full version - World Organisation Against Torture

Violence Against Women: 10 Reports / Year 2003medical standards regulating the circumstances. Thus, it is reported thatcomplications from abortions is the second leading cause of maternalmortality in Colombia. 110 Reports also indicate that obtaining a safe(although illegal) abortion in Colombia is very much dependent upon theeconomic status of the woman, with poor women suffering from muchmore dangerous operations.8. Conclusions and RecommendationsOMCT is pleased to note that Colombia’s Constitution guarantees equalitybetween men and women, and that several high level court cases indicatea commitment by the judiciary to enforce this guarantee. Colombiahas also passed many laws attempting to ensure that women are able tofully enjoy their rights. However, the reality in Colombia is that womencontinue to suffer from multiple forms of discrimination, which oftenmanifests itself through violence against women.The government of Colombia is strongly urged take measures to guaranteewomen’s equal opportunities in employment. Additionally, moreefforts should be made to ensure that women are adequately representedat all levels of government. Women should also be included in peacenegotiation efforts.OMCT is concerned that girls in Colombia may be married as young as12 and recommends that the government amend this provision so that theminimum age of marriage with parental permission is the same as theminimum age for boys and consider setting the age of marriage at 18 forboth girls and boys in all circumstances.Women in Colombia are particularly vulnerable to violence by armedcombatants, both paramilitaries and guerillas, in the context of the internalconflict. OMCT insists on the government’s obligations to investigate,prosecute and punish with due diligence all incidents of sexual violenceperpetrated by armed combatants. OMCT also recommends that the governmentestablish special support services for women victims of such violenceby the armed combatants.OMCT is deeply concerned for the safety of women human rights defenders.As such, OMCT particularly calls on the government to ensure the180