A/HRC/22/24 67. In the Middle East, OHCHR is working with partners to enhance skills in monitoring and reporting on economic, social and cultural rights. In this regard, it organized in February 2012 a training programme for national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations in the region to build their capacity on the situation of women, including systematic reporting on women’s economic, social and cultural rights. This initiative was a response to gender gaps in the region. 68. Between 2011 and 2012, OHCHR has provided technical assistance, including capacity-building activities, to a coalition of civil society organizations working on the issue of mortality among pregnant women as a violation of women’s right to health and right to life. The Office has recently provided the Ugandan Parliament with legal advice on the reform of national legislation (Oil Bills, Marriage and Divorce Bill, the Sexual Offenses Bill and particular provisions of the Penal Code Act). VII. Conclusions 69. Advancing women’s economic, social and cultural rights calls for an integrated approach that draws on the various human rights instruments addressing the issue. Particular attention should be paid to the harmonious interpretation and mutual reinforcement of the rights and obligations contained in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Such a comprehensive approach can help to clarify the scope of State obligations and increase accountability for women’s economic, social and cultural rights. 70. Efforts have been made to clarify and advance women’s economic, social and cultural rights by treaty bodies and special procedures, as reflected in this report. In some areas, such as maternal mortality, housing rights, social protection and cultural rights, these efforts have helped to identify obstacles and specific measures that States need to put in place to respect, protect and fulfil women’s economic, social and cultural rights. 71. However, these efforts are still somewhat fragmented and not systematically undertaken. A comprehensive and collaborative approach from treaty bodies and special procedures, capable of taking account of the work of each other, is likely to yield better results in this area. 17

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