the Committee calls on the State party to fully harmonize the Family Law with the Convention, so as to eliminate restrictions on and discrimination against women in matters related to divorce. The Committee encourages the State party to expedite the study on the economic consequences of divorce on women and to adopt legislative measures to remedy possible adverse effects of existing rules of property distribution and ownership.
National human rights institution
47. The Committee welcomes the establishment of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR). Nevertheless, the Committee notes that, to date, it has not applied for accreditation with the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. It also notes the absence of information regarding its mandate and available resources.
48. The Committee recommends the State party to encourage the National Institution for Human Rights to apply for accreditation with the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights; strengthen its independence, effectiveness and visibility in line with the Paris Principles; and provide it with sufficient human and financial resources and a specific mandate on gender equality and women’s rights as well as a complaints mechanism enabling women to complain about violations of their rights under the Convention.
Optional Protocol
49. The Committee encourages the State party to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
50. The Committee calls upon the State party to utilize the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, in its efforts to implement the provisions of the Convention.
Millennium Development Goals and the post-2015 development framework
51. The Committee calls for the integration of a gender perspective, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, into all efforts aimed at the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and in relation to the post-2015 development framework.
Dissemination
52. The Committee recalls the obligation of the State party to systematically and continuously implement the provisions of the Convention. It urges the State party to give priority attention to the implementation of the present concluding observations and recommendations between now and the submission of the next periodic report. The Committee therefore requests that the present concluding observations be disseminated in a timely manner, in the official language of the State party, to the relevant State institutions at all levels, in particular to the Government, the ministries, the National Assembly and to the judiciary, to enable their full implementation. It encourages the State party to collaborate with all stakeholders concerned, such as employers’ associations, trade unions, human rights and women’s organizations, universities and research institutions and the media. It further recommends that its concluding observations be disseminated in an appropriate form at the local community level so as to enable their implementation. In addition, the Committee requests the State party to continue to disseminate the Convention and relevant jurisprudence, as well as the Committee’s general recommendations, to all stakeholders.
Technical Assistance and Visit of Special Procedures Mandate Holders
53. The Committee welcomes information provided by the State party delegation regarding the technical cooperation agreement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) which reflects the commitment of the State party to continued cooperation and assistance in the development and implementation of a comprehensive program of human rights, including the implementation of the Convention. The Committee also notes with appreciation information provided that, in addition to the OHCHR scoping mission for the development of a technical cooperation program, discussions to set an appropriate date for the visit of the Special Rapporteur on Torture will take place with the Rapporteur. The Committee also encourages the State party to continue its cooperation with specialized agencies and programs of the United Nations system.
Ratification of other treaties
54. The Committee notes that the adherence of the State party to the nine major international human rights instruments[1] would enhance the enjoyment by women of their human rights and fundamental freedoms in all aspects of life. The Committee therefore encourages the State party to consider ratifying the treaties to which it is not yet a party, namely the International Convention on the Protection of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from enforced Disappearance.
Follow-up to the concluding observations
55. The Committee requests the State party to provide, within two years, written information on the steps taken to implement the recommendations contained in paragraphs 26 and 44 above.
Preparation of the next report
56. The Committee invites the State party to submit its fourth periodic report by in February 2018.
57. The Committee requests the State party to follow the “Harmonized guidelines on reporting under the international human rights treaties, including guidelines on a common core document and treaty-specific documents” (HRI/MC/2006/3and Corr.1).
* Adopted by the Committee at its fifty-seventh session (10 – 28 February 2014).
[1] The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families; the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.