A/HRC/36/61 E. Women 35. The Special Rapporteur raised a number of issues on women in her previous report (see A/HRC/33/62, paras 19-27). Since that report was prepared, the Government has submitted its report in follow-up to the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW/C/KHM/CO/4-5/Add.1), in March 2016. The Committee has requested the Government to provide further information in its next periodic report, due in October 2017, including on action taken to: (a) ensure that cases of violence against women, including domestic and sexual violence, are effectively prosecuted and not systematically diverted to mediation; (b) ensure that all women can lodge formal complaints about domestic and sexual violence, by destigmatizing victims and raising awareness about the criminal nature of such acts; and (c) ensure that public awareness-raising campaigns address all forms of violence against women (see CEDAW/C/KHM/CO/4-5, para. 21). 36. In her previous report, the Special Rapporteur addressed the role of women in politics (see A/HRC/33/62, para. 22). As the communal elections were being held as the present report was being finalized, information is not yet available on the number of women elected. However, as the general election is expected to be held before the discussion on the next report to the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur recalls that article 4 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women permits temporary special measures to redress imbalances and that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has twice recommended the implementation of temporary special measures to increase the representation of women in decision-making positions, especially in politics, the judiciary and the foreign and diplomatic service (see CEDAW/C/KHM/CO/4-5, para. 29, and CEDAW/C/KHM/CO/3, para. 24). 37. During her mission in October 2016, the Special Rapporteur was asked by the Minister of Justice to assist the Government in reviewing surrogacy laws. That request was prompted by changes in the laws of a number of other States that have restricted access to surrogacy arrangements, especially transnational and international commercial surrogacy arrangements. The Government of Cambodia has banned surrogacy in the country by banning embryo transfers to surrogate mothers and extending the laws banning the commercial donation of human organs for gestational surrogacy arrangements. The situation requires careful monitoring to ensure that the rights of vulnerable women are protected. The Government is concerned about the potential exploitation of vulnerable women and the possibility of transborder commercial surrogacy arrangements. Ending poverty (Sustainable Development Goal 1) and ensuring good health and well-being (targets 3.1 and 3.2 of the Goals, in particular) are especially relevant in that context. The Government also has to protect the rights of all children born from pre-existing surrogacy arrangements. There are clear implications for citizenship and the family rights of such children. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government remain alert to the possibilities of commercial surrogacy operators seeking to operate in Cambodia and that it develop a law that protects the rights of all involved. 38. Violence against women and gender-based violence continue to be a problem in Cambodia. There is no evidence of greater use being made of legal provisions to prosecute perpetrators, and no evidence of increased protection of vulnerable women. Many victims of violence engage in mediation and return to live with the alleged perpetrator. It is hoped that plans to reach target 5.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which aims at eliminating violence against women and girls in public and in private, will add some impetus to the Government’s efforts in that regard. The Special Rapporteur has also received reports of a high incidence of violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. The Government should consider implementing awareness-raising strategies to bring about a cultural shift in attitudes towards violence against women, strengthen the legislative framework thereon and ensure that the police thoroughly investigate all complaints, bring perpetrators to justice and provide protection to victims. Interministerial dialogue on the issue must continue and special consideration should be given to addressing violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 10