The report should address any possible gaps in information and/or challenges to obtaining information due to gender dynamics and genderbased discrimination, in order not to present a distorted image of the reality.61 The inclusion of background information, and the contextualization of the situation of women, men and others, can support arguments related to violations of women’s rights and gendered consequences of violations. Example Example An assessment of an investigation’s approach to gender has been included in the methodology section of its report. “In accordance with best practices, [the Commission] paid special attention to gender issues and the gendered impact of violations. Nevertheless, it faced significant difficulties in the investigation and documentation of human rights violations suffered by women. The commission therefore takes the view that its inquiry may have only partially captured the extent of sexual violence and violence against women.” (A/HRC/29/42, para. 14) A gender perspective has been integrated into the historical background section of the report. “[The organization] openly noted that one of its main goals was to liberate women from the inferior status conferred on them by traditional laws and customs. The land reform policy adopted during this time saw the redistribution of land to the landless and poor peasants, enabling women for the first time in history to own property … At the second regular meeting … polygamy was abolished and a law stipulating that marriage must be with the consent of both man and woman implemented.” (A/HRC/29/CRP.1, para. 89) Obstacles to collecting information on SGBV have also been included in the methodology section. “When trying to collect further evidence on rape perpetrated against men and boys, the Commission faced particular difficulties in collecting first-hand accounts, although expert witnesses working with survivors of such violence confirmed the existence of sexual violence against men …” (A/HRC/32/CRP.1, para. 27) Background information on discrimination against women has been integrated into the principal findings and conclusions. “As a result of fixed gender roles and prevailing cultural norms … women’s lives are centred around the home and their presence in the public sphere is limited. The challenges women face in relation to home demolitions are exacerbated by discrimination within the society itself, including difficulties securing tenure and managing and accessing property and other assets.” (A/HRC/29/CRP.4, para. 527) Possible gaps in information have been addressed along with the description of the findings. “Defectors from the military and the security forces indicated that they had been present in places of detention where women were sexually assaulted; the commission, however, received limited evidence to that effect. This may be due in part to the stigma that victims would endure if they came forward.” (A/HRC/S-17/2/Add.1, para. 68) Some reports have included specific sections on the status on women and girls in society, under substantive sections presenting the findings and analysing the specific human rights violations. (e.g. A/HRC/37/CRP.2, paras. 164-174) Several team members are usually involved in the drafting of the report. The team should make sure that the gender analysis is coherent Kenney, “Developing a gender methodology for U.N. commissions of inquiry”, p. 606. 61 51