E/1999/27 E/CN.6/1999/10 “16. The Working Group noted with concern remaining discriminatory provisions against women in national legal systems. “17. The Working Group took note of cases referring to difficulties for women in exercising their right to nationality, citizenship and the right to family unity. “18. The Working Group was gravely concerned by more than 35,000 communications regarding gross violations of all of the basic human rights of women in one case. They included violations of civil and political rights and of economic, social and cultural rights — specifically, freedom of movement and religion and of the equal right to work, education and health. The Working Group was also concerned by communications regarding forced child prostitution, suicide and severe depression among women. “19. The Working Group was further gravely concerned in regard to that case by communications regarding particularly inhuman punishment, including women being beaten for disobedience, tortured, shot, burnt alive and sprayed with acid, which constitutes flagrant violation of the right to life. “20. In considering the non-confidential communications, the Working Group took note of the continued absence of women in decision-making processes in the context of conflict prevention and resolution. In addition, the Working Group was concerned that women and children were the primary victims of war and poverty. “21. The Working Group expressed appreciation to those Governments that had sent replies conducive to the clarification of the cases concerned. It noted, however, that some Governments had not replied. The Working Group urged the Commission to encourage all Governments concerned to send their replies in due time and to cooperate in order to improve the communication mechanism. “22. With reference to the criteria used in selecting the communications to be submitted to the Commission on the Status of Women, the Working Group reiterated that the content of communications must refer to women and issues affecting women — that is, to injustices or discriminatory acts or practices against women.” 43