E/C.12/NPL/CO/3 Situation of former bonded labourers 18. The Committee is concerned that, although the traditional bonded labour system (Kamaiya, Haliya and Kamalari) has been formally eradicated and measures have been taken for the rehabilitation of former bonded labourers, many of them, in particular in the western part of Nepal, face obstacles to social reintegration, due to their lack of skills and lack of access to fertile land for cultivation, which leads them to return to their previous employers, by whom they are often exploited (arts. 2 and 7). The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to ensure that freed bonded labourers are entitled to full rehabilitation and integration, in particular through access to fertile lands for cultivation and to housing, food, health, education and vocational training for income-generating activities and employment. Women migrant workers 19. The Committee is concerned that women migrating from Nepal in search of work are subject to unfair working conditions and to violence and abuse in some host countries. (arts. 3 and 7). The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Provide adequate information to women migrant workers on procedures for access to, and enjoyment of, their economic, social and cultural rights; (b) Continue to sign bilateral agreements with host countries and monitor their enforcement in order to better protect the rights of women migrant workers. Domestic violence 20. The Committee is concerned about the prevalence of gender-based violence, including domestic and sexual violence, in particular among the Dalit and other disadvantaged groups, despite the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act in 2009, the Domestic Violence (Crime and Punishment) Regulations in 2010 and other measures. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of information on the protective measures provided to victims of domestic violence, including assistance, rehabilitation and shelters. The Committee is further concerned about the lack of information on investigations, prosecutions, convictions and sanctions against the perpetrators. The Committee regrets the lack of information on the impact of awareness-raising campaigns on the reduction of domestic violence, carried out by the State party (art. 10). The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Enforce its legislation on domestic violence; (b) Investigate cases of gender-based violence, prosecute the perpetrators and punish them with adequate sanctions if they are convicted; (c) Facilitate complaints from victims of gender-based violence and their access to justice, and protect them from any kind of reprisals; (d) Continue to provide law enforcement officials with the necessary training on gender-based violence, including domestic and sexual violence; (e) Develop protective and rehabilitation measures, including shelters and hotlines for victims; (f) Increase awareness-raising campaigns on women’s rights and the negative effects of gender-based violence, in particular in rural and remote areas and among disadvantaged and marginalized groups; 7

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