E/2012/27 E/CN.6/2012/16 (vii) Access to justice. 8. During its consideration of all communications, including the replies of Governments thereon, and consideration of the question whether any of these appeared to reveal a consistent pattern of reliably attested injustice and discriminatory practices against women, the Working Group expressed its concern about: (a) Violence against women and girls, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture, killings and domestic violence, as well as harassment, mistreatment and detention of women human rights defenders and their families; (b) Forced and early marriage and female genital mutilation, and their adverse effects on the full enjoyment by women and girls of their fundamental rights, including the right to health; (c) Violations of the right of women to health, including sexual and reproductive health, and discrimination against specific groups of women in access to health care; (d) Trafficking in women and girls for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and the lack of progress in tackling such phenomenon; (e) The persisting 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; (f) 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; (g) The persistence of gender stereotypes; (h) The continued existence of legislation or practices in many areas that discriminate against women, or have the effect of discriminating against women, despite States’ international obligations and commitments and constitutional provisions to outlaw such discrimination; (i) Discrimination and violence against specific groups of women and girls, such as widows, women with disabilities, indigenous women, women belonging to minorities, and women living with HIV. 9. The Working Group appreciated the cooperation by Governments that had submitted replies or clarifying observations to 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, noting in this regard the importance of receiving replies from Governments. From the replies received, the Working Group was encouraged to note that some Governments had carried out investigations into the allegations made and taken measures, including enacting new legislation, conducting legal reform, introducing policies and services, such as healthrelated services, to better protect and assist women, including women victims of violence, developing national plans of action, prosecuting and punishing 12-27405 43