24 May 1984

Meeting 19

Physical violence against detained women that is specific to their sex

The Economic and Social Council,

Noting with grave concern that the Commission on the Status of Women, in the report on its thirtieth session under the question of communications concerning the status of women, drew attention to a pattern of physical violence against women while detained--cases of rape and other sexual abuse, including violence against pregnant women,

Considering that women are especially vulnerable to sexual violence,

Considering also that pregnant women require special protection and care by society,

Recalling its resolutions 76(V) of 5 August 1947 and 304/I/(XI) of 14 and 17 July 1950,

Recalling also its resolutions 1980/39 of 2 May 1980 and 1983/27 of 26 May 1983, by which it reaffirmed the mandate of the Commission on the Status of Women to consider communications relating to the status of women, including the replies of Governments thereon, if any, and to draw to the attention of the Council emerging trends and patterns so that it may decide what action to take,

1. Calls upon the Member States concerned to take appropriate measures urgently to eradicate such violations;

2. Invites all Member States to submit their views on physical violence against detained women that is specific to their sex to the Secretary-General to enable him to report to the Commission on the Status of Women at its thirty-first session under the appropriate item of the agenda;

3. Decides to authorize the Secretary-General to provide, from within existing budgetary resources, the services and facilities necessary for the implementation of the present resolution.