The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Rashida Manjoo, will conduct an official fact-finding mission to the United States of America from the 24th of January to the 7th of February, 2011.   

“During my visit, I intend to meet with national stakeholders involved in fighting all aspects related to violence against women, with a view to appreciate the phenomenon in the United States,” said the human rights expert, who visits the country at the invitation of the Government.  

The Special Rapporteur will travel to Washington D.C., North Carolina, Florida, California, Minnesota, and New York City, where she will discuss the issue with government authorities at both the federal and the state levels, and with representatives of civil society.

The Special Rapporteur will also visit shelters and detention centers, and she will meet with individual victims of violence against women.  

A press conference on the initial findings of the visit will be held at the United Nations Information Center in Washington (1775 K ST NW, Suite 400, Washington DC) on Monday February 7 at 13:00 h.

Based on the information obtained during the visit, Ms. Manjoo will present a report with her final findings and recommendations to a forthcoming session of the Human Rights Council.

Ms. Rashida Manjoo (South Africa) was appointed Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its causes and consequences in June 2009 by the UN Human Rights Council, for an initial period of three years. As Special Rapporteur, she is independent from any government or organization and serves in her individual capacity. Ms. Manjoo is also a Professor at the Department of Public Law at the University of Cape Town.

Compiled from: WUNRN, (21 January 2011).