INTRODUCTION to Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women was adopted by the General Assembly in 1979 and entered into force in 1981. Despite the existence of international instruments which affirm equality between men and women, a separate treaty was considered necessary to address continuing discrimination against women. CEDAW provides a definition of discrimination against women in Art. 1. It obligates States to condemn all forms of discrimination and pursue this policy by: (a) embodying the principle of discrimination in the Constitution and law to ensure practical realization of equality; (b) refrain public authorities from discriminating; (c) provide legal protection and sanctions against discrimination; (d) eliminate discrimination by private actors; and (e) modify social, cultural patterns of conduct and practices that are discriminatory, among other.
 
CEDAW also names specific areas where discrimination exist and provides specific undertakings for the State, including, political and public life, education, employment, health care, economic and social life, rural women, marriage and family life.
 
CEDAW is monitored by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (also referred to in short form as CEDAW). As at June 2007, 185 States were parties to the Convention. States Parties are required to submit reports to CEDAW one year after ratification and every four years thereafter. The Convention has one optional protocol which grants individuals or groups of individuals the right to file communications or complaint against a State who violates a right in the Convention. It also provides for procedures to launch an inquiry in cases of grave or systematic violations.

Details at file attached as follows