Part 1 - Articles 1 – 5 of the Covenant Article 1: Right to self determination Article 2: Progressive realization of ESC rights Articles 2,3: Protection against Discrimination on the grounds of sex Article 4: Extent of enjoyment of ESC Rights 10. The right of self-determination is not restricted to a political or civil right. It is equally important and is the gateway to economic, social and cultural rights. Per the Covenant it does not limit the right of self-determination to colonised or oppressed peoples but includes all peoples. 11. However, in its declarations made to the Covenant Government of Bangladesh states that; it is the understanding of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh that the words "the right of self-determination of Peoples" appearing in this article apply in the historical context of colonial rule, administration, foreign domination, occupation and similar situations. Further the declaration refereeing to Articles 2 and 3 states that; the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh will implement Articles 2 and 3 in so far as they relate to equality between man and woman, in accordance with the relevant provisions of its Constitution and, in respect to certain aspects of economic rights viz. law of inheritance. 12. Women constitute half of the entire population in Bangladesh. The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh guarantees freedom from discrimination based on sex, but this guarantee extends only as far as the State and the public life. It does not apply to the private sphere, namely concerning matters related to marriage and family relations where women are denied both de jure and de facto equality by the personal laws which govern them. However, Article 28(4) of the Constitution emphasizes affirmative action towards the advancement of any backward section of citizens including the women and children. Further Article 19(3) of the Constitution emphasises equality of opportunity and participation of women in all spheres of life. 13. Party to CEDAW Bangladesh legal framework on VAW consist of several laws, policies and action plans including, Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 (amended in 2003), Acid Crime Prevention Act 2002, Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 and Rules of Procedure 2013, Human Trafficking Deterrence and Prohibition Act 2012, Pornography Control Act 2012. In addition, the State has formulated National Plan of Action to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children 2013-2025 and National Plan for the National Women Development Policy in the recent past to address VAW across the country. The Commission lauds the government on its efforts to empower women in Bangladesh and encourages the government to withdraw the reservation to Articles 2 and 16(1)(c) of CEDAW. Article 2 sets forth all State Party obligations about 5