At a civil society consultation on violence against women, we spoke with Ms Dubravka Simonovic, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its causes and consequences. Ms Simonovic was interested the issues around investigating and prosecuting sexual and gender based violence perpetrated by Australians in war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and human trafficking. She asked for more information, including some specific case studies.

This information was provided in a five page submission. The submission comprises:

• an overview
• the Australian legal context
• three case studies
• additional policy context
• barriers to implementation and
• suggested recommendations to the Australian Government

PDF – Submission to Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women

Ms Simonovic has already released the preliminary findings from her visit which focused on domestic issues of violence against women. But it is hoped prosecute; don’t perpetrate points will be included in her final report to United Nations Human Rights Council. You can listen to Ms Simonovic’s end of mission statement below and find out more information on the website of the United Nations Information Centre in Canberra.