E/2016/27 E/CN.6/2016/22 Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, and discrimination against women in access to health care; (d) The persistence of gender stereotypes, including in laws, policies and practices; (e) The continued existence of legislation and/or practices in many areas that discriminated against women or had the effect of discriminating against women, implementation of existing laws aimed at protecting and promoting the human rights of women that was ineffective or lacking, and lack of such laws, notwithstanding States’ international obligations and commitments; (f) Discrimination and violence against vulnerable and marginalized groups of women and girls; (g) Persisting impunity and abuse of power, including where discrimination and violence against women, including sexual violence, were perpetrated or condoned by law enforcement personnel; (h) The failure by States to exercise due diligence to prevent all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls and adequately investigate and prosecute such crimes, punish perpetrators and provide protection and assistance to victims and avoid their revictimization. 9. The Working Group expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by the Governments that had submitted replies or clarifying observations with regard to the communications received, recognizing their importance. Expressing concern about the continuing gap between the number of communications and the number of replies received, the Working Group called upon all Governments that had not done so to make such submissions in the future. The Working Group considered such cooperation e ssential 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, explained their positions or taken measures, including improving the enforcement of existing legislation, introducing programmes and services to better protect and assist women, including women victims of violence, prosecuting and punishing perpetrators of violence and making efforts to guarantee the full enjo yment of human rights by women, in accordance with relevant international standards. 16-05842 57/62