Background

Within the framework of Human Rights Council resolution 42/16, the Special Rapporteur on the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health has identified sexuality, gender based violence and femicide as one of her priorities during her tenure (See A/HRC/47/28 paras 50-64). In compliance with her mandate and in line with this priority she has decided to devote her next thematic report to the 50th session of the Human Rights Council in June 2022 to the theme of “Violence and its impact on the right to health.”

Objectives of the report

The Special Rapporteur intends to shed light on who is seen as victims of violence, and who is affected by what type of violence, with emphasis on the violence experienced by women, children, LGBTI persons and conflict related gender based violence. She will also explore the role of men as perpetrators and their experience as victims of violence. Her analysis will look into the responses that survivors of violence receive with a focus on good practices, as well as the obligations, responsibilities, and protections that arise under the right to health framework and other relevant human rights in this connection. She will also report on emerging trends related to the impact of COVID-19 on all forms of violence and related responses.

In her report, the Special Rapporteur will address, inter alia, issues related to gender based violence, (including inter-personal and intimate violence), as well as structural violence. She will also assess the impact of the criminalization of sex work, same sex relations, transgender persons, abortion, drug use etc. on the enjoyment of the right to health. The Special Rapporteur would like to identify good practices and examples of comprehensive health responses to survivors of violence, and to identify lessons learned at the community, national, regional and international levels.

Questionnaires

The questionnaires can be downloaded below in English (original language), French and Spanish (unofficial translations). Responses can address some of the questions or all of them, as feasible or preferred.

Download the questionnaire (WORD): English | Français | Español

How and where to submit inputs

Inputs may be sent by e-mail by 18 January 2022.

Treatment of inputs/comments received

Please note that all responses will be published on the official webpage of the Special Rapporteur by default unless it is indicated that the submission and/or the supporting documentation should be kept confidential.