E/2009/27 E/CN.6/2009/15 (a) Violence against women and girls, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture, killings and abductions, as well as mistreatment of women human rights defenders; (b) The climate of impunity and abuse of power, including in many cases where violence against women, including sexual violence, is perpetrated or condoned by law enforcement personnel; (c) The failure by States, in contravention of their human rights obligations, to exercise due diligence to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls and adequately investigate and prosecute such crimes, punish perpetrators and provide compensation, protection and assistance to victims and their families; (d) Violations of the right of women to health, including reproductive health, inaccessible and inadequately funded health care and facilities, and discrimination on the basis of HIV-positive status. 8. The Working Group appreciated the cooperation by Governments that had submitted replies to, or observations that clarified, the communications received, and it encouraged all others to make such submissions in the future. The Working Group considered such cooperation essential for it to discharge its duties effectively. From the replies received, the Working Group was encouraged to note that some Governments had carried out investigations into the allegations made and taken general measures, including enacting new legislation, conducting legal reform, introducing health policies, plans of action and gender-budgeting initiatives, improving health-care facilities, making efforts to increase women’s participation in political life and in key sectors of the economy, and improving public awareness-raising activities to promote gender equality and the advancement of women in accordance with relevant international standards. 44 09-28398