23rd January 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 ways 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 takeaways and 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 and underlines 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 explains how current legislation could be interpreted to ensure better access to justice for victims/survivors now.

Explore more resources

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Imperative Legal, Policy, and Institutional Reforms for Enhanced Support and Protection of Child Marriage Victims and Survivors

Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA), with support from Equality Now, conducted a focused study on child marriage in Zimbabwe, using Epworth as a case study. The research examined the country’s laws, policies, action plans, and other mechanisms meant to protect and support victims and survivors of child marriage.

Female Genital Mutilation Amongst Sudanese migrants in Greater Cairo: Perceptions and Trends

This report investigates the experience and attitudes of Sudanese migrants in Egypt about female genital mutilation (FGM).

Exploring Legal Aid Mechanisms for Survivors of Sexual Violence: Lessons from South Asia

The South Asian Movement for Accessing Justice (SAMAJ) presents this regional report on legal aid systems in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

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