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26 December 2000
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22 December 2000
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson welcomed the entry into force today of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
"Entry into force of the Optional Protocol is the concrete realization of the promise of Governments to ensure the promotion and protection of the human rights of the women of the world. It signals their acceptance of the vision of universal human rights for women as well as men", said Mrs. Robinson.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights added: "It will act as an incentive for Governments to take a fresh look at the means of redress that are currently available to women at the domestic level. This is perhaps the most important contribution of the Optional Protocol. It is action at the national level which will create the environment in which women and girls are able to enjoy all their human rights fully and where their grievances will be addressed with the efficiency and speed they deserve".
Thirteen Governments have ratified the Protocol to date. The Protocol allows the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to receive and consider complaints submitted by or on behalf of individuals or groups under the jurisdiction of a State party.
Mrs. Robinson also urged Governments who have not ratified the Optional Protocol to do so without delay. "It is time to show not only to all women of the world but also to men that there is now a useful and effective addition to our inventory of tools for the protection, promotion, and defence of the human rights of women", she said.
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United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson welcomed the entry into force today of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
"Entry into force of the Optional Protocol is the concrete realization of the promise of Governments to ensure the promotion and protection of the human rights of the women of the world. It signals their acceptance of the vision of universal human rights for women as well as men", said Mrs. Robinson.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights added: "It will act as an incentive for Governments to take a fresh look at the means of redress that are currently available to women at the domestic level. This is perhaps the most important contribution of the Optional Protocol. It is action at the national level which will create the environment in which women and girls are able to enjoy all their human rights fully and where their grievances will be addressed with the efficiency and speed they deserve".
Thirteen Governments have ratified the Protocol to date. The Protocol allows the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to receive and consider complaints submitted by or on behalf of individuals or groups under the jurisdiction of a State party.
Mrs. Robinson also urged Governments who have not ratified the Optional Protocol to do so without delay. "It is time to show not only to all women of the world but also to men that there is now a useful and effective addition to our inventory of tools for the protection, promotion, and defence of the human rights of women", she said.
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