WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao and the other Caribbean countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands are facing increasing pressure to strengthen the protection of women’s rights as part of the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
A recent response by the Kingdom government to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women highlights progress in several areas but also acknowledges significant challenges that remain in protecting women from violence, improving access to justice, and addressing discrimination.
One of the key concerns raised is the need for stronger protection against gender-based violence. Authorities acknowledge the importance of improving the registration and monitoring of domestic violence, sexual violence and femicide cases. Efforts are underway to strengthen data collection systems and improve cooperation between justice agencies and victim support organizations.
The report notes that a femicide monitoring system has been introduced to provide better insight into killings of women and the circumstances surrounding those crimes. Better information is expected to help authorities develop more effective prevention policies and intervention measures.
Another major issue concerns access to justice. The Kingdom emphasizes that victims of serious violent crimes are entitled to legal assistance regardless of income. Ensuring that women have access to legal aid, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, sexual abuse and discrimination, remains an important priority.
The report also highlights growing attention to intersectional discrimination, recognizing that women can face multiple disadvantages simultaneously because of factors such as ethnicity, disability, social status or migration background. Human rights institutions are increasingly being encouraged to examine complaints through this broader perspective.
The findings are particularly relevant for Curaçao, where women's organizations have repeatedly called for stronger support systems for victims of violence, more accessible legal services and greater government attention to gender equality.
The report further stresses that gender equality should not be treated as a separate policy area but should be integrated into broader government decision-making, including social policy, labor market participation, healthcare and economic development.
According to the Kingdom government, efforts are continuing to ensure that international women's rights obligations are incorporated into legislation, public administration and judicial practice throughout the Kingdom.