specific training on the issues of gender and domestic violence was given to police, the judiciary, the security services and officials in the regions. Support and help for victims through support centres was also available. A survey on the incidence of violence was to take place later this year. In addition, a plan of action for women’s rights was being prepared which would cover the violence issue.

The number of women approaching the courts for divorces was increasing, showing there were no barriers to dissolving marriage, said a member of the delegation. Further, divorced women were seen in high-level positions which reinforced the lack of discrimination in this regard. In terms of breaking down gender stereotypes, steps were being taken to eliminate the practice of believing that women wereless important than men, and the female population was shrugging off the idea that they should remain only in the home and entering the professions successfully.

These changes in social, political and economic life were reflected in laws, such as the provision in retirement for women employed in military organizations. Additionally leave for those raising children had been codified in labour laws and frameworks for child custody had been put in place to break down negative views of women in society.

On trafficking, work was being done between the prosecutor’s office and NGOs. This included cooperation with the International Organization for Migration and community organizations. Law enforcement bodies, the immigration service and the Home Office were also involved in educating officials on human trafficking issues. A hotline had been established