Laws and Rights

2016-12-21

The Istanbul Convention: Combating Violence against Women

The main objective of the Istanbul Convention is to eliminate domestic violence and protect women against all forms of gender-based violence. Another ambition is to reduce gender inequality and contribute to women empowerment. Lastly, the Convention promotes...

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Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence aspires to have a Europe free from any form of violence against women. The Convention was initiated by the Council of Europe in 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey and...

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2014-02-28

Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women

CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women), was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. It is one of the UN’s nine core conventions and the most widely ratified convention after the Children's Convention. In...

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The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women

The definition of violence against women that the UN presents in the Declaration is currently the most widely accepted definition: ‘Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to...

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The UN Declaration of Human Rights

The declaration applies to all people without exceptions, which means that no individual may be discriminated against or hindered from enjoying his or her human rights. This is one of the cornerstones of the work for human rights and a fundamental principle in all...

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The Social Services Act

According to the Social Services Act, one task of municipal social services is to assist and support crime victims. This includes anybody who has been subjected to violence, whether they are men or women, heterosexual or homosexual, or children. In 2007, the Act was...

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Education Laws

In June 2010, parliament passed a new Education Act that went into effect by July 2011. The new Act describes more clearly how education providers should promote gender equality and equal treatment. The first chapter provides that education shall be carried out in...

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The Parental Leave Act

The Parental Leave Act gives parents the right to take leave from employment, with or without parental benefit and temporary parental benefit. The Act is not limited to parents, but also covers certain other individuals, such as legal guardians who take care of a child....

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The Discrimination Act

The Discrimination Act went into effect on 1 January 2009. The purpose of the Act is to ensure that human rights are respected in the labour market, workplace and elsewhere in the society. The Equality Ombudsman is to ensure compliance with the Discrimination Act and...

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The Swedish Penal Code

It also contains the sanctions for crimes. In 1998, Sweden passed a law that created two new offenses: gross violation of integrity and gross violation of a woman's integrity. The law implies that if a person commits repeated criminal acts against another person, such...

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