Contributed by: Artur Czerwinski, Poland National VAW Monitor 

Last updated: 18 November 2008

First Periodic Report

• Due: 17 June 1978
• Submitted: 23 March 1979

Second Periodic Report

• Due: 27 October 1984
• Submitted: 9 February 1987

Third Periodic Report

• Due: 27 October 1989
• Submitted: 23 September 1991
• Concluding observations of the Committee (French) (Spanish)

Fourth Periodic Report (French) (Spanish)

• Due: 27 October 1994
• Submitted: 7 May 1996
• Summary record of the 1764th meeting (French) (Spanish)
• Summary record of the 1765th meeting (Spanish)
• Summary record of the 1779th meeting
• Concluding observations of the Committee (French) (Spanish)
• The Committee commended the enactment of a new Code of Criminal Procedure, a Penal Executive Code and a new Penal Code, which provide for personal accountability for acts of ill-treatment by public officials. The Committee also welcomed the Commission for Citizens' Rights substantial staff and broad competence. The Committee articulated concern about numerous forms of discrimination against women, both in Polish society and in the national legal system. They were also concerned about strict laws on abortion, limited access to contraception, the elimination of sexual education in the schools, insufficient family planning programs, as well as a lack of gender equality in employment and a tendency for employers to test for pregnancy. Finally, the Committee regretted that the original reference to sexual orientation in the non-discrimination clause of the Constitution draft was deleted.

Fifth Periodic Report (French) (Spanish)

• Due: 31 July 2003
• Submitted: 12 January 2004
• Summary record of the 2240th meeting
• Concluding observations
• The Committee noted progress made in women's rights, including the appointment of a Government Plenipotentiary on the Equal Status of Women and Men. The Committee noted, however, that the representation of women in senior public service positions remained low and there still existed a gender disparity in terms of wages. Additionally, the Committee expressed concern over the prevalence of domestic violence, the inadequacy of law enforcement training on this issue, the underuse of restraining orders and temporary arrests, lack of shelters, and inadequate protection for victims of domestic abuse.  The Committee recommended that the Polish government equal treatment of women and men in public service and take appropriate steps to ensure equal access to the employment sector and equal wages. It also suggested the government provide proper training to law enforcement on handling domestic violence cases, increase the number of shelters and victim services throughout the country, and ensure that victim protection, including restraining orders, is readily available.

Sixth Periodic Report:

• Due: 1 November 2008
• Not submitted