Global Backlash Against Women's Rights: UN Committee Sounds Warning

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has issued a statement warning against a regressive global backlash against women's rights. In light of this, the committee's 91st Session held in June and July reviewed countries' compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The committee emphasized the need to uphold existing international human rights law and expressed caution against developing a new optional protocol to CEDAW focused on gender-based violence, as it may undermine existing protections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CEDAW Committee has issued a statement warning against a regressive global backlash against women's rights, citing the need to stand firm in upholding existing international human rights law.
  • The committee has expressed caution against developing a new optional protocol to CEDAW focused on gender-based violence, as it may create a parallel process that undermines full accountability under the Convention.
  • The backlash against women's rights is happening in an alarming number of countries, with UN Women reporting that one in four countries is experiencing such regression.
  • The rollback on reproductive rights is evident in many countries, including Romania and the United States, and is also affecting international spaces such as the UN.
  • Women's rights defenders are working to make progress while defending and applying international law, particularly CEDAW, which recognizes women's right to equality.
  • The CEDAW Committee emphasizes that the principle of non-discrimination in the Convention covers gender-based violence against women and girls.

Statistics:

  • One in four countries is experiencing regression on women's rights, according to UN Women's 2024 report.
  • The rollback on reproductive rights is evident in many countries, including Romania and the United States.
  • The CEDAW Committee has been reviewing countries' compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Sources:

  • Human Rights Watch
  • UN Women
  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
  • CEDAW Committee's 91st Session held in June and July