24 May 1990

13th Plenary Meeting

1990/5. Physical violence against detained women that is specific to their sex

The Economic and Social Council,

Noting with grave concern the continuing pattern of physical violence against women, cases of rape, sexual abuse and other instances of violent treatment while detained, to which the Commission on the Status of Women drew attention at its thirty-fourth session,

Considering that women are especially vulnerable to sexual violence,

Recalling its resolutions 76 (V) of 5 August 1947, 304 I (XI) of 14 and 17 July 1950, 1984/19 of 24 May 1984 and 1986/29 of 23 May 1986,

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 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 the Council might decide what action to take,

1. Calls upon all Member States that have not yet done so to take appropriate measures urgently, as necessary, to eradicate acts of physical violence against detained women;

2. Invites Member States that have not yet done so to submit to the Secretary-General a report on legislative and other measures they have taken, as applicable, to prevent physical violence against detained women that is specific to their sex, so as to enable him to report to the Commission on the Status of Women at its thirty-sixth session, in 1992;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Commission at its thirty-sixth session prepared on the basis of reports received from Member States;

4. Requests the Commission to continue to consider communications relating to the status of women and to make recommendations thereon to the Council, if necessary.