WUNRN
Gender Excerpts:
37.The Special Rapporteur has
noticed a number of restrictions imposed on different
forms of
religious expression, for example on the wearing of distinctive clothing or
head
coverings. At the same time, she is concerned about reports of women who
are forced
to wear religious dress in public in certain countries.
45. Just before holding national
elections in one country, a personal status law for
one
religious community was passed, which further entrenched discrimination and
violence
against women, girls and members of religious minorities. In a particular
province
of another country, a new criminal code was adopted for one religious
community,
effectively legalizing marital rape.....
46. In many cases, persons in a
vulnerable situation, including children, women and
converts, are targeted by discrimination or violence in the name of religion or
belief....
58. States should not allow
activities which contravene human rights even if such
activities are seemingly based on religious or traditional practices. In this
regard,
the
Special Rapporteur and her predecessor have referred to female genital
mutilation
as an
example of a practice that is harmful to women's health. Since female genital
mutilation
is often wrongly associated with religion, the Special Rapporteur has
welcomed statements which clarify religious views on this harmful practice
and
prohibit the abuse of the female body. The General Assembly also referred, in
its
Resolution 63/181, to the need to address the situations of violence and
discrimination
that affect many women as well as other individuals on the grounds or
in
the name of religion or belief or in accordance with cultural and traditional
practices, and the misuse of religion or belief for ends inconsistent with
the Charter of
the
United Nations, as well as other relevant instruments of the United
Nations.
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