International recommendation

Violence against women and girls

Issue date:
Human rights body:
Human Rights Committee (CCPR)
Themes:
Equality and non-discriminationPolicing and the judicial systemViolence against women, girls and partners
Populations of concern:
ChildrenSami/indigenous peoplesWomen
Relevant CCPR articles:
Art. 2 – Non-discrimination, implementation and effective remedyArt. 24 – Children’s rightsArt. 26 – Equality before the lawArt. 3 – Equality and non-discriminationArt. 7 – Freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
Source:
CCPR/C/NOR/CO/7, para. 15

Recommended measures (5)

Measure
Measure types:
Policies, strategies, and action plansConsultation
Responsible Ministry:
Ministry of Justice and Public Security

The State party should proceed with plans to launch a new national plan of action to eliminate violence against women and girls, with a focus on eliminating rape and other forms of sexual violence in the State party, including in the Sami community, in consultation with Sami peoples and other stakeholders.

Measure
Measure type:
Laws and regulations
Responsible Ministry:
Ministry of Justice and Public Security

The State party should amend section 291 of the Penal Code to ensure that the lack of free consent is at the centre of the definition of rape.

Measure
Measure type:
Awareness-raising and dissemination
Responsible Ministry:
Ministry of Justice and Public Security

The State party should facilitate the reporting of rape and gender-based violence cases by, inter alia, systematically informing women and girls of their rights and of the existing legal avenues through which they can access resources, services, protection and justice.

Measure
Measure types:
Awareness-raising and disseminationTraining and capacity buildingPractices and guidelines
Responsible Ministry:
Ministry of Justice and Public Security

The State party should strengthen its efforts to raise public awareness of the adverse impact of sexual and gender-based violence. Continue to train judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officials on addressing sexual and gender-based violence and strengthen the investigative capacity of law enforcement for such cases. Ensure all reports are promptly and thoroughly investigated, that perpetrators are brought to justice and that victims have access to full reparations.

Measure
Measure types:
Statistics and researchPolicies, strategies, and action plans
Responsible Ministry:
Ministry of Justice and Public Security

The State party should investigate further the root causes of higher levels of violence against women in the Sami community. Take effective measures to address these root causes, eliminate cultural and linguistic barriers and build trust between the Sami community and authorities.