that the protection is particularly important in the case of minors”. In his report to the United Nations Human Rights Council of January 2008,24 the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment emphasized that forced abortions and sterilizations of women with disabilities against their will may constitute torture or ill-treatment. Reproductive rights will not be realized until violence against women has been eliminated. One of the many forms of violence against women is Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).25 The Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women emphasizes steps states must take to eradicate this practice.26 These steps include: 1. collecting and disseminating necessary data; 2. supporting women’s organizations working to eliminate such practices; 3. encouraging decision makers and trendsetters to influence attitudes towards the eradication of FGM/C; and 4. introducing appropriate educational and training programmes. States should also include eradication strategies in their national health policies, including the special responsibility of health 24 A/HRC/7/3 25 A/HRC/7/3 26 Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women General Recommendation No. 14 on female circumcision from 1990 100 personnel, which encompasses traditional birth attendants, to explain the harmful effects of FGM/C. In order to combat violence against women, states must enact adequate laws and policies against family violence and abuse, rape, sexual assault and other gender-based violence and have in place support and compensation for victims; take steps against attitudes, customs and practices that hinder equality between women and men and thus perpetuates violence against women; take measures against FGM/C and other harmful practices; and prevent coercion in regard to fertility and reproduction.27 Issues related to physical integrity have also been dealt with in the concluding observations of the United Nations human rights committees. Sexual abuse, particular of girls, has consistently been highlighted as violence against women and children, and the United Nations human rights committees have stressed the need both to take preventive measures, including sensitization, and to properly investigate cases and provide treatment to victims.28 The need to criminalize marital rape has been mentioned. The Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences highlights the intersection between violence against women and HIV/AIDS in her report of 2005.29 According to her, gender inequality and discrimination against women can 27 Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women General Recommendation No. 19 on violence against women from 1992. 28 For an overview of the Concluding Observations of the various United Nations human rights treaty monitoring bodies, see Annex 1. 29 E/CN.4/2005/72