16th June 2021

Submission on the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression of Victims and Survivors of Sexual Violence and Exploitation

This submission is our response to the Call for Submissions on Gender Justice and the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression issued by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Key takeaways and recommendations

The submission details concerns, gaps, challenges, and good practices in addressing the protection of victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and violence, particularly regarding denial of freedom of expression in the context of defamation cases against survivors of sexual violence and prioritization of freedom of expression over safety and protection from online sexual exploitation and abuse.

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Kazakhstan – Information for Consideration by Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) at its Pre-Sessional Working Group in July 2025

In our submission, we detail concerns regarding laws related to sexual violence and child and forced marriage, as well as procedures and practices that effectively deny access to justice for women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence and child and forced marriage.

Intervention on the Activity Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa

Equality Now calls for stronger implementation of the Maputo Protocol, including lifting reservations, reforming discriminatory laws, ending FGM, and ensuring State accountability.

Intervention on the Activity Report of the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa

Equality Now urges action to end gender discrimination in nationality laws and calls for the ratification of the AU Nationality Protocol.

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