E/2003/27 E/CN.6/2003/12 (a) Sexual violence against women, including rape, perpetrated by State agents such as members of the police force, security forces, prison guards and members of the army; (b) Violations of the rights of female human rights defenders, in particular the violation of the freedom of expression and assembly; (c) Violations of the rights of women belonging to ethnic or religious minorities including killings, inhuman and degrading treatment and discrimination; (d) Violations of women’s human rights in the context of internal conflicts, including killings, torture and enforced or involuntary disappearances. 7. The Working Group was concerned about a communication indicating the existence of certain legal practices that prescribe cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment of women. 8. The Working Group noted that some of the communications transmitted under the confidential procedure governed by Economic and Social Council resolution 1503 (XLVII) were apparently still under consideration, while others appear to have been discontinued. 41