CAT/C/QAT/CO/3 Human trafficking 43. While taking note of the information provided by the delegation on the State party’s efforts to combat trafficking in persons, the Committee regrets the scant information available on the number of complaints, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and sentences imposed in trafficking cases during the period under review (arts. 2, 12 and 16). 44. Noting the voluntary commitments made by the State party in the context of the universal periodic review of the Human Rights Council in May 2014 (see A/HRC/27/15, paras. 122.47–122.54), the State party should: (a) Intensify its efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, including by implementing effectively the Law on Combating Trafficking in Persons (Law No. 15 of 2011), and by providing protection for victims, including shelters and psychosocial assistance; (b) Ensure that cases of human trafficking are thoroughly investigated, perpetrators are prosecuted and, if convicted, punished with the appropriate sanctions, and the victims are adequately compensated. It should also ensure that victims have access to effective protection; (c) Ensure the systematic collection of data on trafficking flows to and in transit through the country. Gender-based violence 45. While noting certain advances by the State party in raising awareness of and addressing gender-based violence against women, the Committee regrets the reluctance of the State party to criminalize domestic violence, including marital rape. The Committee also regrets the lack of information in the State party’s report on the number of complaints, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and sentences imposed in cases of gender-based violence against women during the period under review (arts. 2 and 16). 46. The State party should: (a) Define and introduce domestic violence and marital rape as specific offences in its Criminal Code, with appropriate sanctions; (b) Ensure that all cases of gender-based violence against women are thoroughly investigated, perpetrators are prosecuted and appropriately sanctioned and victims obtain redress, including fair and adequate compensation; (c) Provide mandatory training on prosecution for gender-based violence to all enforcement and justice officials and continue awareness-raising campaigns on all forms of violence against women; (d) Ensure that all victims of gender-based violence are able to access shelters and receive the necessary medical care, psychological support and legal assistance. Human rights defenders and journalists 47. The Committee expresses once again its concern at the lack of information on measures to prevent harassment of human rights defenders and journalists, and prosecute and punish perpetrators (art. 16). 48. Recalling its previous recommendation (see CAT/C/QAT/CO/2, para. 17), the State party should take all the necessary measures to: (a) Ensure that human rights defenders and journalists are able to conduct their work and activities freely in the State party, without fear of reprisals or attacks; (b) Investigate promptly, thoroughly and impartially all violations committed against human rights defenders and journalists, prosecute and punish appropriately those found guilty and provide redress to the victims. 9