A five-day workshop on DOVA, the Human Rights Assessment Instrument on Domestic Violence is being organized by WOREC Nepal on 29 April 2013.

(New York – 15 March 2013) The Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRD IC) congratulates the 57^th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) on reaching consensus and adopting the Agreed Conclusions.  The WHRD IC particularly welcomes the reference to women human rights defenders (WHRDs) - this is the first time that WHRDs have been formally recognized by the CSW.

A series of rape incidents and other forms of violence against women are increasing and are reported almost every day in leading newspapers of the country. Rape is a crime against humanity and it must be criminalized. The Interim Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed the right of equality to women, however discrimination and violence against women manifest in a number of ways. There are existing loopholes in the Nepalese criminal justice system that allows criminals to escape punishment.

An interaction program on need, possibility and challenges on Fast Track Court was jointly organized by National Women's Commission, National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders and WOREC Nepal on 1^st March 2013 at National Women's Commission, Bhadrakali Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Objectives: