International recommendation

Violence against women

Issue date:
Human rights body:
Committee Against Torture (CAT)
Themes:
Violence against women, girls and partners
Populations of concern:
Sami/indigenous peoplesWomen
Relevant CAT articles:
Art. 12 – Prompt and impartial investigationArt. 13 – Right of victims to complainArt. 14 – Right of victims to adequate remedyArt. 16 – Prevention of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatmentArt. 2 – Prevention of torture
Source:
CAT/C/NOR/CO/8, para. 24

Recommended measures (3)

Measure
Measure type:
Laws and regulations
Responsible Ministries:
Ministry of Justice and Public SecurityMinistry of Local Government and Modernisation

The State party should amend section 291 of the Penal Code in order to ensure that the lack of free consent is at the centre of the definition of rape, in compliance with international standards and its obligations under the Istanbul Convention, so that rape cases falling outside of the current narrow definition are not treated as a minor sexual offence and closed as “no criminal act proven”.

Measure
Measure type:
Training and capacity building
Responsible Ministries:
Ministry of Justice and Public SecurityMinistry of Local Government and Modernisation

The State party should strengthen the capacity and training of the police, prosecutors and judges to investigate and prosecute more effectively cases of violence against women, including sexual violence, such as rape.

Measure
Measure types:
Policies, strategies, and action plansStatistics and researchConsultation
Responsible Ministries:
Ministry of Justice and Public SecurityMinistry of Local Government and Modernisation

The State party should investigate the root causes and develop an action plan aimed at the prevention of, protection from and addressing violence, including sexual assault in the Sami community in consultation with the Sami community, and enhance efforts to build confidence in public authorities.