UPR Sexual Rights Database

National Report:
Para 35) The Government has continued to step up its efforts towards preventing, and eliminating all forms of violence against women. The 'National Action Plan for Gender Based Violence' (GBV) 2011-2015 focuses on a review and harmonization of existing laws on GBV, sensitization of legal and enforcement authorities, public education campaigns, enactment of a specific law on domestic violence and lobbying for the mainstreaming of gender perspectives into national development plans.

Para 36) The Government of Seychelles continues to commemorate 'Orange Day' on the 25th day of each month and '16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence' every 25th November to 10th December, with these days being utilized to raise awareness on GBV.

Para 37) A 'GBV Working Together Manual' to facilitate various agencies working together to prevent and respond effectively in favour of GBV survivors and their families is being developed. The Manual seeks to set out the roles and responsibilities of each agency and the procedures for multi-disciplinary work in addressing GBV effectively.

Para 40) ... A sensitization session on GBV was held with regards to evidence collection in cases of sexual abuse and rape for health officials in December 2013. In January 2015, training was undertaken to support victims of domestic violence; a similar session for perpetrators of such crimes is also being planned for late 2015. An interactive session on GBV Prevention led by a speaker from the "US Institute of Men Stopping Violence" was held in September 2015, for an audience made up predominantly of male participants from law enforcement agencies.

Para 41) Specific legislation on domestic violence is being developed by the Government. Wide consultation has taken place in the development of the law, including with members of judiciary, civil society, churches, service providers and the police.

Para 146) A helpline for the empowerment of women was set up by the NGO Women in Action and Solidarity. Working together with government agencies, the helpline provides ... counseling for victims of domestic abuse.

UN Compilation:
Para 25) The CEDAW welcomed the National Strategy for Domestic Violence 2008-2012 and the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence 2010-2011. However, it remained concerned about the relatively high rate of violence against women, including domestic violence, and the lack of legal provisions specifically criminalizing domestic violence and marital rape. The Human Rights Committee regretted that reported cases of domestic violence had allegedly doubled in the past six years and that the majority of cases of violence reported were violence against women and children.

Stakeholder Summary:
Para 14) Concerning domestic violence, JS1 indicated that Police rarely intervened in a domestic dispute unless it involved a weapon or a major assault. However, Police services had a "Family Squad" to investigate domestic violence and other family issues. The Social Affairs Division of the Ministry of Social Development and Culture and "The Women in Action and Solidarity Organisation" (WASO), a local NGO, provided counselling services to victims of rape and domestic violence. JS1 added that since 2010, the Gender Secretariat of the Ministry of Community Development conducted information campaigns to end gender-based violence, using spots on television and other related media.

Para 15) On the same issue, JS2 referred to recommendations accepted by Seychelles in 2011 to eliminate violence against women and stated that gender-based violence remained a major concern. Whilst the law was adequate in its provisions of protection, the enforcement was different. The Gender Secretariat of the Ministry of Community Development continued to have limited institutional authority, capacity and resources - only two employees currently - to effectively promote the implementation of the CEDAW and support gender mainstreaming activities across all sectors and levels of the Government. Moreover, the law on sexual assault was not strong enough and female partners tended to withdraw police cases ...

National Report:
Para 106) Health education continues to be given to both boys and girls at school level. "Personal, Social and Civic Education" (PSCE) has been institutionalized into the national school curriculum, and includes sex education in the primary and secondary school system. Continuous talks are organized by the Ministry of Health on various topics (for example: HIV/AIDS, Pap smear tests, Contraceptives, adolescent pregnancy, Sexually transmitted infections, cancers of reproductive organs, and HPV Vaccine) to youth at school, district and national level, including screening opportunities.

Para 107) The Youth Health Centre, which had a second branch launched in 2014, continues to conduct outreach activities, including life skill training sessions on communication and negotiating safer sex practices, and conducting HIV/AIDS screening for in and out of school youths. School Counselors, Health Promotion Officers and teachers often undergo capacity building trainings delivered by experts of the Youth Health Center on sexual and reproductive health best practices in order to enhance their teaching material for students. The Center also provides free access to sexual and reproductive health services which include contraception, diagnosis, treatment and referrals.

Para 109) Contraceptives remain free of charge for all citizens of the Seychelles including the youth and accessible at all Government clinics in each district. At present, consent of parents is required for any treatment of minors below 18 years of age. However, medical professionals often use their discretionary powers to provide minors access to medical treatment, including HIV testing and contraceptives, on the basis of respecting the best interests of the child.

Para 110) Addressing unwanted pregnancies, especially amongst young girls, and the resulting illegal abortions remains a challenge. The Ministry of Education is in the process of reviewing its Teenage Pregnancy Policy 2005, in order to improve current measures to prevent teenage pregnancy, and to provide educational services for young mothers, both during and after their pregnancies.

Para 158) ... The issue of harmonizing ... access to contraceptives and sexual health treatments is also being considered. This is in view of modernizing legislations in line with international standards, current national priorities and socio-economic developments.