During the visit, the SR met with high-level representatives of various government ministries as well as those of the National Police and the Foreign Police Office. The representatives of the Equal Rights Office and the Commission on Equal Rights for Men and Women also provided the SR with information. Meetings were also held with representatives of NGOs and three victims of domestic violence. The report notes that the government is working to eliminate discrimination against women in the area of civil and political rights and a number of laws have been amended, including those on citizenship, employment and labour conditions. The SR pointed out, however, that even if equality between men and women exists de jure , this does not mean that de facto equality has been achieved, or that it will automatically be forthcoming.
Reference is made to the preparatory work being taken with a view to drafting an equality act.
The SR stated that the question of violence against women has been raised thus far by NGOs and cited a campaign that was started in September 1997. While recognizing that the will to combat violence against women exists, the SR expressed concern about the lack of studies and disaggregated statistical data on the subject. No review of sexual harassment in the workplace has been undertaken and no statistical data on rape are available. This information is subject to change.