Guinea
Women in Guinea, in addition to being disproportionately affected by the Ebola health crisis, continue to face constant threats of sexual and gender-based violence, including early and forced marriages, rape, human trafficking, and some of the highest rates of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in the world; approximately 97% of women and girls in Guinea have been subjected to the process (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics). Although Guinea has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and launched a National Action Plan pursuant to Resolution 1325 in 2009, civil codes in Guinea continue to subjugate and discriminate against women, including through provisions that require spousal approval for professional occupations for women. Recognizing that women’s inclusion in the political process is one of the most effective ways to counter violence and discrimination against women, the NGOWG advocates for the full and effective inclusion of women in all elections and at all levels of peaceful and democratic political transition. In addition, based on the work of NGOWG members, the NGOWG recognizes that impunity for sexual violence remains a looming threat to justice and must be eliminated.
Guinea
Women in Guinea, in addition to being disproportionately affected by the Ebola health crisis, continue to face constant threats of sexual and gender-based violence, including early and forced marriages, rape, human trafficking, and some of the highest rates of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in the world; approximately 97% of women and girls in Guinea have been subjected to the process (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics).
Guinea has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and launched a National Action Plan pursuant to Resolution 1325 in 2009. However, civil codes in Guinea continue to subjugate and discriminate against women, including through provisions that require spousal approval for professional occupations for women. Recognizing that women’s inclusion in the political process is one of the most effective ways to counter violence and discrimination against women, the NGOWG advocates for the full and effective inclusion of women in all elections and at all levels of peaceful and democratic political transition. In addition, based on the work of NGOWG members, the NGOWG recognizes that impunity for sexual violence remains a looming threat to justice and must be eliminated.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Guinea (August 2010)
The ongoing situation in Guinea should continue to be followed closely. In taking future action, the Security Council should:
- Ensure there is no impunity for perpetrators of the sexual violence and enslavement perpetrated in the events of 28th September, 2009. Concrete steps must be taken to guarantee that no such event recurs, and that there is absolute protection for human rights defenders, victims of SGBV and witnesses;
- Support steps to remove the climate of impunity for SGBV, including adherence to the women, peace and security provisions of the Guinean Penal Code, in addition to other instruments such as SCR 1325; and
- The upcoming second round of the presidential election offers opportunities to support the meaningful inclusion of women in the new government formed by the elected president; and ensure reform of the security sector to guarantee provision of security to women, especially through the reduction of threat of SGBV.
The ongoing situation in Guinea should continue to be followed closely. In taking future action, the Security Council should:
- Ensure there is no impunity for perpetrators of the sexual violence and enslavement perpetrated in the events of 28th September, 2009. Concrete steps must be taken to guarantee that no such event recurs, and that there is absolute protection for human rights defenders, victims of SGBV and witnesses;
- Support steps to remove the climate of impunity for SGBV, including adherence to the women, peace and security provisions of the Guinean Penal Code, in addition to other instruments such as SCR 1325; and
- The upcoming second round of the presidential election offers opportunities to support the meaningful inclusion of women in the new government formed by the elected president; and ensure reform of the security sector to guarantee provision of security to women, especially through the reduction of threat of SGBV.
Relevant Resources
