Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Cultural practices in the family that are violent towards women

This report documents a number of cultural practices (including FGM, honour killings, and witchcraft allegations) which violate women’s human rights to bodily integrity and to expression, as well as undermining essential values of equality and dignity. These practices and many others constitute a form of domestic violence but have avoided national and international scrutiny because they are seen as cultural practices that deserve tolerance and respect. The report argues that cultural relativism is often used as an excuse to permit inhumane and discriminatory practices against women in the community, despite clear provisions in many human rights instruments, including CEDAW. The Special Rapporteur provides extensive empirical evidence of the various types of cultural practices in the family found in different parts of the world that are violent towards women. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur gives attention to dominant ideologies and structures within societies that perpetuate cultural practices that are violent towards women, including the regulation of female sexuality and masculinity and violence. Many of the practices discussed in the report are based on a society’s belief that the freedom of a woman, especially her sexual identity, should be curtailed and regulated. The report concludes with recommendations on ways to eliminate such practices. The Special Rapporteur recommends that women from the various communities should be listened to and assisted to transform harmful practices without destroying the rich cultural tapestry of their societies which makes up their identity. She, furthermore, urges States not to invoke any custom, tradition or religious consideration to avoid their obligation to eradicate violence against women and the girl child.