What happens after the Committee receives reliable information on ‘grave or systematic’ violation(s) of rights set forth in CEDAW Convention?

After receiving the information on the alleged violation of women’s human rights protected by the CEDAW Convention, the Committee takes actions to examine it. It starts with inviting the State Party to cooperate in this process and asking the State to submit the observations with regard to the information received within the fixed time limits.

Apart from any observations submitted by the State Party, the Committee will take into account other available information and materials concerning the issue. It may decide to use additional information prepared by:

o   The representatives of the State Party concerned

o   Governmental organizations;

o   Non-governmental organizations;

o   Individuals.

If the Committee finds the submitted information reliable, it may designate one or more of its members to conduct the inquiry into the alleged violations and prepare the relevant report within the time limit determined by the Committee. The Committee will seek the State Party’s cooperation at each stage of the process which is confidential.

The methods used within the inquiry will be determined by the members of the Committee delegated to conduct the investigation. The process may include a visit to the country concerned, provided that the State Party consents to it. During the visit the confidential hearings can be organized, however, also in this case the State’s approval is required.

The Committee shall inform the State Party to take all appropriate measures to guarantee that the individuals under its jurisdiction will not experience ill-treatment or intimidation as a consequence of participating in the hearings or meetings with the Committee members.

After the inquiry is completed, the CEDAW Committee:

-      Transmits its findings together with comments and recommendations to the State Party and requires that the State submits its observations on the document obtained within six months of its receipt.

-      After the end of this six–month period, the Committee may request the State Party to inform it of any measures taken in response to the inquiry.

-      May invite the State Party to include the information on the measures taken in response to the Committee’s findings and recommendations in the periodical report to CEDAW under article 18 of the Convention.