NCJ Number
189389
Date Published
March 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This statement submitted by various international organizations to the ninth session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (meeting in Vienna on April 18-20, 2000) pertains to the protection of women and children who have been victims of violence.
Abstract
The statement recommends actions to be taken by governments, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and specialized agencies of the United Nations. The statement urges these entities to take special account of the vulnerability of women, particularly girls, to violence and to adopt measures for assistance to victims of sexual violence, sexual slavery, female genital mutilation, forced prostitution, etc. Further, they should introduce and enforce legislation that makes unlawful customary, religious, and traditionally harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation, "crimes of honor," bride burning, forced abortion, and other practices that victimize girls and women. The statement also recommends that national governments and international organizations expand and improve the internationally accepted basic elements of fairness for victims, such as the right to be referred to adequate support services and the right to compensation from both the offender and the state. Other recommendations are to create effective rehabilitation programs for rescued victims and increase their self-esteem through development programs; assist and protect women and children victimized by trafficking by means of repatriation and the provision of financial help; support victims alienated by their community and families; provide effective witness protection; establish model projects of victim services; and guarantee comprehensive strategies through legislative, executive, and judicial measures.