Displaying 44801 - 44825 of 58126 recommendations found
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:IndonesiaIndonesiaRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANOICIssue:
- Gender equality
- Gender perspective in policies, programmes
- Women's participation
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Further mainstream gender perspective into its national policies and programs by providing wider spheres for women’s participation and ensuring gender parity in the development and implementation of those policies and programs.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AustraliaAustraliaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Continue efforts to address domestic violence by fully enforcing laws to address violence against women and increasing coordination with NGOs and private sector institutions offering support to survivors of domestic violence.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AustraliaAustraliaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Discrimination based on gender identity
- Violence on the basis of sexual orientation
- Violence on the basis of gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Enact laws prohibiting hate crimes committed against persons on the basis of sexuality, gender, religion and ethnicity.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SerbiaSerbiaRegional groupEEGIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Fully incorporate the provisions of the CEDAW into its national legislation.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:BeninBeninRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICOIFIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Ratify the CRC.ExplanationSeychelles accepts the recommendation on the basis that it is already fully implemented. Seychelles acceded to the Convention on the 7th of September, 1990. -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:NetherlandsNetherlandsRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 2) The Government remains committed and fully engaged towards the review, reform and enhancement of existing legislation, and moving towards the enactment of new laws so as to remain in the forefront of advocating for the advancement of human rights practices. Some new pieces of legislation and amendments enacted since the last review include interalia: (a) The repeal of Section 151 of the ‘Seychelles Penal Code’ in 2016 thereby decriminalizing private, consensual sex between adults of the same sex, discussed in detail in paragraph 57;
Para 56) Seychelles is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and recognizes the inherent right to dignity of each citizen. Article 27 of the Constitution of Seychelles guarantees equal protection of the law including the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set out in the Seychelles Charter of Fundamental Human Rights without discrimination. This entails that citizens who feel aggrieved on the basis of their sexual orientation may freely seek redress.
Para 57) In June 2016 following extensive intergovernmental and public consultation, the Government repealed Section 151 of the Seychelles Penal Code that criminalized private, consensual sex between adults of the same sex. The offence previously subjected the offender of felony and liable to imprisonment for fourteen years, although, notably, no citizen had ever been tried in Seychelles under this offence. Para 58) In 2016 a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) group was registered in Seychelles and since serves as a forum where the members can engage actively on issues that have direct impact upon them. They provide education and awareness programmes to the public on issues such as sexual orientation, nondiscrimination, and stigmatization.
Para 59) The Government continues to consult on whether and to what extent legislations can be amended to better guarantee the Constitutional rights of all its citizens regardless of sexual orientation.
UN Compilation:
Para 15) [CEDAW] noted that consensual same-sex relationships had been decriminalized. It was concerned, however, about acts of gender-based violence and persistent societal discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and transgender women.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 5) Regarding recommendations 120.47, 120.48, and 120.53, SHRC noted that in 2016 the Government had repealed the law criminalising same-sex relationships between consenting adults. However, regarding recommendation 120.46 and 120.52, SHRC stated that the Government had not yet enacted legislation to ensure protection for all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity …
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:FranceFranceRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOIFIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Continue efforts in the fight against impunity for domestic violence and develop accommodation facilities and support mechanisms for victims of such violence.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 2) The Government remains committed and fully engaged towards the review, reform and enhancement of existing legislation, and moving towards the enactment of new laws so as to remain in the forefront of advocating for the advancement of human rights practices. Some new pieces of legislation and amendments enacted since the last review include interalia: … (l) The ‘Domestic Violence Act, 2020’ which prohibits acts of violence in the domestic context, provides for protection of aggrieved persons, provides for penalties, makes provision for services for aggrieved persons and perpetrators of domestic violence, and other related matters.
Para 12) As of mid-2020, the media have been granted free access to all courts and are no longer required to seek permission from the Registrar of the Supreme Court or security before entering. This was enforced by the Public Relations department on the basis that the courts are public. Unless a closed hearing is taking place on sensitive matters (sexual assault especially), journalists are encouraged to cover court cases, making the courts more visible in newspapers and on television. In this way, justice is delivered in the eyes of all, rather than behind closed doors with no accountability.
Para 20) The President appointed a Child Law Reform Committee (CLRC) with effect from June 2020, which is chaired by the former Chief Justice and Judge of the Court of Appeal and consists of members from the Attorney General’s Office, the Social Affairs Department, Seychelles Police, NCC and the Ministry for Education. The CLRC is supported by a technical committee to enable it to carry out its functions efficiently. The Committee was tasked with reviewing sexual offences and to propose reform of the provisions under the Penal Code. It is also mandated to review other existing legal framework applicable to children, and make recommendations for legal reform to enhance the legal protections afforded to children in line with Seychelles’ Constitution, international law obligations and best practice. This reform has become increasingly important following public outcry towards a sexual abuse case reported in April 2020 involving girls ranging from 12 to 18 years old. The case was a first-of-its-kind in Seychelles and has resulted in shock and outrage among residents.
Para 21) The Committee has done extensive work and proposed a modern sexual offence legislation which will be submitted to the government during the first quarter of 2021 for consideration. The Committee is dedicated to ensuring that the protection of constitutional rights is upheld in all its recommendations as well as ensuring clear non-discriminatory drafting of legal provisions that allow for empowerment, effective advocacy, strong policies and practices, and which are consistent in application and encourage a positive shift in attitude and behaviour at a societal level.
Para 22) The CLRC affirmed that it will continue its work in the coming year, conduct extensive public consultation, including a dedicated Children’s Conference to ensure that voices of children are heard, and inform any new laws intended to enhance their protection, review existing laws, and recommend consequential amendments that will need to be enacted to accommodate its recommendations relating to the proposed sexual offences law.
Para 30) The Government has replaced the previous Family ‘Violence (Protection of Victims) Act’ with a new ‘Domestic Violence Act’, 2020. The Act condemns domestic violence, provides for protection of victims, and covers a wide range of acts that amount to domestic violence such as physical, verbal or psychological, and economic abuse. The Act caters for the duties of the police, social services, as well as other services that provide relief to victims, and makes provision for continued training of service providers. Whilst the Act makes provisions for the punishment of perpetrators of domestic violence, it also provides for their rehabilitation.
Para 31) The CLRC has also contributed to the evaluation of Seychelles laws in the context of gender based violence and child protection by drawing from evidence on domestic practices and inputs, and equate them with international and regional norms. It found that whilst the Penal Code provides certain protection against sexual offences for both women and children, laws have to be introduced to give full effect to the protection. Subsequently, a range of new offences will be recommended in relation to rape such as sexual grooming, the use of intimate images and sexual communication with children through social media and other digital platforms. Furthermore, harassment offences such as cat calling, flashing, blackmail and more are also to become punishable by law under the proposed legislation.
Para 32) More stringent obligations are to be imposed on police, prosecutors, social services and judges when investigating and adjudicating sexual offences, including the enhancement of protection for persons living with disabilities.
Para 34) The Government continues to commemorate ‘Orange Day’ and ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’ every 25th November to 10th December, with these days being utilized to raise awareness on gender based violence.
UN Compilation:
Para 59) [CEDAW] commended Seychelles on its efforts to counter gender-based violence, but noted with concern that the incidence of gender-based violence in the country continued to be among the highest in the region. … UNHCR welcomed the approval and entry into force of the Domestic Violence Act 2020.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 14) SHRC noted that in 2020 Seychelles enacted the Domestic Violence Act and that the legislation had been developed with the participation of civil society. However, SHRC stated that the legislation had not yet become operational.
Para 15) SHRC … noted that there was one shelter for women victims of domestic violence and that the Government had allocated a plot of land to build a new shelter.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Gender equality
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Reference AddressedContents:... The CEDAW recommended that Seychelles finalize the draft national gender policy and its action plan ... [Para 17] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Sexual harassment
- Gender equality
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:NeglectedContents:While noting efforts made to finalize the Employment Act, the CEDAW remained concerned about the lack of a definition of sexual harassment; the wage gap between women and men and the absence of legal provisions on equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value; occupational segregation of women and men, especially vertical segregation in the higher occupational category of senior officials and managers; and the practice of terminating employment contracts when a woman was pregnantThe CEDAW recommended that the Employment Act clearly define and prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace and include the principle of equal pay for work of equal value, and that Seychelles address vertical and horizontal occupational segregation of women. [Para 44] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Early marriage
- Age of consent
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:N/AContents:... The issue of harmonizing the ages of marriage [and] sexual consent ... is also being considered. This is in view of modernizing legislations in line with international standards, current national priorities and socio-economic developments. [Para 158] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AustraliaAustraliaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Enact legislation that expressly prohibits discrimination against a person on the basis of sexual orientation or identity.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 57) The Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights of all persons without subjecting them to any undue forms of discrimination. Equal protection of the law for all persons continues to be guaranteed under Article 27 of the Constitution.
Para 58) The Government remains in its consideration as to whether and to what extent legislation could be amended to better guarantee the Constitutional precept that persons of any sexual orientation are not to be discriminated against in Seychelles. It is to be noted that no one has been tried in Seychelles since its establishment as a Republic in 1976 on the basis of their sexual orientation.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 10) JS2 reported that sexual minorities such as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersex were experiencing stigma and discrimination, which limited their access to health and social services. It also noted that Seychelles had not yet decriminalised homosexuality, even if the Employment Act of 1995 provided for non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MoroccoMoroccoRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupOICALOIFIssue:
- Gender perspective in policies, programmes
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Strengthen measures to systematically integrate gender in public policies and, where appropriate, through gender-sensitive budgeting.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 89) The review of the [Employment Act, 1995] includes the incorporation of the already practiced concept of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. The review also aims to make the Act more progressive in its regulation of the promotion of gender equality and the elimination of gender disparities. The 'National Employment Policy' also promotes the principle of non-discrimination in the workplace, and provides that the Government shall promote equal remuneration for Seychellois and non-Seychellois for work of equal value.
UN Compilation:
Para 49) The Special Rapporteur on education affirmed that policy measures and reforms had made it possible for Seychelles to meet the education-related Millennium Development Goals well before 2015; the emphasis on equality in education had significantly addressed differences in achievements based on gender and race and created a system which provided equal opportunity for all based on ability ...
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MaldivesMaldivesRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupOICCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Consider developing programmes that work to conclusively eliminate violence against women and children.ImplementationNational 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 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 ... -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Sex work / "prostitution"
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:N/AContents:A number of action plans and strategies targeting the preservation and promotion of the social rights of vulnerable groups have been recently developed under its (the Social Development Department of Seychelles) umbrella. These include the 2008-2012 National Strategy on Domestic Violence, the 2007 National Population Policy for Sustainable Development Plan of Action, the 2010-2011 National Plan of Action for Gender Based Violence, the 2010-2011 National Gender Communication Strategy, the 2010 Plan of Action to tackle prostitution in Seychelles. [Para 73] -
State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Not Followed up with a RecommendationContents:CEDAW welcomed the efforts of Seychelles to increase access to justice by women and girls. It recommended that Seychelles intensify efforts to address physical and economic barriers that women and girls faced in gaining access to courts, enhance awareness among women and girls ... [Para 28]
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Reference AddressedContents:UNESCO recommended that Seychelles address gender stereotypes and structural barriers that may deter girls from enrolling in traditionally male-dominated fields of study. [Para 53]
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ItalyItalyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Sexual exploitation / slavery
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Adopt measures to address trafficking in persons, including child, especially trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:BotswanaBotswanaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUCommonwealthIssue:
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Step up efforts to implement the national gender plan of action for the period 2019–2023, including through providing technical and financial resources to its Secretariat for the fulfilment of its mandate.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SpainSpainRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOEIIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Update the strategy on gender violence and approve a new national action plan with adequate funding.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:FranceFranceRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOIFIssue:
- Intersex persons' rights
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
- Violence on the basis of sexual orientation
- Violence on the basis of gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Continue efforts to combat violence and discrimination against LGBTI people and take measures to ensure their inclusion.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:IcelandIcelandRegional groupWEOGIssue:
- Family planning
- Contraception
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Implement the commitment made at the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 to ensure zero unmet need for family planning information and services, and universal availability of quality, affordable and safe modern contraceptives.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ItalyItalyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Consider acceding to … the OP-ICESCR.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SpainSpainRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOEIIssue:
- Gender equality
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Adopt specific legislation and measures under the Human Rights National Plan to help prevent, prosecute and punish domestic violence against women and also to end discrimination against women within the society.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 2) The Government remains committed and fully engaged towards the review, reform and enhancement of existing legislation, and moving towards the enactment of new laws so as to remain in the forefront of advocating for the advancement of human rights practices. Some new pieces of legislation and amendments enacted since the last review include interalia: … (l) The ‘Domestic Violence Act, 2020’ which prohibits acts of violence in the domestic context, provides for protection of aggrieved persons, provides for penalties, makes provision for services for aggrieved persons and perpetrators of domestic violence, and other related matters.
Para 12) As of mid-2020, the media have been granted free access to all courts and are no longer required to seek permission from the Registrar of the Supreme Court or security before entering. This was enforced by the Public Relations department on the basis that the courts are public. Unless a closed hearing is taking place on sensitive matters (sexual assault especially), journalists are encouraged to cover court cases, making the courts more visible in newspapers and on television. In this way, justice is delivered in the eyes of all, rather than behind closed doors with no accountability.
Para 20) The President appointed a Child Law Reform Committee (CLRC) with effect from June 2020, which is chaired by the former Chief Justice and Judge of the Court of Appeal and consists of members from the Attorney General’s Office, the Social Affairs Department, Seychelles Police, NCC and the Ministry for Education. The CLRC is supported by a technical committee to enable it to carry out its functions efficiently. The Committee was tasked with reviewing sexual offences and to propose reform of the provisions under the Penal Code. It is also mandated to review other existing legal framework applicable to children, and make recommendations for legal reform to enhance the legal protections afforded to children in line with Seychelles’ Constitution, international law obligations and best practice. This reform has become increasingly important following public outcry towards a sexual abuse case reported in April 2020 involving girls ranging from 12 to 18 years old. The case was a first-of-its-kind in Seychelles and has resulted in shock and outrage among residents.
Para 21) The Committee has done extensive work and proposed a modern sexual offence legislation which will be submitted to the government during the first quarter of 2021 for consideration. The Committee is dedicated to ensuring that the protection of constitutional rights is upheld in all its recommendations as well as ensuring clear non-discriminatory drafting of legal provisions that allow for empowerment, effective advocacy, strong policies and practices, and which are consistent in application and encourage a positive shift in attitude and behaviour at a societal level.
Para 22) The CLRC affirmed that it will continue its work in the coming year, conduct extensive public consultation, including a dedicated Children’s Conference to ensure that voices of children are heard, and inform any new laws intended to enhance their protection, review existing laws, and recommend consequential amendments that will need to be enacted to accommodate its recommendations relating to the proposed sexual offences law.
Para 30) The Government has replaced the previous Family ‘Violence (Protection of Victims) Act’ with a new ‘Domestic Violence Act’, 2020. The Act condemns domestic violence, provides for protection of victims, and covers a wide range of acts that amount to domestic violence such as physical, verbal or psychological, and economic abuse. The Act caters for the duties of the police, social services, as well as other services that provide relief to victims, and makes provision for continued training of service providers. Whilst the Act makes provisions for the punishment of perpetrators of domestic violence, it also provides for their rehabilitation.
Para 31) The CLRC has also contributed to the evaluation of Seychelles laws in the context of gender based violence and child protection by drawing from evidence on domestic practices and inputs, and equate them with international and regional norms. It found that whilst the Penal Code provides certain protection against sexual offences for both women and children, laws have to be introduced to give full effect to the protection. Subsequently, a range of new offences will be recommended in relation to rape such as sexual grooming, the use of intimate images and sexual communication with children through social media and other digital platforms. Furthermore, harassment offences such as cat calling, flashing, blackmail and more are also to become punishable by law under the proposed legislation.
Para 32) More stringent obligations are to be imposed on police, prosecutors, social services and judges when investigating and adjudicating sexual offences, including the enhancement of protection for persons living with disabilities.
Para 34) The Government continues to commemorate ‘Orange Day’ and ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’ every 25th November to 10th December, with these days being utilized to raise awareness on gender based violence.
UN Compilation:
Para 59) [CEDAW] commended Seychelles on its efforts to counter gender-based violence, but noted with concern that the incidence of gender-based violence in the country continued to be among the highest in the region. … UNHCR welcomed the approval and entry into force of the Domestic Violence Act 2020.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 14) SHRC noted that in 2020 Seychelles enacted the Domestic Violence Act and that the legislation had been developed with the participation of civil society. However, SHRC stated that the legislation had not yet become operational.
Para 15) SHRC … noted that there was one shelter for women victims of domestic violence and that the Government had allocated a plot of land to build a new shelter.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:TurkeyTurkeyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupOICIssue:
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Finalize the draft national gender policy and its action plan.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 2) The Government remains committed and fully engaged towards the review, reform and enhancement of existing legislation, and moving towards the enactment of new laws so as to remain in the forefront of advocating for the advancement of human rights practices. Some new pieces of legislation and amendments enacted since the last review include interalia: … (b) The ‘Education (Amendment) Act, 2017’ which aims to guarantee the rights of children and young persons conferred by the Constitution in the implementation of the Act, as well as afford to all students an equal opportunity to education and training, and promote the principles of gender equality.
Para 33) The National Gender Policy was officially launched in 2016, and reinforces the government’s objectives to ensure gender mainstreaming (GMS). The policy aimed to provide support that brings about positive changes in society, allowing Seychellois citizens to reach their full potential by removing gender barriers. The policy is part of the broader government duty in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, ‘Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women’, and regional instruments which focuses explicitly on eliminating gender bias. The National Gender Action Plan, which is intended to be proposed to Cabinet, supplements the gender policy framework which is a key component of the GMS implementation in the country.
Para 35) Stereotypical attitudes about the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and in society remain, and needs to be overcome in order to fully recognise and achieve gender equality in the public and private spheres. For instance, there is a need to increase the participation of men in child-raising and other domestic duties. Entrenched gender stereotypes can also lead to men and women specializing in specific skills and sectors, such as manufacturing and nursing professions. Despite the forgoing, it is to be noted that many women in Seychelles occupy highly respected and prominent positions such as Ministers, Principal Secretaries, CEOs and Governor of the Central Bank. There are also many women owning their own businesses.
UN Compilation:
Para 12) In 2019, the CEDAW welcomed the adoption, in 2018, of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission Act establishing the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, as well as the request for its accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. It was concerned, however, that the Commission was not yet compliant with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) and that issues of women’s empowerment and gender equality were not yet included as part of its mandate.
Para 14) CEDAW was concerned about the persistence of discriminatory gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and in society.
Para 40) CEDAW remained concerned that women frequently faced occupational segregation with concomitant wage differentials, and that the high achievements of girls in education did not translate into labour market opportunities.
Para 53) UNESCO noted that women and girls were concentrated in traditionally female-dominated fields of study and underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the secondary and tertiary levels.
Para 57) [CEDAW] commended Seychelles on the adoption of a national gender plan of action for the period 2019–2023 and on the appointment of the National Gender Management Team. The Committee, however, noted with concern that the Gender Secretariat, which supported gender mainstreaming across all sectors, lacked adequate human, technical and financial resources, …
Para 58) CEDAW welcomed the increased representation of women in leadership positions, but remained concerned that women remained underrepresented at the decision-making level of political life, including in the parliament, the foreign service and academic leadership positions.
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State Under Review:SeychellesSeychellesRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:N/AContents:With the assistance of this mechanism, the Government of Seychelles is in the advanced stages of drafting its initial reports under the ICCPR; the ICESCR ...
Seychelles' Initial State Party report under the CRPD was submitted in 2014.
Seychelles' combined initial, second, third, fourth and fifth periodic reports on the implementation of the CEDAW was submitted to the CEDAW in October 2011. The Committee examined Seychelles' report and gave recommendations in October 2013. [Paras 132-134]