Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty consisting of a preamble and 30 articles that is typically known as an international bill of rights for women. The Convention defines forms of discrimination against women and creates an agenda to end such discrimination. It was adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly and was instituted on 3 September 1981, having been ratified by 189 states since. Acceptance of the Convention require States to commit themselves to end discrimination against women in all forms by undergoing measures such as: 1) incorporating the principle of equality of men and women in legal systems and abolishing preexisting discriminatory laws, 2) establishing courts of justice and public institutions to ensure the effective protection of women against discrimination, 3) ensuring permanent removal of all acts of discrimination against women by persons, organizations, or enterprises.

Over 50 countries that have ratified the convention have done so subject to certain declarations, reservations, and objections. For instance, 38 of those countries rejected the enforcement of Article 29, which addresses means of settlement for disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the convention.

The United States and Palau are signatories to CEDAW, but have not ratified the treaty. Vatican City, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, and Tonga are not signatories to CEDAW.

The CEDAW Committee Chairperson position is currently held by Ana Pelaez Narvaez.