Publications
| Guide to experiences and good practices in strategic litigation in cases related to the defense of women's human rights in Latin America (OAS/CIM-MESECVI, UNDP and Spotlight Initiative, 2022) The women's rights agenda has evolved in recent decades through strategic litigation. In this regard, civil society organizations and the women's movement have played a leading role, launching important efforts to promote compliance with the obligations contained in the Belém do Pará Convention and other normative frameworks. This guide seeks to call attention to these good practices and recommendations in the awareness, prevention, investigation, punishment and reparation of cases of gender-based violence against women, adolescents and girls. Download the complete publication in Spanish Download the executive summary in Spanish |
| Regional report on data about disappearances and trafficking of women. Public policy recommendations (MESECVI, UNDP & Spotlight Iniciative, 2021) Femicide/feminicide, together with the trafficking and disappearance of women and girls, are extreme expressions of gender-based violence. This report presents a diagnosis of the availability and quality of data on the disappearance and trafficking of women and explores the link with information and registration systems on femicide/feminicide. The report makes recommendations on the use of these database systems to improve the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and programs that are designed to prevent and eradicate femicide/feminicide, trafficking, and the disappearance of women and girls. Download the full publicaton in Spanish |
| Regional analysis of legislation and policies on organized crime and violence against women and girls, and femicide/feminicide. Adaptation of regulatory frameworks according to the Palermo Protocol (MESECVI, UNDP and Spotlight Initiative, 2021) This report is part of a series that seeks to generate knowledge on aspects of violence against women and girls that have been little explored to date, as well as, their relationship with emerging phenomena such as organized crime. The research focuses on the review of legal frameworks on organized crime and violence against women and girls in Central America, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Following an evidence-based analysis, its main objective is to provide recommendations to help States adjust their legal approach to the prosecution of organized crime and its link to gender-based violence, especially sexual violence, disappearances, trafficking, and femicide/feminicide. Download the complete publication in Spanish |
| Standards for the Protection of the Human Rights of Women: Necessary Tools for the Defence of Women's Political Participation (CIM, MESECVI and UN Women, 2020) Developed by CIM, MESECVI and UN Women, this practical legal guide brings together a systematic and analytical compilation of 130 judgments, decisions, and resolutions in paradigmatic cases, so that both civil society and public institutions -legislative, executive, and judicial- may have access to tools for the cross-cutting application of the protection standards in force in international human rights law, related to cases of gender-based violence against women. Violence against women in politics is included. |
| Practical Guide to the System of Progress Indicators for Measuring the Implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI, 2014) With a view to achieving more in-depth evaluation of the implementation of substantive monitoring of the exercise of women's rights to live free from violence, this Guide aims to strengthen knowledge on the use of indicators developed to measure the impact of the implementation of the Belem do Para Convention in the countries of the region. The objectives are to facilitate more accurate measurement of the extent to which States Party implement the Convention and make it possible to quantify and appraise the process over time. Download the full text of the publication in: English or Spanish |
| Guide to the application of the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (Belém do Pará Convention) (MESECVI, 2014) With a view to supporting States in their duty to protect women's human rights and eliminate situations of violence that may affect them, this Guide aims to strengthen knowledge, interpretation and application of the Belém do Pará Convention. The general objectives of the Guide are facilitate understanding by the States of their responsibilities from a complementary vision of the Convention and other human rights instruments, and to promote the fulfillment of these responsibilities in the the prevention, care and punishment of violence against women. Download the full text of the publication in: English or Spanish |
| Infographics - Implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention This series of infographics seeks to call attention to specific aspects of the implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention and highlight progress and persistent challenges in the States Party. Download the infographics on:
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| Regional tools to fight violence against women:The Belém do Pará and Istanbul Conventions (MESECVI, 2014) In the framework of a side-event organized by the MESECVI and the Council of Europe as part of the 58th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2014, this publication seeks to support the strategies and actions of both organizations to advance the agenda for women’s equality. Within this framework, and among the agreed bi-regional targets, the right of women to live a life free of violence has been defined as a priority. Download the full text of the publication in: English or Spanish |
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Third Follow-up Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Committee of Experts of the MESECVI (MESECVI, 2021) This report seeks to share progress and challenges in the prevention of violence against women based on the eradication of stereotypes in legislation, national plans, access to justice, information and statistics, and the budget from an intersectional approach to the diversity of women and girls. Each chapter includes a series of conclusions made by the CEVI, on the prevention and harmonization efforts carried out by the States for a better implementation of the Convention of Belém do Pará. |
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Third Hemispheric Report on the Implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI, 2017) This report presents the progress of 24 countries in the region in the effective compliance with the obligations assumed upon ratification of the Convention of Belém do Pará. With the inputs provided by the States, as well as by 26 civil society organizations that submitted 24 national and 2 regional shadow reports, the Committee of Experts and the Technical Secretariat conducted an in-depth study of each response in light of the standards established in the Convention in relation to the following thematic axes: Legislation, National Plans, Access to Justice, National Budgets and Information and Statistics, offering recommendations to the States to strengthen their implementation from a perspective of the obligations of prevention contained in the Convention. |
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Second Follow-up Report on the Recommendations of the Committee of Experts of the MESECVI (MESECVI, 2014) The Second Follow-up Report reviews the implementation of the 42 recommendations made by the Committee of Experts in 2012, as well as the progress made by the States Parties to the Belém do Pará Convention in their implementation of the Convention. |
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Second Hemispheric Report on the Implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI, 2012) The Second Hemispheric Report reviews the progress made by the States Party in their implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention, as well as the significant challenges that remain in the region in terms of a timely, appropriate and effective response to acts of violence against women, from a perspective of human rights. The Report consolidates the results and recommendations from the 28 national reports presented to the MESECVI during the Second Multilaterial Evaluation Round, and offers a comparative overview of the progress made between the First and Second Rounds. |
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First Follow-up Report to the Recommendations of the Committee of Experts (MESECVI, 2010) The First Follow-up Report synthesizes the responses from 18 States Party to a series of 38 indicators, developed by the Committee of Experts, on the implementation of their recommendations. The indicators, both qualitative and quantitative, cover the five issues examined during the First Multilateral Evaluation Round: legislation, national plans, access to justice, national budgets, and information and statistics. |
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First Hemispheric Report on the Implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI, 2008) The First Hemispheric Report reviews the progress made by the States Party in their implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention, as well as the significant challenges that remain in the region in terms of a timely, appropriate and effective response to acts of violence against women, from a perspective of human rights. The Report consolidates the results and recommendations from the 28 national reports presented to the MESECVI during the First Multilaterial Evaluation Round. Download the full publication in: English, Spanish, Portuguese or French |
| Hemispheric Report on Child, Early and Forced Marriage and Unions in the States Party to the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI, 2022) Child, early and forced marriage and unions represent a severe human rights problem that affects millions of younger girls and adolescents around the world. It is related to contexts of precariousness, abuse, and suffering that extend throughout their lives, their daughters’, and sons’. This MESECVI hemispheric report explores the causes that fuel and reinforce the phenomenon of CEFMUs in Latin America and the Caribbean, an issue historically forgotten and normalized in the region and still allowed by certain laws rendering it invisible and lacking attention from the States. |
| Cyber-violence and cyber-bullying against women and girls in the framework of the Belém Do Pará Convention (OAS/CIM/MESECVI and UN Women, 2022) This report analyzes the conceptual framework of online gender-based violence against women and girls, as well as the different manifestations that this violence can take. It also presents data on the prevalence of this form of violence at the international, regional and national levels, in order to identify its main trends and characteristics, and reviews some of the laws, public policies and judgments adopted to date by the States of the region in this area. Download the full publication in Spanish |
| Women's cybersecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences, risks, and self-care strategies in the new digital normality (MESECVI & CICTE, 2021) As digitization progresses, the level of exposure to cyber threats and attacks varies. In the case of women and girls, due to their increased participation in cyberspace, they are being disproportionately victims of cyberbullying and various forms of sexual online violence. The new conditions imposed by COVID-19 have created opportunities for attackers and cybercriminals to increase their attacks. This publication aims to contribute to the dialogue around the links between cybersecurity and gender norms and roles during this critical time, presenting an analytical framework to identify vulnerabilities and risks faced by women in the new digital ecosystem. Download the full publication in Spanish |
| Online gender-based violence against women and girls. A guide to basic concepts, digital safety tools, and response strategies (MESECVI & CICTE, 2021) Digital violence against women has become one of the main risks to their freedom of expression, privacy, and safety online. When women are victims of online violence, they often reduce their digital interactions and self-censor, limiting their ability to use the internet freely and confidently. This guide presents recommendations, tips, and resources for women and younger girls who use the internet, survivors of online violence, staff specializing in the care of victims of violence, civil servants, and those involved in the cybersecurity sector. Download the full publication in Spanish |
| Hemispheric Report on Sexual Violence and Child Pregnancy in the States Party to the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI, 2017) The aim of this report is to provide providing information on the links between sexual violence and child pregnancy and the multiple violations of human rights that these entail, as well as to provide comprehensive recommendations to States Party oriented to improving the effectiveness of the measures taken to guarantee the right of girls to live a life free of violence. The Report addresses the main consequences of sexual violence - child pregnancy, maternal mortality and forced marriages. It highlights the severe situation of maternal mortality among girls aged 10 to 14. |
| Guide for the application of the Inter-American Model Law on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of the Gender-Based Killing of Women, Femicide/Feminicide (OAS/CIM/MESECVI and UN Women, 2022) Femicide/feminicide is the most serious manifestation of discrimination and violence against women. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is an urgent problem, still normalized and largely invisible, despite advances in its recognition in legislation and criminal codes. This guide seeks to promote and strengthen awareness of the Model Law in order to promote its effective application throughout the region. The goal is to offer a set of tools to address femicide/feminicide and the violent killings of women from a public policy perspective that overcomes the punitive tradition that has so far been unable to prevent violence against women. Download the full publication in Spanish |
| Discriminatory civil and family law in Latin America. Analysis of civil and family legislation in relation to the obligation to prevent, address, punish and repair gender-based violence against women (OAS/CIM/MESECVI and UN Women, 2022) While there have been numerous advances towards the elimination of historical gender-based discrimination against women in civil matters, there still exists civil norms that perpetuate gender-based violence and discrimination throughout Latin America. This report analyzes the Civil Codes and Civil Procedure Codes of 17 countries in the region with the objective of identifying civil provisions that discriminate against women on the basis of gender, and good practices that allow for closing gaps and advancing towards substantive equality between women and men. Download the full publication in Spanish |
| Legal counseling services to address gender-based violence against women in Mexico and Central America (OAS/CIM/MESECVI and UN Women, 2022) Free legal counseling services for survivors of gender-based violence and their family members is an essential element in guaranteeing effective access to justice. The obligation of States to ensure access to justice, through the provision of free legal advice services, is substituted, in many cases, by the offerings of civil society organizations. This brief overview of the services available in Mexico and Central America, intends to highlight the limitations, as well as. the paths that remain to be taken to guarantee full access to justice for all women. Download the full publication in Spanish |
| Normative responses for compliance with standards on femicide/feminicide. Challenges and good practices in criminal procedure legislation in the region (OAS/CIM/MESECVI and UN Women, 2022) Despite the growing normative recognition of gender-based violence against women and its most extreme manifestation, femicide, gender-blind institutional norms and practices continue to prevent the justice system from integrating a gender perspective in the different stages of intervention. This study seeks to provide tools for the adaptation of discriminatory criminal procedural legislation to the standards of the Belém do Pará Convention. Download the full publication in Spanish |
| Comprehensive reparation in cases of femicide and feminicide in Latin America: progress, challenges, and recommendations (OAS/CIM/MESECVI and UN Women, 2022) The area of reparations related to cases of femicide/feminicide has been inadequately explored and developed, even though it is a central element for access to justice for women victims of violence and their families. The main objective of this study is to identify the extent to which the legislation of the countries of the region aligns with the right of victims, survivors, and family members of victims of femicide and feminicide, to access adequate reparations, in accordance with international law. Download the full publication in Spanish |
| General Recommendation of the Committe of Experts of the MESECVI (No.1): Self-Defence and Gender-Based Violence (MESECVI, 2018) The Committee of Experts of the MESECVI has called attention to the case of many women who have ended the lives or caused an injury to their aggressors as victims of illegitimate aggressions in the sphere of their interpersonal relationships, including the domestic sphere and those defensive acts against aggressions of gender-based violence. In this General Recommendation, the Committee analyzes the international obligations of States Party to the Convention to ensure women's access to the argument of self-defense in those cases in which, as a response to the situation of violence experienced, they have engaged in such conduct. |
| General Recommendation of the Committe of Experts of the MESECVI (No.2): Missing Women and Girls in the Hemisphere (MESECVI, 2018) The Committee of Experts recognizes that in some countries of the region there are high numbers of women and girls reported as missing. Because this is a form of violence against women, as well as its connection with other forms of violence such as femicide, trafficking in women and girls and sexual violence, protected by the Convention, this General Recommendation seeks to frame the disappearance of women and girls within the Convention, and therefore, delineate the obligations of the States Parties to prevent, investigate, punish and eradicate this form of violence against women and girls. |
General Recommendation of the MESECVI Committee of Experts (No.3): The concept of consent in cases of sexual violence against women for gender reasons (MESECVI, 2021) International and national organizations have advocated for the development of standards and public policies that allow for the protection of victims of sexual violence. They have also promoted the development of laws and public policies within the framework of domestic law to ensure the prevention, support, investigation, punishment and reparation of victims of sexual |
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Inter-American Model Law on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of the Gender-Based Killing of Women (Femicide/Feminicide) (MESECVI, 2018) Pursuant to the Declaration on Femicide of 2008, this Model Law seeks to provide an integrating view of the problem and to be a tool for States and stakeholders in the defense of women's rights, to enjoy the highest standard of protection and interpretation when guaranteeing and demanding the rights established in the Belém do Pará Convention. |
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Inter-American Model Law on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women in Political Life (MESECVI, 2017) Within the context of its work, the MESECVI has recognized the progress of States in the prevention and punishment of violence against women in the private sphere, however, it has also repeatedly emphasized that "these actions do not cover all manifestations of violence against women, especially those produced in the public sphere," and has affirmed the need to make progress in legislation that puishes violence against women perpetrated in the public sphere. This Model Law is a contribution to closing this gap, in response to the growing concern of the Mechanism over violence against women perpetrated in political spaces. |
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Declaration on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment for the Good of Humanity (MESECVI, 2015) In this Declaration, the MESECVI Committee of Experts expresses its concern over the proliferation and impact of discourses and campaigns organized by conservative sectors that justify discrimination, harmful practices, the sexual division of labor, or the exclusion of women from public and political power, and reaffirms that equality between men and women and life free from violence are human rights and that "gender" a methodological instrument used to examine and reveal unequal relations of power between men and women in order to defend the human rights of women. Download the full text of the Declaration in English or Spanish |
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Declaration on Political Harassment and Violence Against Women (MESECVI, 2015) In this Declaration, the MESECVI call attention to the multiple manifestations of harassment and violence against women in the political sphere and urge to prevent, address and punish these crimes. Download the full text of the declaration in English or Spanish |
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Declaration on Violence against Women, Girls and Adolescents and their Sexual and Reproductive Rights (MESECVI, 2014) In this Declaration, the Committee of Experts of the MESECVI calls attention to the links between violence against women and girls and their sexual and reproductive rights. Download the full text of the declaration in English or Spanish |
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Declaration of Pachuca: “Strengthening efforts to prevent violence against women” (MESECVI, 2014) In this Declaration, the Executive Committee of the CIM 2013-2015 and the Committee of Experts of the MESECVI call attention to the crucial role that education and communication play in the prevention of violence, and urge greater action from States on this issue. Download the full text of the declaration in English or Spanish |
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Declaration on Femicide (MESECVI, 2008) In this Declaration, the Committee of Experts of the MESECVI calls attention to the magnitude of the phenomenon of femicide (gender-based killing of women), defines the concept and calls on States to tipify it. Download the full text of the declaration in English or Spanish |
Annual Reports of the Follow Up Mechanism to Belém do Pará Covention(MESECVI)
- 2012 Report English, Spanish, Portuguese or French
- 2011 Report English, Spanish, Portuguese or French
- 2010 Report English, Spanish, Portuguese or French
- 2009 Report (PDF)
- 2008 Report (PDF)
- 2007 Report (PDF)
- 2006 Report (PDF)
Periodic reports of the MESECVI to the Assembly of Delegates of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM)
- 2012 Report Spanish, English, Portuguese or French
- 2010 Report Spanish, English, Portuguese or French
- 2008 Report Spanish, English, Portuguese or French
- 2006 Report Spanish, English, Portuguese or French
Biennial report on the promotion of the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women (pre-MESECVI)
During the Multi-lateral Evaluation Round, the Committee of Experts prepares and circulates a questionnaire on the measures adopted by States Party to address violence against women. The States Party complete these questionnaires, which then serve as the bases for the national reports.
- Questionnaire from the First Multilateral Evaluation Round (2004-2008)
- Questionnaire from the Second Multilateral Evaluation Round (2009-2013)
At the same time, this questionnaire is circulated to the network of civil society organizations that participate in the MESECVI, so that they can also prepare complementary, or "shadow" reports on the implementation of the Convention in their respective countries. These complementary inputs from civil society are taken into account by the Committee of Experts in their preparation of the national reports.
To become part of the MESECVI network of civil society organizations, contact mesecvi@oas.org
For more information on the process for registering civil society organizations with the OAS, download the Manual for Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities.
| Country | First Multilateral Evaluation Round (2004-2008) | Second Multilateral Evaluation Round (2009-2013) |
| Antigua & Barbuda | N/A | N/A |
| Argentina | Shadow Report (CLADEM Argentina) (in Spanish) | Shadow Report (Comisión por la Memoria de la Provincia de Buenos Aires) (in Spanish) |
| Bahamas | N/A | N/A |
| Barbados | N/A | N/A |
| Belize | N/A | N/A |
| Bolivia | N/A | N/A |
| Brazil | N/A | Shadow Report (in Portuguese) |
| Chile | N/A | N/A |
| Colombia | N/A | N/A |
| Costa Rica | N/A | N/A |
| Dominica | N/A | N/A |
| Ecuador | N/A | Shadow Report (CLADEM Ecuador) (in Spanish) |
| El Salvador | Shadow Report (in Spanish) | Shadow Report (in Spanish) |
| Grenada | N/A | N/A |
| Guatemala | N/A | N/A |
| Guyana | N/A | N/A |
| Haiti | N/A | N/A |
| Honduras | Shadow Report (in Spanish) | N/A |
| Jamaica | N/A | N/A |
| Mexico | N/A | N/A |
| Nicaragua | N/A | N/A |
| Panama | N/A | N/A |
| Paraguay | N/A | Shadow Report (in Spanish) |
| Peru | Shadow Report (Centro de la Mujer Peruana Flora Tristán) (in Spanish) | Shadow Report (CLADEM Perú) (in Spanish) |
| Dominican Republic | N/A | Shadow Report (CLADEM Dominican Republic) (in Spanish) |
| Saint Kitts & Nevis | N/A | N/A |
| Saint Lucia | N/A | N/A |
| Saint Vincent & the Grenadines | N/A | N/A |
| Suriname | N/A | N/A |
| Trinida & Tobago | N/A | N/A |
| Uruguay | Shadow Report (in Spanish) | Shadow Report (CLADEM Uruguay) (in Spanish) |
| Venezuela | N/A | N/A |
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The EDVAW Platform's contributions to the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (MESECVI, EDVAW Platform, 2020) In the context of its 25-year review, the EDVAW Platform launched two e-booklets during a high level panel on 17 March 2021, in the margins of the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women: 1) Beijing Platform for Action: Contributions of the Platform of independent expert mechanisms on the elimination of discrimination and violence against women (EDVAW Platform) towards its implementation (2020); and 2) EDVAW Platform and the Commission on the Status of Women: call for a human rights based approach in the implementation of strategies for the elimination of discrimination and violence against women. Download the full text of the publication in English |
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Basic Documents of the MESECVI (MESECVI, 2018) This series of documents includes:
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Technical Briefs (MESECVI, 2011) This series of technical briefs presents a brief summary of the achievements, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention, both in general terms and in specific areas. |
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In Modern Bondage: Sex Trafficking in the Americas (CIM, 2002) The trafficking of women for sexual exploitation is a daily reality for the regions of Central America and the Caribbean. It affects each country uniquely, with a different combination of challenges for government agencies, non-governmental organizations and society in general. This study presents the results of research in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic. Download the full text of the study Other documents:
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Violence in the Americas: A Regional Analysis (CIM, 2001) By the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention of Belém do Pará (2000), it was apparent that the profound changes anticipated as a result of the Convention had not taken place. Civil society, international organizations, and the CIM examined what had been achieved in order to determine the real impact of the strategies for eradicating violence against women. This report provides an analysis of progress made in implementing the Convention up to 2000, the obstacles faced, and future endeavours. Download the full text of the Regional Report Sub-regional analyses:
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