23rd enero 2023

Sexual violence laws in Eurasia: Towards a consent-based definition

This report examines legal provisions relating to sexual violence in five Eurasian countries – Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The research identifies shortfalls in the way that sexual violence crimes are defined under the law and highlights how existing laws are being poorly enacted throughout these criminal justice systems. Amendments to these provisions are suggested, as well as ways, pending legal reform, in which the current provisions could be interpreted to ensure effective compliance with international and regional human rights standards, which are binding on the States under review.

Key recommendations

Explore:

  • An overview of international and regional standards and best practices for how sexual violence offences should be defined and interpreted.
  • The definitions of sexual violence crimes under the national laws of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan underline the challenges in implementing these provisions.
  • How existing legislation in these countries should be amended to comply with regional and international human rights standards, and explain how current legislation could be interpreted to ensure better access to justice for victims/survivors now.

Explore more resources

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Seeking justice: Sexual violence against women with disabilities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Women with disabilities in Central Asia face systemic discrimination, harmful stereotypes, and major barriers to justice for sexual violence. This new report exposes the failures and the reforms urgently required for survivors.

Intersecting injustices: Marginalisation and legal barriers in sexual violence cases across South Asia

Women and girls from Dalit, Indigenous and disability communities face compounded barriers to justice in sexual violence cases across South Asia. This report reveals systemic failures and urgent pathways for reform.

Experiencing technology-facilitated gender-based violence in India

As part of our global work to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), our new report reveals legal gaps, trauma, and pathways to justice rooted in the lived experience of survivors of TFGBV in India.

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