Thread by @IWRAW_AP

Today, the #CEDAW Committee begins its constructive dialogue with Spain by expressing solidarity regarding the country's ongoing drought; and expressing deep appreciation for Committee chair @AnaPelaez.

Watch live: media.un.org/en/asset/k1a/k… #CEDAW85

Secretary of State for Equality and against Gender-Based Violence @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee that another woman has just been killed because of gender-based violence, coming to 17 so far this year. She reiterates Spain's commitment to human rights. #CEDAW85

Spain is a feminist state and is committed to feminist foreign policy, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. It amended its abortion act in 2015 and girls aged 16-17 have the right to abortion. Trans identity is not medicalised, and conversion therapies are banned. #CEDAW85

Marriage is not required in Spain for the adoption of children, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. Protection is extended to same-sex couples and there is 14 days extra parental leave. Spain recognises persecution because of sexual identity as grounds for asylum. #CEDAW85

In Spain domestic workers have the same working conditions as other workers, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee, adding that these workers are vital. #CEDAW85

In 2015 Spain implemented a broad framework combating violence against women, covering non-consensual acts in public and private life, sexual harassment in schools and workplace, genital mutilation, trafficking, sexual exploitation, among others. - @Pam_Angela_ #CEDAW #CEDAW85

Spain collects data on femicide regardless of the relationship of the victim and the perpetrator, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. Each province has round-the-clock care, psychological support and avenue for complaints. #CEDAW85

Victims of violence against women in Spain do not need to make a complaint immediately; care is prioritised, says @Pam_Angela_. There is a forensic medical procedure with an ethical structure. Social reparations are imperative. #CEDAW #CEDAW85

Spain must rise to the challenge of education for girls with disabilities and Roma girls, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. Roma women need reparations, they have not been given justice yet. #CEDAW85

Referring to women in public life, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain has women in top offices of government, as well as racialised persons, LGBTI people and women with disabilities. A lot has been done to promote diversity. #CEDAW85

Spain's law on equal opportunity holds that employers with 50+ staff must have an equality plan, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. Pension reform has been undertaken with minimum pension increased. Spain has managed to improve the pension prospects of women with insecure jobs

Violent fathers are not good fathers, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. Shared custody cannot be granted if there is any trace of violence. Spain knows much of what it has to do, and civil society organisations are pointing it in the right direction. #CEDAW85

The new generation of feminists must be consolidated and continue to work, says @Pam_Angela_. It must cover issues like AI and the climate crisis. We must continue to build on feminism. She ends her speech to applause. #CEDAW #CEDAW85

From the Spanish delegation, @BarcenaPatricia tells #CEDAW Committee that there are regional disparities in support for victims of gender-based violence. Work must be done to ensure that services are provided to all victims, especially those exposed to sexual violence. #CEDAW85

In administrative and legal proceedings, Spain's complaint procedure needs to be improved, @BarcenaPatricia tells #CEDAW Committee. Foreign women need to feel safe; they are discouraged from reporting violence due to fear of deportation. #CEDAW85

Girls and boys who have experienced direct and indirect violence need to be heard and protected, Spanish delegation member @BarcenaPatricia tells #CEDAW Committee. #CEDAW85

There are still shortcomings in identifying victims of trafficking, @BarcenaPatricia tells #CEDAW Committee. Existing tools need to be improved. There is an increase in exploitation in rural parts of Spain. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain whether the constitution can be strengthened on parity and on the right to abortion. Can CEDAW be given greater visibility? #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee, referring to flying the flag of inclusivity and progress made on inclusion, asks Spain for feedback on the system for transgender self-identification, and analysis and assessment of the protection of children and definition of consent at the age of 12. #CEDAW85

Referring to alarmist news on reduction of sentences for perpetrators convicted under older laws, @VickyRosell tells #CEDAW Committee of internal delays in Spain's general council of judiciary. The process for legal amendment is complicated; efficiency will be limited meanwhile

Maria Naredo tells #CEDAW Committee of comprehensive care provided by Spain for victims of sexual violence, forced marriage & female genital mutilation. They can access support without having to lodge a complaint. All women, including migrant women, are guaranteed rights #CEDAW85

Cecilia Robles Cartes of @SpainMFA tells #CEDAW Committee that in 2021 Spain adopted a feminist foreign policy beyond its borders. It has set out a two-pronged strategy on women's empowerment as part of its foreign policy strategy. #CEDAW85

Spain has seen much debate on its trans law, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. Since 2019, legal documents can be changed at age 16 without parental consent; at age 14-16, with parent or guardian's consent; at age 12-14, with judicial decision; and not below age 12. #CEDAW85

In Spain, legal change of gender does not require undergoing any hormone treatment; this is constitutional. @Pam_Angela_ refers to hate speech against trans people; the debate on regulating their rights should not overlook that trans children have suffered so much. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain about temporary special measures. Has it planned intersectional measures to ensure public participation of Gypsy women, LBTI women and women with disabilities? Will equal representation take stock of all these intersecting elements? #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain what temporary special measures it has planned for the labour market and businesses, noting that women are 30% less likely to be called for interview as men with the same qualifications, and 65% less likely to achieve same promotions as men. #CEDAW85

Spain's government is especially geared towards empowering & training women from Gypsy backgrounds, @jesusmartinb tells #CEDAW Committee. It supports accessibility measures for women with disabilities on sexual & reproductive health so they have control over their bodies #CEDAW85

Spain is concerned to ensure that social protection is available for women with disabilities, @jesusmartinb tells #CEDAW Committee. It is also committed to supporting women experiencing other vulnerabilities; they are not overlooked. #CEDAW85

Spokesperson from @InstMujeres tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain has established protocols on specific measures to include a gender perspective on the environment and a roundtable with CSOs to give their contribution. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain about the AI revolution and regulations on digital violence #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee expresses concern that Spain's current national identification and referral protocol, adopted in 2011, does not adequately respond to women who might be victims of trafficking. The protocol also does not foresee active participation of specialised NGOs. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain about the current situation regarding adoption of the law on trafficking; expresses concern about rising numbers of new arrivals of undocumented migrants who are vulnerable to trafficking, especially those who are still children. #CEDAW85

On trafficking for sexual exploitation in Spain, #CEDAW Committee references reports that many victims are English speaking from sub-Saharan Africa with an average age of 15-19; and Spanish NGOs' claim that 80-90% in sex industry are unidentified victims of trafficking. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee says that criminalisation of sex industry clients is highly effective and asks Spain to elaborate on the adoption of this law. Mention is also made of increased vulnerability to forced labour, particularly in agriculture. #CEDAW85

Spain tells #CEDAW Committee that it is a pioneer in issuing penalties for online violence. #CEDAW85

Bárbara Tardón tells #CEDAW Committee of Spain's protocol on social, economic and psychosocial need. #CEDAW85

Cecilia Robles Cartes of @SpainMFA tells #CEDAW Committee that violence against women is covered in all agreements with bilateral cooperation partners & strategic protocols signed with UN programmes; so many of these projects are managed by NGOs with grassroots knowledge #CEDAW85

Cecilia Robles Cartes of @SpainMFA tells #CEDAW Committee of Spain's consular activities and work to protect women from violence beyond its borders, referring to 14 repatriation operations within this context. #CEDAW85

Member of Spain's delegation tells #CEDAW Committee of intersectional discrimination against female agricultural workers, especially in Huelva; and reform to end open-ended contracts in order to ensure continuity and protect workers from redundancy. #CEDAW85

Head of Spain's delegation @Pam_Angela_ says that when women are recognised as victims of trafficking, they cannot be deported. The draft bill on trafficking will soon be submitted to parliament. Spain will criminalise pimps as well as sex buyers. #CEDAW85

Women victims of trafficking in Spain need to coordinate with law enforcement, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee, but they can have access to social services with an administrative procedure, temporary residence and work permit. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee requests clarity from Spain on the possibility of criminalising of sex industry clients, particularly assurance that women in prostitution would not be penalised in any way. #CEDAW85

Head of delegation @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain has amended criminal codes to include children who have witnessed or suffered alongside violence. #CEDAW85

Begoña Suárez tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain's @InstMujeres has produced standard protocol on sexual and sex-based harassment for all companies. Companies who perform especially well on equality will be rewarded. 156 companies have a seal of excellence. #CEDAW85

“Could the speaker please not click his pen in front of the microphone, we can’t hear him” - interpreter #CEDAW85

Spain tells #CEDAW Committee that it has courts on gender-based violence and special prosecution units and training provided to police. @justiciagob judges are legally obliged to be trained on GBV #CEDAW85

Spain tells #CEDAW Committee that there is free legal aid for access to justice. Whenever there is a child victim, legal aid is not means tested. #CEDAW85

On violence against children, Spain tells #CEDAW Committee that authorities have an obligation to adopt certain methodologies and training to listen to children, and discard theories that are outdated. #CEDAW85

On prostitution, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain's law differentiates between & covers trafficking for sexual purposes, pimping & prostitution. There are plans to criminally prosecute clients of trafficking victims, but not clients of women in prostitution #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain about its measures for women in judiciary, women judges. The main problem is there are fewer women in higher courts. A broad range of data on women's representation is requested - entrepreneurship, media, ambassadors, heads of companies, etc. #CEDAW85

Question from #CEDAW Committee on Ukrainian refugees granted temporary protection in Spain. They are still struggling to find work & housing. 20,000 are living in reception centres. Only about 15% have found a job in Spain so far, compared to an average of 40% in Europe. #CEDAW85

Despite flows of refugees to Spain, #CEDAW Committee observes that there is a substantial backlog of asylum applications to be reviewed. How to speed up assessment and resolution? Concern is expressed over incidents in Melilla which saw migrant deaths. #CEDAW85

Member of Spain's delegation responds to #CEDAW Committee on parity in judiciary: women comprise 56% of judiciary but only 23% in supreme court and even fewer in constitutional court. There are measures by the judicial council to insist on equality and combat harassment. #CEDAW85

On women with disabilities in decision-making bodies, @jesusmartinb acknowledges barriers to access. Spain has provided over USD 200m to ensure accessibility of autonomous buildings. #CEDAW #CEDAW85

Pedro de Manuel Ramirez tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain's government bolstered the system for international protection in Melilla, taking steps to improve the IT system and introduce a new standard for the process of achieving international protection. #CEDAW85

Spain's #CEDAW review has resumed following lunch. Follow along online: media.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k… #CEDAW85

Head of delegation @Pam_Angela_ states that obviously Spain regrets what happened in Melilla: there was a massacre and there should be reparations for all the lives lost. "We have to put it in those terms." #CEDAW #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain about education, noting that 41.2% of Roma women are uneducated. Has research been carried out to establish the number of Roma, migrant and refugee women and girls who face challenges to accessing primary, secondary and tertiary education? #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain what measures have been taken to resolve challenges to education of Roma, migrant and refugee women and girls, including in STEM disciplines, completion of primary education, and age-appropriate sexual and reproductive education. #CEDAW85

Regarding gaps in learning literacy, #CEDAW Committee asks Spain to assess the impact and remedy the delay or loss of education, and access to safe online digital literacy to address negative impacts of the internet. #CEDAW85

Three organic acts rolled out to all people in education have a direct impact on vulnerable and Gypsy women, @jesusmartinb tells #CEDAW Committee. Inclusive education is to prevent segregated education. Diversity in university is an asset. #CEDAW85

Frontline economic measures to invest in conjunction with CSOs represented by Spain's Roma community will ensure that the support reaches those who need it, says @jesusmartinb. #CEDAW #CEDAW85

As Spain combats chauvinist violence, consent must be crucial in sex education, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. The law also stipulates that children from an early age are educated on diverse families and sexualities, STIs, HIV & HPV, and menstrual health. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee hears from @Pam_Angela_ that in Spain, sex education includes a number of measures on menstrual health. Menstruation is considered as part of normal life and should be talked about as early as possible. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee notes migrants' and refugees' unequal access to education in Spain, impacted also by COVID-19 which created a digital divide among women and girls. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee references statistics from 2021 showing that over 62% of women in Spain are employed compared to 70% of men. Women are paid less than men. What mechanisms exist to ensure that employers with over 50 employees actually develop their gender equality plan? #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain how employers' gender equality plans are monitored and whether sexual harassment in the workplace is documented. 57% of women work fewer hours due to care responsibilities. What about the principles of co-parenting; flexible schedules? #CEDAW85

Spain tells #CEDAW Committee that it has been preparing a strategic project to transform care, investing EUR 800m to change the care sector into a profession and improve the skills and services people are entitled to, to alleviate the burden that falls primarily to women #CEDAW85

Pedro de Manuel Ramirez tells #CEDAW Committee of Spain's measures for women to access employment. @guardiacivil will change employment rules to include quotas. Height restrictions will be abolished and a training course will be a qualification to enter @policia. #CEDAW85

Spain hopes in the next decade to have a system for care, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. Co-responsibility for care is the first step. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee commends Spain on progressive ideas and looks forward to their implementation; asks how the equality plan is monitored; is in support of the professionalisation of care work. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee expresses hope that efforts in Spain's school curricula on gender equality plans will ensure that the sexual division of labour is challenged. #CEDAW85

Spain has goals regarding men's joint responsibility for care, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee; and subsidies with trade unions to establish home and work balance responsibilities. The idea is to gauge equality and balance shared responsibilities. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee requests more information on obstetric violence, and whether Spain can guarantee that migrant women are able to access healthcare in reality. Post-COVID-19, 27% of employees in Spain are leaving work. Is there a problem with accumulated fatigue? #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain what it has done to prevent addictions in schools, particularly on drug use. Internet addiction is a real problem, what is Spain doing to address it? #CEDAW85

On abortion, @paparicio3 tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain's 2023 law increases the guarantee of access for all women at the closest location. This should be facilitated across regions. #CEDAW85

Spain tells #CEDAW Committee that mental health and precarity don't sit well together and the state is looking at how job insecurity has a direct impact on mental health. A large number of people suffer from depression because of lack of security in the workplace. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee hears that Spain sees a high number of people taking antidepressants, as an impact of the pandemic and a gender issue. Time for women is valuable and a law must be passed for women to enjoy flexible working hours. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain whether any consideration has been given to reinforcing cooperation to fight against illegal migration, and especially to combat deaths. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee hears from @jesusmartinb that Spain is working on a draft bill to guarantee equity and enjoyment of social services. It is of utmost importance for Spain. #CEDAW85

On refugee women in Spain, Ana Hernandez tells #CEDAW Committee that language barriers impede getting social benefits. Temporary shelters are not detention centres. There is no minimum time of stay, they can stay as long as they need. #CEDAW85

Ana Hernandez tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain has a circular migration programme with Moroccan women. They can work for nine months in Spain, are paid by their employers and are given a chance to learn a skill or profession that they can use in their country of origin. #CEDAW85

Spain tells #CEDAW Committee that minimum living income is a basic level of income which aids integration in society and the labour market for people who lack economic empowerment. @IgualdadGob has people who will support women to access opportunities and living income. #CEDAW85

Spain complies with the rules of its Abortion Act, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee. Migrant women and racialised women face different challenges and Spain needs to finetune its policies. #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks Spain about subsidies provided by its State Ministry of Maritime Fisheries. How functional is the working group for women seafarers? How is leadership and coordination among this group? #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee comments on @Pam_Angela_'s inspiring definition of the women’s rights agenda, which acknowledges first & second generation of rights; asks if Spain would also acknowledge that the legal system is keeping up with a living agenda, which continues to evolve #CEDAW85

Begoña Suarez tells #CEDAW Committee that regarding quotas, Spain has reached 33% women on boards of administration but in the Parity Act it wants to reach 40% representation. It's working on a code of good governance so that it’s in line with future Parity Act. #CEDAW85

On Spain's anti-discrimination framework, @Pam_Angela_ tells #CEDAW Committee that new discrimination grounds have been added to the original six: illness, mental health, genetic predisposal, language, economic situation. Women, men and non-binary people are equal in law #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee notes that Spain has raised the minimum age of marriage to 18, except for 14- to 16-year-olds who are emancipated by parents to marry. Has this been repealed? Will there be a total ban on child marriage? #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks about Spain's strategy on forced marriages, especially regarding migrant and Gypsy women #CEDAW85

#CEDAW Committee asks how Spain is addressing sexual violence perpetrated by fathers. The Committee has heard from women who denounced such violence but did not get custody, and parental alienation syndrome is invoked without a gender perspective. #CEDAW85

Rebeca Palomo Diaz tells #CEDAW Committee that Spain's Family Code penalises illegal/forced marriage. #CEDAW85

Spain tells #CEDAW Committee about education’s role in combating stereotypes. A gender perspective is introduced in primary, secondary and higher-level curricula. Sex education is also included in the curricula. #CEDAW85

In her concluding remarks, @Pam_Angela_ mentions the online hate that she and her colleagues have experienced due to their feminist positions. This is also covered by #CEDAW and is unacceptable. Disagreement is possible without such a violent approach. #CEDAW85