The CEDAW Committee: Concluding Observations from the 49th Session

The Committee made explicit reference to discrimination and abuse of LBTI women in its observations on Costa Rica.

These results were surely the product of diligent documentation and advocacy by dedicated activists including Natasha Jimenez of Mulabi of Costa Rica. Also appreciated is the provided feedback on the shadow reports and advocacy support by Marcelo Ferreyra and Grace Poore of IGLHRC.

To appreciate the effort that went into producing these results, see the IGLHRC blog for analysis by Natasha Jimenez and Grace Poore (http://iglhrc.wordpress.com). To see the shadow reports themselves, see the relevant country page on the IGLHRC website (www.iglhrc.org).

Strong language of the Committee with regard to Costa Rica

40. The Committee takes note of the establishment of regulations aiming to respect the identity of transgender women in the ID photo cards issued by the Civil Registry Office. However, it expresses its concern about discrimination in the access to education, employment and health-care services against lesbian, bisexuals, transgender and intersex women in the State party. The Committee is also concerned at information received indicating that some of these women are victims of abuses and mistreatment by health services providers and law enforcement officials.

41. The Committee calls on the State party to provide effective protection against violence and discrimination against women, in line with the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/13/15 and A/HRC/13/15/Add.1) recommendation accepted by the State party. In this regard, the Committee urges the State party to intensify its efforts to combat discrimination against women based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, including by launching a sensitization campaign aimed at the general public, as well as providing appropriate training to law enforcement officials and health services providers, in order to avoid abuses and mistreatment of these women.

Download the CEDAW Concluding Observations (pdf)

(Source:Jessica Stern, Director of Programs, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission)