Legislation

Throughout this knowledge module, reference to certain provisions or sections of a piece of legislation, part of a legal judgment, or aspect of a practice does not imply that the legislation, judgment, or practice is considered in its entirety to be a good example or a promising practice.

Some of the laws cited herein may contain provisions which authorize the death penalty. In light of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions 62/149, 63/168, 65/206, and 67/176 calling for a moratorium on and ultimate abolition of capital punishment, the death penalty should not be included in sentencing provisions for crimes of violence against women and girls.

Other Provisions Related to Domestic Violence LawsResources for Developing Legislation on Domestic Violence
Sexual Harassment in Sport Tools for Drafting Sexual Harassment Laws and Policies
Immigration Provisions Resources for developing legislation on sex trafficking of women and girls
Child Protection Provisions Resources on Forced and Child Marriage
Other provisions related to dowry-related and domestic violence laws
Related Tools

Establishing Enforcement Agencies and Special Tribunals

Last edited: January 13, 2011

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Laws on sexual harassment should designate a specialized entity that is responsible for enforcement of sexual harassment prohibitions. Often these bodies are national human rights or anti-discrimination commissions with oversight of a number of areas.

Example: The Caribbean Community has drafted a model law on sexual harassment that provides for the establishment of a permanent specialized tribunal to hear sexual harassment claims, or in the alternative, for an ad hoc tribunal to be appointed to hear specific claims. (See: Model Law on Sexual Harassment, sec.6) It is critical that in the establishment of specialized enforcement units, commissions, or tribunals, those appointed to serve are experienced in handling workplace harassment cases and that at least 50% of the investigators/members are female.