A/55/38

United Nations

Report of the Committee on the

Elimination of Discrimination
against Women
Twenty-second session
(17 January-4 February 2000)

Twenty-third session
(12-30 June 2000)

General Assembly
Official Records
Fifty-fifth session
Supplement No. 38 (A/55/38)
General Assembly
Official Records
Fifty-fifth session
Supplement No. 38 (A/55/38)

Report of the Committee on the Elimination

of Discrimination against Women
Twenty-second session
(17 January-4 February 2000)

Twenty-third session
(12-30 June 2000)

United Nations • New York, 2000

A/55/38
Note

Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of capital letters

combined with figures. Mention of such a symbol indicates a reference to a United
Nations document.

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this

document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the
Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country,
territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its
frontiers or boundaries.

ISSN 0255-0970
 [17 August 2000]

Contents
Chapter Paragraphs Page

Part one
Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on its
twenty-second session*
Letter of transmittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
I. Matters brought to the attention of States parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
A. Statement of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against
Women on the legal framework for the implementation of the Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action and the links between the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the
Platform for Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5 3
B. Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
II. Organizational and other matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–22 4
A. States parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7 4
B. Opening of the session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–14 4
C. Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15–16 5
D. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 5
E. Report of the pre-session working group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18–21 6
F. Composition and organization of work of the working groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 6
III. Report of the Chairperson on activities undertaken between the twenty-first and
twenty-second sessions of the Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23–27 6
IV. Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 18 of the
Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28–416 7
A. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28–29 7
B. Consideration of reports of States parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–416 7
1. Initial reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–138 7
India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–90 7
Myanmar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91–138 12
2. Initial and second periodic reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139–193 16

* Originally issued as document A/55/38 (Part I) of 1 May 2000.

iii
 Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139–193 16
3. Initial report and second and third periodic reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194–238 21
Democratic Republic of the Congo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194–238 21
4. Combined second and third periodic reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239–286 25
Burkina Faso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239–286 25
5. Combined second and third periodic reports and fourth periodic reports 287–333 29
Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287–333 29
6. Third periodic reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334–416 34
Belarus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334–378 34
Luxembourg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379–416 38
V. Ways and means of expediting the work of the Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417–425 42
VI. Implementation of article 21 of the Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426–429 44
VII. Provisional agenda for the twenty-third session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430 45
VIII. Adoption of the report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431 45
Part two
Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on
its twenty-third session
Letter of transmittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
I. Matters brought to the attention of States parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
A. Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
B. Suggestion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
II. Organizational and other matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–21 49
A. States parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2 49
B. Opening of the session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13 49
C. Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14–15 51
D. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 51
E. Report of the pre-session working group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17–20 51
F. Composition and organization of work of the working groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 51
III. Report of the Chairperson on the activities undertaken between the twenty-
second and twenty-third sessions of the Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22–27 52
IV. Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 18 of the
Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28–322 53
A. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28–29 53
B. Consideration of reports of States parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–322 53

iv
 1. Initial reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–117 53
Cameroon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–66 53
Republic of Moldova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67–117 56
2. Initial and second periodic reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118–165 61
Lithuania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118–165 61
3. Combined second and third periodic reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166–210 66
Iraq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166–210 66
4. Combined third and fourth periodic reports and fifth periodic reports . . . 211–243 70
Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211–243 70
5. Fourth periodic reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244–277 73
Cuba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244–277 73
6. Combined fourth and fifth periodic reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278–322 77
Romania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278–322 77
V. Ways and means of expediting the work of the Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323–330 82
VI. Implementation of article 21 of the Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331–334 84
VII. Provisional agenda for the twenty-fourth session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 84
VIII. Adoption of the report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 85
Annexes
I. States parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women as at 1 August 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
II. States parties that have deposited with the Secretary-General instruments of acceptance of
the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
III. States parties that have signed, ratified or acceded to the Optional Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
IV. Documents before the Committee at its twenty-second and twenty-third sessions . . . . . . . . . . . 93
V. Membership of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women . . . . . . . . 96
VI. Status of submission and consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 18
of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women as at
1 August 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

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 A/55/38

Part one
Report of the Committee on the Elimination
of Discrimination against Women on its
twenty-second session

1
A/55/38

Letter of transmittal
19 April 2000
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to article 21 of the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women, according to which the Committee on
the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, established pursuant to the
Convention, “shall, through the Economic and Social Council, report annually to the
General Assembly of the United Nations on its activities”.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women held its
twenty-second session from 17 January to 4 February 2000 at United Nations
Headquarters. It adopted its report on the session at the 466th meeting, on
4 February 2000. The report of the Committee is herewith submitted to you for
transmission to the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session.

(Signed) Aída González Martínez

Chairperson
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan

Secretary-General of the United Nations
New York

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Chapter I for signature, ratification and accession on 10

December 1999, 24 States parties have signed it and a
Matters brought to the attention of number of others have indicated that they will act for
States parties early ratification. Upon the entry into force of the
Optional Protocol, the Committee will be responsible
A. Statement of the Committee on the for implementing this important new international
Elimination of Discrimination against instrument. By this means too, the Platform for Action
Women on the legal framework for the will continue to be monitored.
implementation of the Beijing 5. The Convention and the monitoring process
Declaration and Platform for Action established under it will play a crucial role in ensuring
and the links between the Convention that the goals of the Platform for Action, as well as any
on the Elimination of All Forms of fresh initiatives which emerge from the special session
Discrimination against Women and the of the General Assembly, entitled “Women 2000:
Platform for Action gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-
first century”, to be convened in June 2000, will be
1. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms achieved.
of Discrimination against Women (General Assembly
resolution 34/180, annex), now in force for over 18 B. Decisions
years, has been ratified by 165 States to date. It is the
only international instrument to set forth the human Decision 22/I
rights standards for women and girls in the full range Reports of States parties
of civil, political, economic, social and cultural areas
of both public and private life. It is widely known as The Committee decided that the Chairperson
“the Women’s Convention”. should address letters to those States parties that have
not submitted two or more reports required under
2. Many nations that have ratified the Convention article 18 of the Convention recalling their treaty
have integrated it into their constitutional and obligations in this regard.
legislative framework. It therefore has significance for
women in the fields of both domestic and international Decision 22/II
law and has been influential in the formulation and List of issues and questions of the pre-session
implementation of government policy and in the working group
development of the domestic jurisprudence that has
advanced the human rights of women in all regions of The Committee decided that the list of issues and
the world. questions formulated by the pre-session working group
on States parties whose reports are under consideration
3. The Convention and the Platform for Action and the responses of those States thereto should be
adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women 1 circulated to experts prior to the session at which the
are closely connected. The Convention’s rights and reports are to be examined.
provisions encompass all areas of concern set forth in
the Platform for Action and its monitoring process Decision 22/III
enables the Committee on the Elimination of Provision of information by States parties
Discrimination against Women to ensure compliance
with both the Platform for Action and the Convention. The Committee decided that States parties
It is the only international instrument that provides presenting reports that wish to provide additional
both the legal framework for the Platform for Action information through audio-visual or electronic means,
and the means by which it may be realized. including video, film and slides, should inform the
Committee through the Secretariat of their intention to
4. One concrete outcome of the recommendations of do so at least one month in advance of the presentation
the Platform for Action was the adoption of the of their reports to the Committee.
Optional Protocol to the Convention (General
Assembly resolution 54/4, annex). Since it was opened

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Decision 22/ IV 10. Addressing the Committee, Angela E. V. King,

Pre-session working group Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the
Secretary-General on Gender Issues and Advancement
The Committee decided that in drawing up the
of Women, informed the Committee that the General
list of issues and questions with regard to periodic
Assembly, in its resolution 54/4 of 6 October 1999, had
reports, the pre-session working group should
adopted, and opened for signature, ratification and
formulate a short list of questions and issues focusing,
accession, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
if possible, on major areas of concern in regard to
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
implementation of the Convention by States parties.
Women, which had been finalized in March 1999 by
the Commission on the Status of Women Open-ended
Chapter II Working Group on the Elaboration of a Draft Optional
Protocol to the Convention. The Special Adviser stated
Organizational and other matters that the adoption of the Optional Protocol by the
Assembly represented the translation into reality of the
A. States parties to the Convention on commitments of the international community at both
the Elimination of All Forms of the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights and the
Discrimination against Women 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women.

6. On 4 February 2000, the closing date of the 11. Ms. King also informed the Committee that, on
twenty-second session of the Committee on the 10 December 1999, the Optional Protocol had been
Elimination of Discrimination against Women, there opened for signature, ratification and accession and
were 165 States parties to the Convention on the that 23 States had signed the Optional Protocol. Since
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against then, she said, a further State had signed the Protocol.
Women, which was adopted by the General Assembly The Convention and the Optional Protocol, and their
in its resolution 34/180 of 18 December 1979 and significance for women, were the focus of a panel
opened for signature, ratification and accession in New discussion in which the Secretary-General participated.
York in March 1980. In accordance with article 27, the Other participants in the panel were: Aloisia Wörgetter,
Convention entered into force on 3 September 1981. Chairperson of the Open-Ended Working Group on the
Elaboration of a Draft Optional Protocol; Bacre Waly
7. A list of States parties to the Convention is Ndiaye, Director of the New York Office of the Office
contained in annex I. A list of States parties that have of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
accepted the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Rights; Sujata Manohar, former judge of the Supreme
Convention is contained in annex II. A list of States Court of India; Fauzjia Kassindja, Equality Now; and
parties that have signed, ratified or acceded to the Aída González Martínez, Chairperson of the
Optional Protocol to the Convention is contained in Committee. Also, a joint statement on the Optional
annex III. Protocol by the Special Adviser and Mary Robinson,
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
was issued.
B. Opening of the session
12. The Special Adviser informed the Committee
8. The Committee held its twenty-second session at that, since the twenty-first session of the Committee,
United Nations Headquarters, from 17 January to 4 two States, the Niger and Tuvalu, had become parties
February 2000. The Committee held 22 plenary to the Convention, bringing the number of States
meetings (445th-466th) and its working groups held 18 parties to 165. She also informed the Committee that
meetings. A list of the documents before the the Secretary-General had written to all States that had
Committee is contained in annex IV, section A. not yet ratified or acceded to the Convention,
requesting them to consider doing so before the end of
9. The session was opened by the Chairperson of the
2000. She also informed the Committee of several of
Committee, Aída González Martínez (Mexico), who
the activities she had undertaken to encourage
had been elected at the twentieth session of the
ratification and acceptance of the Convention and the
Committee in January 1999.
amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the

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Convention. She noted that, currently, only 23 States Caribbean (ECLAC) would meet for the same purpose
parties had accepted the amendment, the most recent early in February 2000.
being Turkey, on 9 December 1999.
13. The Special Adviser described some of the C. Attendance
activities concerning the Convention and the
Committee undertaken by the Division for the 15. All members of the Committee attended the
Advancement of Women since the twenty-first session. twenty-second session, with the exception of Carlota
These included the Judicial Colloquium on the Bustelo and Carmel Shalev. Emna Aouij attended from
application of international human rights law at the 17 to 28 January; Naela Gabr attended from 24 to
domestic level, which had been held at the United 28 January; Rosalyn Hazelle attended from 17 to
Nations Office at Vienna to commemorate the 26 January; Anne Lise Ryel attended from 18 to
twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the 26 January; and Kongit Sinegiorgis attended from
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of 24 January to 4 February 2000.
Discrimination against Women, and the tenth
anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the 16. A list of the members of the Committee,
Rights of the Child (General Assembly resolution indicating their terms of office, is contained in annex V.
44/25, annex). A subregional training workshop on
preparing initial reports required under the Convention D. Adoption of the agenda and
had taken place in Cotonou, Benin, in July 1999 and organization of work
had been attended by nine countries in francophone
Africa, most of which had not presented initial reports. 17. The Committee considered the provisional
14. Turning to the twenty-third special session of the agenda and organization of work (CEDAW/C/2000/I/1)
General Assembly, entitled “Women 2000: gender at its 445th meeting, on 19 January 2000. The agenda
equality, development and peace in the twenty-first as adopted was as follows:
century”, to be held in June 2000, the Special Adviser 1. Opening of the session.
highlighted the preparatory meetings convened by the
regional commissions. She also informed the 2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of
Committee that she had attended two such meetings, work.
including the sixth African Regional Conference on 3. Report of the Chairperson on activities
Women to assess progress in the implementation of the undertaken between the twenty-first and
Beijing and Dakar Platforms for Action, held in Addis twenty-second sessions of the Committee.
Ababa from 22 to 26 November 1999, and the Arab
Conference on Integrated Follow-up to the United 4. Consideration of reports submitted by States
Nations Global Conferences, held in Beirut from 29 parties under article 18 of the Convention
November to 1 December 1999. Carolyn Hannan, a on the Elimination of All Forms of
principal officer in the Office of the Special Adviser on Discrimination against Women.
Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, attended, 5. Implementation of article 21 of the
on behalf of the Special Adviser, the high-level Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
intergovernmental meetings to review the regional of Discrimination against Women.
implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the
Platform for Action, held in Bangkok from 26 to 29 6. Ways and means of expediting the work of
October 1999. The meeting of the Economic the Committee.
Commission for Europe (ECE), which was held from 7. Provisional agenda for the twenty-third
17 to 21 January 2000 to assess implementation of the session.
Platform for Action, was attended by Yakin Ertürk,
Director of the Division for the Advancement of 8. Adoption of the report of the Committee on
Women. The Special Adviser indicated that the its twenty-second session.
Economic Commission for Latin America and the

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E. Report of the pre-session working attended a workshop organized by the office of the
group United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
and co-sponsored by the United Nations Development
18. The Committee had decided, at its ninth session,2 Programme (UNDP) on possible indicators of civil and
to convene a pre-session working group for five days political rights. Discussion at the workshop centred on
before each session to prepare lists of issues and possible indicators of human rights within the
questions relating to periodic reports that would be framework of three areas, which included
considered by the Committee at the session. The pre- administration of justice, democracy and participation
session working group for the twenty-second session of and personal security. The workshop was attended by
the Committee was held from 28 June to 2 July 1999. 19 persons, among them experts from academic
institutions; the Chairperson of the Committee on the
19. The following members representing different Elimination of Racial Discrimination; a member of the
regional groups participated in the working group: Committee against Torture; members of the
Salma Khan (Asia and the Pacific); Ivanka Corti Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of
(Europe); and Rosalyn Hazelle (Latin America and the Human Rights; and the Special Rapporteur of the
Caribbean). Commission on Human Rights on extrajudicial,
20. The working group prepared lists of issues and summary or arbitrary executions, as well as experts on
questions relating to the reports of four States parties, human rights.
namely, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Germany and 24. The Chairperson had attended the Third
Luxembourg. Committee at the fifty-fourth session of the General
21. At the 447th meeting on 19 January 2000, the Assembly and made a statement during the discussion
Chairperson of the pre-session working group, Salma of the agenda item entitled “Advancement of women”.
Khan, introduced the report of the working group She informed the Committee that the adoption of the
(CEDAW/C/1999/II/CRP.1 and Add.1-4). Optional Protocol on 6 October 1999 by the Assembly
was a step forward not only for the Committee, but also
for women at large. The Chairperson noted that, during
F. Composition and organization of work the debate of the Third Committee, most delegations
of the working groups had expressed support for the work of the Committee.

22. At its 445th meeting, on 19 January 2000, the 25. The Chairperson informed the Committee that she
Committee decided to take up issues under agenda had forwarded a message to the Judicial Colloquium
items 5 (Implementation of article 21 of the held in commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of
Convention) and 6 (Ways and means of expediting the the adoption by the General Assembly of the
work of the Committee) as a working group of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
whole. The issues that it decided to consider were the Discrimination against Women and the tenth
revised rules of procedure of the Committee on the anniversary of the adoption by the Assembly of the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The message
Optional Protocol to the Convention. had been read by Emna Aouij, a member of the
Committee, who was keynote speaker at the
Colloquium.
Chapter III 26. The Chairperson informed the Committee that she
Report of the Chairperson on had participated in the special signing ceremony of the
activities undertaken between the Optional Protocol that took place on 10 December
twenty-first and twenty-second 1999 and in the round table held on the same day, with
the participation of the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan,
sessions of the Committee where the implications and the scope of the Optional
Protocol and of the Convention on the Elimination of
23. Reporting on her activities since the last session All Forms of Discrimination against Women were
of the Committee, Aída González Martínez, discussed. She indicated that among the issues she had
Chairperson of the Committee, indicated that she had highlighted in her presentation was the Committee’s

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need for additional resources to effectively fulfil its B. Consideration of reports of States
responsibilities, as outlined in the Optional Protocol, in parties
particular the professional staff needed to study and
analyse communications and relevant national 1. Initial reports
legislation.
27. The Chairperson concluded by noting the India
growing influence of the Convention and the 30. The Committee considered the initial report of
Committee, as reflected in different meetings and India (CEDAW/C/IND/1) at its 452nd, 453rd and
events that had taken place in the reporting period. In 462nd meetings, on 24 and 31 January 2000 (see
particular, she drew attention to the Workshop on the CEDAW/C/SR.452, 453 and 462).
Convergence and Divergence between the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Introduction by the State party
against Women and the Islamic Law (Sharia) organized
by the United Nations Development Fund for Women 31. The representative informed the Committee that
(UNIFEM), which took place in November 1999. She India had ratified the Convention in July 1993 with two
indicated that the Committee had been represented at declarations and one reservation. She indicated that the
this workshop by its Rapporteur, Ayse Feride Açar, preparation of the report had been preceded by wide-
whose participation had been commended by the ranging consultations with a number of women’s
organizers. organizations. She noted that India had ratified a
number of international human rights instruments and
that the Indian Constitution prohibited discrimination
Chapter IV on the basis of sex, as well as providing for affirmative
Consideration of reports submitted action for women. India had initiated a consultative
process in preparation for the Fourth World Conference
by States parties under article 18 of on Women and was among the first countries to
the Convention unreservedly accept the Beijing Platform for Action.
32. The representative indicated that among recent
A. Introduction
achievements in the implementation of the Convention
had been the establishment, in March 1997, of a
28. At its twenty-second session, the Committee
parliamentary committee on the empowerment of
considered the reports of eight State parties submitted
women, and the passage of constitutional amendments
under article 18 of the Convention: two initial reports;
to reserve for women 33.33 per cent of the seats in the
the initial and second reports of one State party; the
Panchayati Raj institutions at the local self-
initial and second and third periodic reports of one
government level in rural areas and in municipalities in
State party; one combined second and third periodic
urban areas. She also stated that a bill had been
report; the combined second and third periodic report
introduced in late 1999 which would reserve not less
and fourth periodic report of one State party; and two
than one third of the total number of seats filled by
third periodic reports.
direct elections in the Lok Sabha (House of the People)
29. As decided at its thirteenth session in 1994, the and State Legislative Assemblies for women.
Committee prepared concluding comments on each
33. The representative described the national
report considered. The Committee’s concluding
machinery for women’s advancement coordinated by
comments on the report of each State party, as prepared
the Department of Women and Child Development,
by the members of the Committee, and a summary of
which is headed by a cabinet minister assisted by a
the introductory presentations by the representatives of
minister of State. The National Commission for
the States parties are provided below.
Women, established in 1992, served as a statutory
ombudsperson for women, while the Central Social
Welfare Board networked with nearly 12,000 women’s
non-governmental organizations. Institutional
mechanisms for women’s advancement also existed at

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state level. The representative highlighted the ninth 36. The representative indicated that, at the Fourth
five-year plan (1997-2002), which had identified the World Conference on Women, India had committed
empowerment of women as a strategy for development itself to increasing investment in education to 6 per
and mandated early finalization of a national policy on cent of gross domestic product (GDP), but that the
empowerment of women. She indicated that, pending target had not been achieved to date although the
the adoption of the national policy, many mechanisms overall growth in literacy among women had been
identified therein had already been put in place. higher than that of men in recent years. Intensive
Recently, the Prime Minister’s Office had directed that efforts to address gender differentials in literacy and
a review be made of the impact of gender education were continuing and included the
mainstreaming in ministries and departments. establishment of girls’ learning centres to meet the
needs of girls who were unable to gain access to formal
34. The representative indicated that progressive
education.
legislation to promote the interests of women existed at
both state and central levels, and that the Government 37. The representative informed the Committee that
had tasked the National Council of Women to oversee International Labour Organization (ILO) standards
the implementation of constitutional and legal were reflected in Indian labour laws and the
safeguards for women. The review of 39 laws was Government had been seeking to extend maternity
under way; recommendations for amendments, benefits to all women and to provide child care for
including those with regard to the Immoral Traffic working women. Guidelines for employers with respect
(Prevention) Act, had been submitted; and a draft bill to sexual harassment had been established in a
on violence against women had been prepared. Lok Supreme Court judgement and legislation reflecting
adalats (people’s courts) and parivarik mahila lok those guidelines was being prepared. Efforts to
adalats (family women’s courts) had been established recognize women’s work in the informal sector and
to provide less formal systems of justice delivery. India reflect it in the national census and to provide workers
had a tradition of public interest litigation and the in the sector with labour protection had been initiated.
Supreme Court had issued landmark judgements,
38. Significant improvements in women’s health had
including on sexual harassment at the work place and
been achieved in the last decade, although the high
child prostitution. Several training institutes had also
maternal mortality ratio remained a concern. The
introduced gender sensitization training for judicial
recently launched reproductive and child health
officials.
programme sought to address women’s health in a
35. The representative described steps that had been holistic manner. Measures to address human
taken to revise curricula and textbooks from a gender immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency
perspective, and the efforts of the Ministry of syndrome (HIV/AIDS) had been introduced and
Information and Broadcasting to ensure projection of legislative and other strategies to confront female
positive images of women in the media. Measures to infanticide and sex-selective abortion had also been
address prostitution and trafficking in women had adopted.
included a proposal to amend the Immoral Traffic
39. The representative indicated that rural women
(Prevention) Act to widen its scope and increase
constituted almost 80 per cent of the female population
penalties; the appointment of special police officers;
and reported that the Government had introduced
and the establishment of protective homes and child
quotas and women-specific schemes to ensure that they
development and child-care centres for the children of
received an equal share in rural development and
sex workers. A plan of action to combat trafficking and
agricultural programmes.
commercial sexual exploitation of women and children
and to integrate victims into society had been 40. The personal laws of the major religious
developed, and India had actively participated in the communities had traditionally governed marital and
drafting of the South Asian Association for Regional family relations, with the Government maintaining a
Cooperation (SAARC) Convention on Preventing and policy of non-interference in such laws in the absence
Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for of a demand for change from individual religious
Prostitution. communities. However, the Family Courts Act,
providing that family matters, such as marriage and

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maintenance, came within the jurisdiction of the family 46. The Committee appreciates the contribution made
courts, which incorporated informal procedures and by the Supreme Court of India in developing the
counselling services, had been adopted. The concept of social action litigation and a jurisprudence
representative drew attention to legislation concerning integrating the Convention into domestic law by
dowry-related violence and the provision of the Penal interpreting Constitutional provisions on gender
Code and Evidence Act regarding cruelty to a wife by equality and non-discrimination.
her husband or his relatives.
47. The Committee commends the introduction of a
41. In conclusion, the representative emphasized range of policies and programmes by the Governments
India’s determined, concrete and sustained efforts to of India over the years to improve the situation of
eliminate poverty and social disability and empower women. It notes with appreciation that those
the poor and vulnerable. programmes have contributed to some extent to
improving the quality of social indicators for women in
Concluding comments of the Committee various States of the Union. The Committee welcomes
the proposal to formulate a new gender empowerment
Introduction policy and the directives sent from the Prime
Minister’s Office to mainstream gender issues and a
42. The Committee welcomes the submission of the
rights approach to development at the national level.
initial report of India. While noting that the report
conforms to the Committee’s guidelines, it does not 48. The Committee commends the Government of
provide adequate information relating to India for establishing the National Commission for
implementation of some articles and the general issue Women and state commissions for women with
of violence against women. The Committee further responsibility for developing action plans on gender
notes that the report was submitted with some delay. and proposals for law reform.
The report also does not contain information on
49. The Committee commends the Government for
measures taken to implement the Beijing Platform for
introducing affirmative action measures that have
Action. The Committee appreciates the detailed written
enabled 33 per cent of seats in local government bodies
and oral responses of the delegation during the
to be reserved for women. It welcomes the proposed
consideration of the report, which provided important
bill to reserve 33 per cent seats in state and national
additional information.
assemblies for women, and the assurance in the oral
43. The Committee notes that the report and the oral presentations that 30 to 40 per cent coverage will be
and written responses do not provide adequate provided for women in programmes that give access to
statistical data, disaggregated by sex and the States of credit.
the Union and information on the implementation of
50. The Committee commends the Government for
affirmation action measures for scheduled castes.
introducing legislation that has banned sex-selective
44. The Committee notes with concern that the abortions. It welcomes the amendments to the law on
Government does not intend to review the declarations nationality, which confer equal rights on men and
entered to article 16, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the women.
Convention.
Factors and difficulties affecting the
Positive aspects implementation of the Convention
45. The Committee recognizes that India has 51. The Committee notes that India has a very large
guaranteed in its Constitution fundamental human and mainly rural population living in absolute poverty
rights that can be enforced by an application to the and that the feminization of poverty and growing
Supreme Court. The Committee commends in income disparities prevent the benefits of economic
particular the recognition of a fundamental right to development being transferred to women.
gender equality and non-discrimination and a specific
52. The Committee considers that widespread
enabling provision on affirmative action in the
poverty, such social practices as the caste system and
Constitution.
son preference, as reflected in a high incidence of

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violence against women, significant gender disparities 61. The Committee urges the Government to
and an adverse sex ratio, present major obstacles to the withdraw its declaration to article 16, paragraph 1, of
implementation of the Convention. the Convention and to work with and support women’s
groups as members of the community in reviewing and
53. The Committee notes that the existence of
reforming these personal laws. The Committee also
regional disparities is an impediment to the effective
calls upon the Government to follow the directive
implementation of the Convention.
principles in the Constitution and Supreme Court
decisions and enact a uniform civil code that different
Principal areas of concern and
ethnic and religious groups may adopt.
recommendations
62. The Committee is concerned that India has not
54. The Committee notes that the Convention and the
yet established a comprehensive and compulsory
Beijing Platform for Action have not been integrated
system of registration of births and marriages. The
into policy planning and programmes. While there have
Committee notes that inability to prove those important
been several national plans in the pre- and post-Beijing
events by documentation prevents effective
period, the Committee notes that these adopt a welfare
implementation of laws that protect girls from sexual
approach towards women.
exploitation and trafficking, child labour and forced or
55. The Committee recommends that the proposed early marriage. The Committee is also concerned that
gender empowerment policy integrate the Convention failure to register marriages may also prejudice the
and the Beijing Platform for Action and a rights-based inheritance rights of women.
approach.
63. The Committee calls upon the Government to
56. The Committee considers that inadequate provide adequate resources and establish a system of
allocation of resources for women’s development in the compulsory registration of births and monitor
social sector and inadequate implementation of laws implementation in cooperation with women’s groups
are serious impediments to the realization of women’s and local bodies. It urges the Government to withdraw
human rights in India. the declaration to article 16, paragraph 2 of the
Convention.
57. The Committee urges the allocation of sufficient
and targeted resources for women’s development in the 64. The Committee is concerned that the fundamental
social sector, as well as full implementation of relevant right to education under the Constitution recognized by
laws. the Supreme Court has not been realized by providing
girls with access to primary and secondary education.
58. The Committee notes that there are many gaps in
It notes that budgetary allocation for education is still
the legislative framework. The Committee considers
far below India’s commitment with regard to the
that there is an urgent need to introduce comprehensive
Beijing Platform for Action.
legislative reform to promote equality and the human
rights of women. 65. The Committee urges the Government to take
affirmative action, set a time-frame and provide
59. The Committee recommends that proposals of the
adequate resources for primary and secondary
National Commission of Women on law reform be used
education so as to give girls equal access to education
in preparing new legislation and that the Commission
and eradicate adult illiteracy among women. It calls
be entrusted with the task of developing working
upon the Government to make primary and secondary
papers on legal reform in critical areas, within a time-
education compulsory by introducing and enforcing
frame.
relevant regulations.
60. The Committee notes that steps have not been
66. The Committee is concerned that the fundamental
taken to reform the personal laws of different religious
rights recognized in the Constitution can be enforced
and ethnic groups, in consultation with them, so as to
only against State actors and in the event of inaction on
conform with the Convention. The Committee is
the part of the State. It also notes that the private
concerned that the Government’s policy of non-
sector, where a great number of women are employed,
intervention perpetuates sexual stereotypes, son
and which is expanding in a period of transition to
preference and discrimination against women.

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market economic policies, is not covered by professionals, in addition to programmes already

constitutional standards. undertaken.
67. The Committee recommends that a sex 74. The Committee is concerned with the continuing
discrimination act be introduced to make the standards discrimination, including violence, suffered by women
of the Convention and the Constitution applicable to of the Dalit community, despite the passage of the
non-State action and inaction. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of
atrocities) Act of 1989.
68. The Committee is concerned that there is a high
incidence of gender-based violence against women, 75. The Committee urges the Government to enforce
which takes even more extreme forms because of laws preventing discrimination against Dalit women
customary practices, such as dowry, sati and the and prohibiting the devadasi system. It urges the
devadasi system. Discrimination against women who Government to introduce affirmative action
belong to particular castes or ethnic or religious groups programmes in such areas as education, employment
is also manifest in extreme forms of physical and and health so as to provide life chances to Dalit women
sexual violence and harassment. and girls and create an environment conducive to their
progress. The Committee calls upon the Government to
69. The Committee urges the Government to
set a time-frame for those interventions and provide
implement existing legislation prohibiting such
information on the progress made in the next report.
practices as dowry, devadasi and caste-based
discrimination. It calls upon the Government to 76. The Committee is concerned that women and
strengthen law enforcement and introduce reforms girls are exploited in prostitution and inter-State and
proposed by the National Commission on Women and cross-border trafficking. It is also concerned that those
women activists in regard to the law on rape, sexual women are exposed to HIV/AIDS and health risks and
harassment and domestic violence. that existing legislation encourages mandatory testing
and isolation.
70. The Committee recommends that a national plan
of action be developed to address the issue of gender- 77. The Committee calls upon the Government to
based violence in a holistic manner, in line with the review existing legislation on trafficking and forced
Committee’s general recommendations 19 and 24. It prostitution and to strengthen law enforcement. It
calls upon the Government to provide statistics and recommends the development of bilateral and inter-
information on violence against women in its next State controls and reintegration and advocacy
report. programmes to prevent the exploitation of women and
girls in forced prostitution and trafficking.
71. The Committee is concerned that women are
exposed to the risk of high levels of violence, rape, 78. The Committee notes with concern that maternal
sexual harassment, humiliation and torture in areas mortality rates and infant mortality rates are among the
where there are armed insurrections. highest in the world. It also notes the adverse sex ratio
and the incidence of sex-selective abortions despite the
72. The Committee recommends a review of
law banning that practice. It notes that family planning
prevention of terrorism legislation and the Armed
is only targeted at women.
Forces Special Provisions Act, in consultation with the
Human Rights Commission of India, the National 79. The Committee recommends the adoption of a
Commission of Women and civil society, so that holistic approach to women’s health throughout the life
special powers given to the security forces do not cycle in the country’s health programme. It urges the
prevent the investigation and prosecution of acts of Government to allocate resources from a “women’s
violence against women in conflict areas and during right to health” perspective, following the guidelines of
detention and arrest. The Committee recommends that the Committee’s general recommendation 24. The
women be given an opportunity to make their Committee calls upon the Government to elicit the
contribution to peaceful conflict resolution. support of medical associations in enforcing
professional ethics and preventing sex-selective
73. The Committee recommends the introduction of
abortions. The Committee also recommends that the
gender sensitization and human rights programmes for
Government obtain the support of the medical
the police, the security forces and medical

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profession in creating awareness of the urgent need to 87. The Committee urges the Government to strictly
eliminate practices associated with son preference. enforce the law and protect women activists and human
rights defenders from acts of violence and harassment.
80. The Committee is concerned about the low
participation of qualified women in the administration 88. The Committee encourages India to deposit its
and the judiciary, including family courts and lok acceptance to the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of
adalats or conciliation tribunals. the Convention, and to sign and ratify the Optional
Protocol to the Convention as soon as possible.
81. The Committee urges the Government to take
affirmative action to increase women’s participation in 89. The Committee requests that the Government
the judiciary and lok adalats, and provide sex- respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues
disaggregated data in its next report. raised in its concluding comments.
82. The Committee is concerned with significant 90. The Committee encourages the wide
disparities in economic activity rates for men and dissemination in India of the present concluding
women. It is concerned that the practice of debt comments in order to make the people, civil society
bondage and the denial of inheritance rights in land and Government sectors aware of the steps that have
result in gross exploitation of women’s labour and their been taken to ensure de jure and de facto equality of
impoverishment. women, as well as further steps that are required in that
regard. It also requests the Government to disseminate
83. The Committee requests the Government to
widely, in all local languages, the Convention, its
enforce laws on bonded labour and provide women
Optional Protocol, the Committee’s general
with self-employment opportunities and minimum
recommendations and the Beijing Declaration and
wages in home-based production and the non-formal
Platform for Action.
sector. It calls upon the Government to review laws on
inheritance urgently and to ensure that rural women
Myanmar
obtain access to land and credit.
91. The Committee considered the initial report of
84. The Committee is concerned that the National
Myanmar (CEDAW/C/MMR/1) at its 450th, 451st and
Commission on Women has no power to enforce its
457th meetings, on 21 and 26 January 2000 (see
proposals for law reform or intervene to prevent
CEDAW/C/SR.450, 451 and 457).
discrimination in the private or public sector. It notes
that the National Commission and state commissions
Introduction by the State party
are not supported by adequate financial and other
resources. It also notes that the National Commission 92. In his introduction, the representative of
on Women is not as well resourced or as empowered as Myanmar informed the Committee that the existing
the Human Rights Commission of India, and that it has laws and social practices of the country were
no formal link with the state women’s commissions. compatible with the Convention. He noted that the
successive constitutions of Myanmar had included
85. The Committee recommends that non-
provisions for women’s rights and equality and that
governmental organizations be represented on the
women had legal equality with men in the political,
National Commission of Women. The Commission’s
economic, administrative and social spheres.
powers should be as wide as those of the Human Rights
Commission and include a complaints procedure. The 93. The representative informed the Committee that
Committee recommends that state commissions be women and men in Myanmar had equal access to
similarly strengthened and linked with the National health services. He drew attention to the national health
Commission. plan, which had the goal of “Health for all by the year
2000” and included activities on maternal and child
86. The Committee is concerned that, despite the
health, birth spacing, reproductive health, nutritional
willingness of the Government to work with non-
development, an expanded programme of
governmental organizations and women’s groups,
immunization and measures for the control of sexually
women activists and human rights defenders are
transmitted diseases. Myanmar sought to provide a
exposed to violence and harassment in the communities
holistic, life-cycle approach to health care for women.
in which they work.

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94. The representative informed the Committee that of the programmes on maternal and childhood
Myanmar had set goals for women’s health to be illnesses.
reached by the year 2000: a reduction in infant
97. The representative informed the Committee that a
mortality from 47.1 per 1,000 live births to less than
national workshop on the priority issues affecting
45; a reduction in the maternal mortality rate from 1
women’s health had been conducted in December 1999
per 1,000 live births to 0.5; an improvement in tetanus
by the Myanmar National Committee for Women’s
immunization to more than 90 per cent for infants and
Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health
pregnant women; the provision of information on
and the World Health Organization (WHO).
prevention of HIV/AIDS to all youth and women; a
Counselling centres had been established around the
reduction in iodine deficiency disorders from 33.08 per
country and training had been conducted on
cent to less than 20 per cent; the provision to pregnant
counselling techniques.
women of access to pre-natal care, safe delivery,
referral services and birth-spacing information; and a 98. The representative informed the Committee that
reduction in iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant cooperation was ongoing between the Government, the
women. Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs,
United Nations organizations and non-governmental
95. The representative informed the Committee that
organizations to provide basic education for every
the most important issue regarding women’s health was
individual, regardless of sex. The Ministry of
safe delivery. He noted that there was no statutory
Education had carried out non-formal education
provision for abortion services, but that there were
projects in collaboration with United Nations agencies.
provisions for medical care and contraception for
Mobile units had been used to educate women in
women who had undergone unsafe abortions. Nutrition
border areas. In addition, vocational training such as
was also an essential issue and objectives included
sewing, embroidery and livestock breeding had been
adoption of a national breast-feeding policy to promote
initiated in collaboration with UNDP and the United
exclusive breastfeeding to the age of four or six
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
months. The representative noted that the fight against
Organization (UNESCO). Literacy resource centres
AIDS had been given top priority by the Government,
were established by the Myanmar Educational
since HIV/AIDS was currently seen in high-risk groups
Research Bureau and the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre
across the country and was starting to spread to low-
for UNESCO (Japan).
risk groups. Research had been conducted to support
the prevention and control of AIDS and the 99. The representative informed the Committee that,
participation of non-governmental organizations in prior to March 1999, the Myanmar National Committee
AIDS control activities had been encouraged. for Women’s Affairs had identified six areas of
concern: education, health, economy, violence against
96. The representative noted that health-related
women, culture and the girl child. Two further critical
activities were made more effective by the participation
areas of concern had recently been identified:
of non-governmental organizations, such as the
environment and the media.
Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the
Myanmar Medical Association (Women’s Section) and 100. In concluding the presentation, the representative
the International Committee of the Red Cross. The noted that Myanmar was trying its best to implement
reproductive health activities conducted by the the national plan of action for the advancement of
Ministry of Health, in collaboration with non- women, but that there were difficulties, such as a lack
governmental organizations, other ministries and the of sex-specific data. In 1997 the Government had
private sector, included: life skills training for women begun collecting gender-specific data at the request of
of childbearing age and for youth; prevention and the Myanmar National Committee for Women’s
treatment of sexually transmitted diseases; community Affairs. He noted that Myanmar required technical
education programmes for HIV/AIDS prevention; assistance and financial resources in order to reach its
AIDS education in schools; capacity-building for goals more quickly.
community organizations and volunteers; expansion of
birth-spacing programmes; and integrated management

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Concluding comments of the Committee 109. The Committee welcomes the fact that wife abuse
is not common in Myanmar. It also commends the
Introduction Government for initiating further research on domestic
violence with a view to eradicating this phenomenon
101. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
altogether and raising community awareness of existing
Government of Myanmar for submitting its initial
laws in this regard.
report and for engaging in a constructive dialogue with
the Committee. It also commends the Government’s
Factors and difficulties affecting the
efforts to produce an informative response, including
implementation of the Convention
some statistics, in a very short time. The Committee
notes, however, that the report does not include 110. The Committee notes that internal ethnic and
sufficient reliable statistical data disaggregated by sex political conflict has brought about social, economic
and provides insufficient information relating to the and political instability in Myanmar and that the
implementation of a number of articles in the conflict is a serious obstacle to the full implementation
Convention. of the Convention.
102. The Committee welcomes the fact that Myanmar
Principal areas of concern and
ratified the Convention without reservations on
recommendations
substantive articles.
111. The Committee is concerned that the Myanmar
103. The Committee commends the Government of
National Committee for Women’s Affairs, comprising
Myanmar for sending a high-level delegation,
deputy ministers of related ministries, representatives
including an adviser of the Ministry of National
of the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice, and
Planning and Development.
leaders of women’s non-governmental organizations,
does not receive any budget allocation from the
Positive aspects
Government despite its responsibilities for policy-
104. The Committee welcomes the fact that Myanmar making and its role as an intersectoral coordinating
has national machinery for the advancement of women body. The Committee is further concerned that the
comprising the Myanmar National Committee for Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s
Women’s Affairs, which is designated as the national Affairs, an operational body, is exclusively comprised
focal point for women’s affairs, and the Myanmar of voluntary members.
National Working Committee, which incorporates
112. The Committee urges the Government to revise
women from the grass-roots level and has
existing funding allocation policies to ensure that the
implementation functions.
national machinery has sufficient financial and human
105. The Committee notes with appreciation that the resources effectively to carry out its mandate and that
Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the members of the Myanmar National Committee should
country’s largest non-governmental organization, with include those nominated on the basis of their expertise
branches and associations all over the country, has been in the relevant fields.
working closely with the Government in the area of
113. The Committee welcomes the recent order of the
women’s health, in particular, maternal health.
Government of Myanmar, which overruled those
106. The Committee notes with satisfaction that in provisions of the Towns Act and the Village Act that
Myanmar women have the same rights as men to authorized the Government to extract forced labour
acquire, administer and dispose of property and that a from women. The Committee considers forced labour
wife has the right to transfer half of the marital of women to be a contemporary form of slavery and a
property into her name upon divorce. denial of their rights. The Committee, however, is
concerned that the Towns Act and the Village Act
107. The Committee notes with satisfaction the high
remains as legislation. It is further concerned that there
literacy rate of women in Myanmar.
is little information about the implementation and
108. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the enforcement of the recent order.
legal age for marriage is 20 years for both sexes.

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114. The Committee requests the Government to the protection of the human rights of women in
include in its next report more information and data on custody.
the process of implementation of the order and
125. The Committee is concerned with the restricted
recommends that the Government take the action
admission of women to certain courses in higher
necessary to bring perpetrators to justice.
education, which contravenes article 10 (b) and (c) of
115. The Committee notes with concern that, although the Convention.
Myanmar has 135 ethnic groups, there is little
126. The Committee urges the Government to modify
information in its report about how the human rights of
the policies on restricted admission, noting that the
women in all ethnic groups are guaranteed, protected
women themselves should be entitled to decide which
and promoted.
subjects they wish to study and professions they wish
116. The Committee requests the Government to to pursue.
include in its next report more information and data on
127. The Committee notes with concern that the
the situation of women in as many ethnic minority
information provided on primary education is
groups as possible and the measures taken by the
insufficient, in particular in regard to the enrolment of
Government of Myanmar to protect and ensure their
girls.
human rights under the Convention.
128. The Committee requests the Government to
117. The Committee is concerned about violations of
include more information and data with regard to
the human rights of women, in particular by military
primary education in its next report. The Committee
personnel.
also recommends that the Government set numerical
118. The Committee urges the Government to targets for enrolment in primary education and that it
prosecute and punish those who violate the human report on the results of the implementation of such
rights of women, including military personnel, and to targets.
carry out human rights education and gender-
129. The Committee is concerned that there is no
sensitization training for all law enforcement and
information on a woman’s right to terminate a
military personnel.
pregnancy resulting from sexual violence. The
119. The Committee notes with concern that there is Committee is also concerned with the high rate of
little information on the trafficking in women and girls, maternal mortality in Myanmar, since it notes that
despite the magnitude of the problem. induced abortion often results in maternal mortality.
120. The Committee requests the Government to 130. The Committee urges the Government to extend
include in its next report more information and data on the coverage of the contraceptive distribution
the situation of trafficking in women and girls. programme to reduce maternal mortality from unsafe
abortions. The Committee requests the Government to
121. The Committee is concerned with the increasing
include in its next report more information on sexual
number of women with HIV/AIDS.
violence and pregnancies resulting from rape and the
122. The Committee requests more information on the services that are available to the victims.
situation of women affected by HIV/AIDS, including
131. The Committee expresses concern at the absence
women in trafficking and prostitution, in the next
of an enabling environment in Myanmar to ensure the
periodic report. Information should also be given on
full implementation of the Convention.
their access to health care, as well as the Government’s
efforts to educate women, and on measures to prevent 132. The Committee recommends that, in rebuilding
the spread of the disease. its economic and political structures, the Government
ensure the full and equal participation of women in an
123. The Committee expresses its concern about the
open and pluralistic society.
situation of women in prison and police custody.
133. The Committee expresses the hope that the new
124. The Committee requests the Government to
constitution currently being drafted will guarantee
include more information on women in custody in its
gender equality and include a definition of “sex
next report, including data on custodial violence and
discrimination”. The Committee also expresses the

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hope that the new constitution will incorporate the second report. National machinery for the advancement
Convention in domestic law. of women, namely the Jordanian National Commission
for Women, chaired by Princess Basma bint Talal, had
134. The Committee recommends that statistical data
been established with extensive tasks, including
disaggregated by sex be included in the next report and
development of legislative proposals and of policies to
that information be provided with regard to
eliminate discrimination against women. In addition to
implementation of all articles of the Convention.
the Convention, Jordan was a State party to other
135. The Committee encourages the Government to international human rights instruments of particular
ratify the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the relevance to women.
Convention concerning the time of meetings of the
141. Although the Jordanian Constitution enshrined
Committee.
the principle of equality of all citizens, the
136. The Committee also encourages the Government representative noted that equality was not yet fully
to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the reflected in all national laws. Since 1992, legislation
Convention. related to the right of women to leased property had
been amended and labour legislation had been revised
137. The Committee requests that the Government
to increase protection against termination of
respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues
employment due to pregnancy, as well as to provide
raised in these concluding comments.
maternity-related benefits, including maternity leave.
138. The Committee requests the wide dissemination Amendments to civil status and passports regulations
in Myanmar of the present concluding comments in now enabled divorced or widowed women to be
order to make the people and, in particular, registered as heads of family.
governmental administrators and politicians, aware of
142. The representative referred to a number of
the steps that have been taken to ensure de jure and de
proposed revisions to the Penal Code that were
facto equality of women and of the further steps that
currently before Parliament, including amendments to
are required. It also requests the Government to
the penalty for adultery and for violence against
continue to disseminate widely — particularly to
women, including rape or murder. A proposal to repeal
women’s and human rights organizations — the
article 340 of the Penal Code, which exonerated a man
Convention, its Optional Protocol, the Committee’s
for killing or injuring his wife or certain female
general recommendations and the Beijing Declaration
relatives in an adulterous situation, had also been
and Platform for Action.
placed before Parliament, as had bills to amend the
Passport Law and the Civil Status Law.
2. Initial and second periodic reports 143. The Government was studying several other
proposed amendments, including to the social security
Jordan law, the civil retirement law, the nationality law, the
139. The Committee considered the first and second civil health insurance regulations and a draft new civil
periodic reports of Jordan (CEDAW/C/JOR/1 and 2) at status code. The representative underlined that
its 448th, 449th and 456th meetings, on 20 and 26 legislative reform was accelerated by the high-level
January 2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.448, 449 and 456). political will for such reform and for policy measures
for women, as demonstrated by the late King Hussein
Introduction by the State party and by King Abdullah II.
140. In presenting the initial and second periodic 144. The representative noted that in the light of
reports, the representative noted that developments in progress made, the national strategy for women of
the State party since the ratification of the Convention 1993 would be updated. A national programme of
in July 1992 had been mostly positive and beneficial to action for the implementation of the Beijing Platform
women. She emphasized the partnership between the for Action had also been adopted. Both documents had
official and non-governmental sectors in relation to been prepared in joint efforts of various ministries and
women’s issues, and that non-governmental representatives of civil society. The recent inclusion of
organizations had been a major partner in preparing the a gender perspective in the country’s economic and

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social development plan for 1999-2003 was an minimum wage had been set, which was expected to
indication of the Government’s commitment to the directly benefit women working in the private sector.
Beijing Platform for Action.
148. The representative noted that, in partnership with
145. Women’s participation in political and public life non-governmental organizations, remarkable
had improved modestly in Jordan since ratification of improvements had been made in regard to women’s
the Convention, with progress hindered by prevalent health. Reproductive health indicators had improved,
social and cultural patterns that were not yet receptive including improved pregnancy health care, an increase
to such changes. Women had been almost continuously in medically supervised births, lowered maternal
present in the Cabinet since 1993, and for the first time mortality rates and increased use of contraceptives.
in the country’s history a woman currently occupied Improvements had also been made in health services
the post of Deputy Prime Minister. Women’s for special groups of women, including the elderly and
representation had also increased within ministries and women with disabilities.
in the Senate, and there were now a total of seven
149. The representative indicated that clear and
women members of the judiciary. Women had made
positive change had occurred regarding the elimination
less progress in gaining electoral office, and none of
of domestic violence. Although there were no statistics
the 17 women candidates was elected to Parliament in
on its occurrence, patterns of increased violence had
the 1997 elections. A petition to institute a transitional
led to the creation of a family protection department in
quota system to allocate at least 20 per cent of
the Directorate of Public Security to deal with cases of
parliamentary seats to women had been rejected by the
sexual assault on women and children. Non-
Government on the basis that women did not constitute
governmental organizations and civil society
a sector or a minority but half of society. Following the
institutions played a key role in efforts to eliminate
appointment of 99 women to municipal and rural
domestic violence.
councils throughout the country, 10 women had been
elected to rural and municipal councils in 1999. 150. The representative noted that civil law affirmed
equality between women and men. With regard to
146. The representative informed the Committee that
family relations, Jordan adhered to the tolerant
there was no gender gap in enrolment rates in the basic
principles of Islamic Shariah, but, while women had
and secondary levels of education and that female
the right to determine their conditions for inclusion in
enrolment at the university level had reached 48 per
the marriage contract, that provision was rarely used.
cent of total enrolment. Although the female illiteracy
Campaigns had been launched, especially by non-
rate remained higher than that of men, it had dropped
governmental organizations, to increase women’s
from 48 per cent in 1979 to 20.6 per cent in 1994
awareness and use of those rights.
among women 15 years or older and was decreasing
much faster than that of men. The illiteracy rate 151. Despite a clear commitment at all levels to
remained highest among the rural population, which implement the Convention, the representative noted
constituted 20 per cent of the country’s population. that obstacles to its full implementation remained.
Literacy centres were being set up throughout the Political and economic realities of the region directly
country, in cooperation with non-governmental affected national priorities and thus implementation of
organizations. A new postgraduate programme on the Convention. Poverty and the predominant social
women’s studies had been introduced at a public and cultural conditions limited improvements for
university. In May 1999, a national commission for women in such areas as employment, participation in
human rights education had been established. public life and access to decision-making. In addition,
monitoring and follow-up were made more difficult by
147. Although there were no discriminatory legislative
a lack of data disaggregated by sex. In conclusion, the
provisions relating to employment, women’s
representative highlighted the political will to
participation in the active workforce remained low, at
overcome those obstacles. The existence of national
13.6 per cent, with women in the 20 to 34-year age
machinery for the advancement of women, with the
group having the highest rate of participation. Women’s
participation of both government and non-
monthly pay was 85.7 per cent that of men and their
governmental representatives, had made the opinions
unemployment rate nearly double. Recently, a
of grass-roots women accessible to decision makers

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and further commitments would be achieved in the Commission for Women, to implement the Convention,
years ahead. and its strong and cooperative links with non-
governmental organizations.
Concluding comments of the Committee
158. The Committee welcomes the legislative reforms
undertaken by the State party since ratification of the
Introduction
Convention, including reform of labour law, civil
152. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the service regulations and regulations concerning the
Government of Jordan for submitting its initial report Family Document.
as well as a timely, detailed and well structured second
159. The Committee notes with satisfaction the level
periodic report, which follows the guidelines of the
of education girls and women have achieved. In
Committee and provides information about
particular, the Committee expresses satisfaction that
implementation of all the articles of the Convention. It
parity has been achieved in enrolment rates in the basic
commends the Government on its oral presentation and
and secondary cycles and the fact that the gap between
the replies to the Committee’s questions that have
women and men in university education is closing. It
further clarified recent developments in the State party.
also commends the Government’s efforts to further
It appreciates the open manner in which the reports
reduce the female illiteracy rate.
were prepared, in particular the extensive consultative
process with non-governmental organizations during 160. The Committee notes with satisfaction that there
the preparation of the second periodic report. is an increasing trend towards participation of women
in the labour force, which contributes to the
153. The Committee commends the Government of
empowerment of women and strengthens their
Jordan for sending a high-level delegation headed by
participation in public life in general.
the Secretary-General of the Jordanian National
Commission for Women, which established a 161. The Committee welcomes with appreciation the
constructive, open and sincere dialogue with the fact that women’s non-governmental organizations play
members of the Committee. an active role in public life. The Committee commends,
in particular, their efforts to support the political,
154. The Committee recognizes that the ratification of
economic and social mobilization and empowerment of
the Convention by Jordan constitutes an important step
women.
in the development of an egalitarian approach to
women’s rights in the country. 162. The Committee commends the progress made in
improving women’s health, including the provision of
Positive aspects reproductive health services and the prevalence of
contraceptive use among married women.
155. The Committee commends the Government for
having ratified the Convention in 1992. This 163. The Committee notes that violence against
ratification is an expression of the political will and the women is now acknowledged as a critical area of
determination of the Government to work towards the concern that needs to be addressed through
full implementation of the Convention and the governmental action.
achievement of equality between women and men. It
164. The Committee commends the Government on
also appreciates the fact that the Government
the preparation of a national strategy for women and of
recognizes remaining areas of discrimination against
a national programme of action for the implementation
women in law and practice.
of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It
156. The Committee appreciates the fact that the notes with satisfaction that these were prepared in a
National Charter, which is not a legally binding collaborative effort, involving various government
document, expressly affirms the constitutional equality bodies, the national machinery and non-governmental
of women and men, who together contribute to the organizations. It also welcomes the inclusion of a
development and modernization of Jordanian society. gender perspective in the economic and social
development plan for 1999-2003 by including women’s
157. The Committee welcomes the work undertaken
issues in all of the sectors covered by the plan.
by the national machinery, namely the National

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Factors and difficulties affecting the of all existing legislation to bring it fully into
implementation of the Convention compliance with the amended Constitution and the
Convention.
165. The Committee considers that the country’s
current socio-economic situation, including the 172. The Committee is concerned that Jordanian
doubling of the population, owing largely to refugee nationality law prevents a Jordanian woman from
influx, and the scarcity of natural resources, affect the passing on her nationality to her children if her
full implementation of the Convention. The persistence husband is not Jordanian. This is an anachronistic
of strong stereotypical attitudes concerning the roles situation at a time when Jordan is making major strides
and responsibilities of women and men also constitute in its economic and democratic development and when
an impediment to the full implementation of the marriage between persons of different nationalities is
Convention. increasingly common. It also notes with concern that
Jordanian law prohibits women from concluding
Principal areas of concern and contracts in their own name, from travelling alone and
recommendations from choosing their place of residence. It considers
these limitations on the rights of women to be
166. The Committee expresses its concern that cultural
inconsistent with the legal status of women under the
practices and strong stereotypical attitudes about the
Jordanian Constitution and the Convention. The
roles and responsibilities of women and men, affecting
Committee notes with concern that Jordan has entered
all spheres of life and impeding the full implementation
reservations to articles 9, paragraph 2, and 15,
of the Convention, persist.
paragraph 4, which relate to these matters.
167. The Committee urges the Government to review
173. The Committee calls on the State party to revoke
or enact laws making illegal cultural practices that
those laws and to withdraw its reservations to articles
discriminate against women. The Committee urges the
9, paragraph 2, and 15, paragraph 4.
Government to increase awareness-raising
programmes, as well as change stereotypical attitudes 174. The Committee notes that a woman’s right to
and perceptions about the roles and responsibilities of choose a family name, a profession or an occupation
women and men. and a woman’s rights upon divorce and rights and
responsibilities as a parent are not recognized in the
168. The Committee expresses its concern that,
Personal Status Code. It also notes with concern that
although article 6 of the Jordanian Constitution
Jordanian law recognizes the practice of polygamy.
contains the principle of equality of all Jordanians
before the law, it does not contain a specific provision 175. The Committee calls upon the Government to
stating that there shall be no discrimination either de amend the Personal Status Code to recognize women’s
jure or de facto on the ground of sex. rights to choice of family name and occupation, as well
as their rights upon divorce and with regard to their
169. The Committee calls on the Government to
responsibilities as parents. The Committee calls upon
encourage a constitutional amendment to incorporate
the Government to reconsider the law and policy on
equality on the basis of sex in article 6 of the
polygamy with a view to eliminating this practice in
Constitution and to reflect fully article 1 of the
line with the Convention, the Constitution and
Convention in the Constitution.
evolving social relations in the country. It also
170. The Committee is also concerned that although recommends that the Government review its
the Convention acquired the force of law within the reservations to article 16, paragraph 1 (c), (d) and (g),
country upon ratification it has still not been published with a view to their withdrawal.
in the Official Gazette, which is a prerequisite to it
176. The Committee notes with concern that violence
becoming legally binding.
against women is a critical issue.
171. The Committee urges the Government to publish
177. The Committee recommends that the Government
the Convention in the Official Gazette without delay,
take the necessary legal and social measures, including
and to initiate necessary legislative action to make the
awareness-raising, to effectively address the issue of
Convention enforceable in courts. The Committee
violence against women.
further calls on the Government to undertake a review

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178. The Committee expresses its concern that several to be a wage gap to women’s disadvantage. The
provisions of the Penal Code continue to discriminate Committee is concerned at the difference in entitlement
against women. In particular, the Committee is to maternity leave in the public and private sectors.
concerned that article 340 of the Penal Code excuses a
185. The Committee calls on the Government to
man who kills or injures his wife or his female kin
review its legislation and policy in the employment
caught in the act of adultery.
sector to facilitate full implementation of article 11 of
179. The Committee urges the Government to provide the Convention. It calls on the Government to review
all possible support for the speedy repeal of article 340 ILO recommendations concerning maternity leave, to
and to undertake awareness-raising activities that make adapt its national situation to these recommendations
“honour killings” socially and morally unacceptable. It and to consider coverage of such leave through social
also urges the Government to take steps that ensure the insurance schemes in order to prevent private
replacement of protective custody with other types of employers from discriminating against women in
protection for women. recruitment.
180. The Committee expresses its concern that the 186. While commending the work done by the
prohibition of abortion also applies to cases where National Commission for Women, the Committee is
pregnancy is due to rape or incest. concerned at the lack of decision-making and
enforcement power of the Commission. It also notes
181. The Committee calls on the Government to
with concern that the National Commission was
initiate legislative action to permit safe abortion for
established by decree rather than by law.
victims of rape and incest.
187. The Committee recommends that the Government
182. The Committee is concerned at the very low
consider strengthening the National Commission for
representation of women in elected and appointed
Women by placing its existence on a legislative basis,
office. In particular, the Committee is concerned that
by strengthening its decision-making and enforcement
there are no women in Parliament and few women are
powers and by providing adequate human and financial
office holders in rural and municipal councils. While it
resources. It also recommends that this mechanism be
welcomes the fact that, for the first time, a woman
given the mandate to receive complaints about
holds the post of Deputy Prime Minister, it is
discrimination.
concerned that women hold a small percentage of
ministerial positions. 188. The Committee expresses its concern that,
notwithstanding the important role of rural women in
183. The Committee urges the Government to work
Jordan and government efforts to provide education
with political parties, unions and other stakeholders to
and extension services, they continue to be
increase the number of women elected and appointed to
marginalized in agriculture.
political office and decision-making positions. In
particular, it encourages the Government to take 189. The Committee calls on the Government to
temporary special measures, including the introduction ensure that special measures are in place to support the
of quotas, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of full integration of rural women in national
the Convention, to remedy the low representation of development.
women in the political sphere.
190. The Committee urges the Government to ratify as
184. The Committee is concerned that women make up soon as possible the amendment to article 20,
only 13.6 per cent of the paid labour force, a situation paragraph 1, of the Convention concerning the time of
that appears to be largely due to social constraints meetings of the Committee.
rather than discriminatory legislation. It is concerned
191. The Committee also urges the Governor to sign
that restrictive employment legislation in the area of
and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention as
night work and regulations on jobs banned to women
soon as possible.
reinforce women’s difficulties in obtaining paid
employment. The Committee is concerned that 192. The Committee requests the Government to
although Jordan has ratified ILO Convention No. 100 respond to the concerns expressed in these concluding
on equal pay for work of equal value, there continues comments in its next report.

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193. The Committee requests the wide dissemination without reservations. Structures to define policies and
in Jordan of the current concluding comments in order programmes to promote the rights of women and
to make the people, in particular government families had been established, including the Ministry of
administrators and politicians, aware of the steps that Social Affairs and the Family, the General Secretary
have been taken to ensure de jure and de facto equality for the Family, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of
of women as well as of further steps that are required Human Rights and national and provincial councils on
in this regard. It also requests the Government to women and children. Significant efforts had been made
continue to disseminate widely, in particular to to implement the recommendations arising from
women’s and human rights organizations, the regional and global conferences on women, including
Convention, its Optional Protocol, the Committee’s the Fourth World Conference on Women, in which the
general recommendations and the Beijing Declaration Democratic Republic of the Congo had participated.
and Platform for Action.
197. Although the fundamental principle of equality
between men and women was enshrined in the
3. Initial report and second and third Constitution, discrimination against women still
periodic reports prevailed, owing to traditional mentalities and negative
customs. The representative emphasized that certain
Democratic Republic of the Congo laws contradicted that provision of the Constitution,
notably, article 448 of the Family Code, which still
194. The Committee considered the initial report and denied legal rights to married women. Discrimination
the second and third periodic reports of the Democratic also existed in the areas of pensions and in the Penal
Republic of the Congo (CEDAW/C/ZAR/1, 2 and Code, which established more severe penalties for
2/Add.1 and Corr.1 and CEDAW/C/COD/1) at its women who committed adultery than for men. The
454th, 455th and 463rd meetings, on 25 and 31 January right to ownership of land was granted to all, without
2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.454, 455 and 463). distinction. However, discriminatory attitudes and
customs persisted, particularly in the rural areas, and
Introduction by the State party women did not take advantage of their right to land.
195. The Minister of Social Affairs and the Family of 198. A national forum on the rights and leadership of
the Democratic Republic of the Congo noted that her women was organized in 1996 to sensitize women with
country attached great importance to the issue of the regard to their rights and to elaborate a plan of action.
advancement of women, despite the current difficult The Ministry of Social Affairs and the Family, in
situation her country was facing. She recalled that after collaboration with non-governmental organizations,
becoming a sovereign nation in 1960 her country had modified discriminatory provisions and conducted
experienced a dictatorial regime from 1965 to 1990 and sensitization campaigns on women’s human rights and
that mismanagement during that time was the cause of on violence against the girl child and women. The
various difficulties. A transition period began in 1991, Government had established a national programme for
when the National Sovereign Conference adopted the the advancement of women, which aimed to strengthen
Constitutional Act. In 1994, civil unrest in Rwanda the economic power of women, to improve their legal
triggered mass displacement of refugees to the and social status, formal education, health and access
Democratic Republic of the Congo and, since August to economic resources, to provide assistance to rural
1998, armed conflict had further aggravated the women and to eliminate customs that negatively
situation. As a result, the socio-economic situation, affected women.
already hampered by the impact of economic
globalization, had further deteriorated and the 199. The representative emphasized that the
population, and women in particular, had experienced Government, through the Ministry of Information, had
growing insecurities and poverty. made special efforts to raise public awareness
concerning the Convention on the Elimination of All
196. The representative referred to the legal Forms of Discrimination against Women and other
framework for the protection of human rights. She instruments related to human rights. Private television
noted that her country had ratified international treaties companies, journals and magazines, as well as
to promote the human rights of women and children churches and non-governmental organizations, had also

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publicized the Convention. With the support of the discrimination through the draft constitution, the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the adoption of a gender approach in the formulation,
Convention was now being translated into national implementation and evaluation of all development
languages. projects and the elaboration of a national programme
for the promotion of Congolese women. She
200. Stereotypes about the role of women affected
emphasized, however, that even if all commitments
them from early girlhood. Since the creation of the
were fulfilled, they would have little effect in the
Ministry of Advancement of Women in 1980, several
absence of peace.
awareness-raising campaigns had been organized to
promote a more positive image of the role of women in
Concluding comments of the Committee
society and in the family. A study on customary laws
and the rights of women had been conducted by the
Introduction
Ministry of Advancement of Women and non-
governmental organizations to develop strategies to 204. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
eliminate all harmful customs and practices. Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
for ratifying the Convention in 1985 without
201. The representative noted that the majority of
reservations and for submitting its initial report and
Congolese women remained illiterate and that literacy
second and third periodic reports, together with
programmes had been initiated, targeting girls who
additional information in 1999 to update these reports,
dropped out of school and older women. Despite the
at a most difficult time for the State party.
right of all children to education without distinction
based on sex, race, age and social class, the rate of 205. The Committee also expresses its appreciation to
young girls leaving school was very high, especially in the Congolese Government for sending a large
the rural areas. Efforts were being made by the delegation headed by the Minister for Social Affairs
National Forum on the Rights and Leadership of and the Family, who had made an excellent oral
Congolese Women, in partnership with the private presentation. The Committee appreciates the open-
sector, non-governmental organizations and churches, minded attitude with which the report was presented;
to increase the enrolment rate of young girls in furthermore, the responses to the questions contributed
secondary education. to the constructive dialogue that took place between the
State party and the Committee, leading to a better
202. The representative informed the Committee that
understanding of the situation of Congolese women.
Congolese women had been victims of physical,
psychological and moral violence, but that much of this
Positive aspects
was unreported and undocumented. Young girls also
suffered from various types of sexual violence, 206. The Committee commends the efforts of the
including rape and female genital mutilation. In the Congolese Government to continue to implement the
past several years, awareness-raising campaigns Convention despite the ongoing war and the economic
concerning violence against women had been organized crisis.
by non-governmental organizations in collaboration
207. The Committee notes with satisfaction that
with the Government. A study had been conducted in
despite the prevailing difficult situation, a ministry has
October 1999 by the Ministry of Advancement of
been set up to deal with matters concerning equality
Women and non-governmental organizations to provide
between men and women. The Committee welcomes
a basis for strategies to address violence against
the establishment of the National Women’s Council,
women.
which is responsible for ensuring that a gender-specific
203. In concluding, the representative stated that, approach is integrated into development programmes,
despite the difficulties being experienced by the and in particular its plan of action, which incorporates
country, her Government was making every effort to the Beijing and Cairo Programmes of Action.
eliminate discrimination against women and improve
208. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
the condition of women’s lives, including through the
Government for cooperating with non-governmental
establishment of a national machinery for the
organizations and, in this regard, hopes that the
advancement of women, the elimination of

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relations that they have established with the State will violation of women’s fundamental rights, such as
help to speed up the peace process in the country. dowry, the levirate, polygamy, forced marriage and
female genital mutilation.
Factors and difficulties affecting the
216. The Committee urges the Government to enact
implementation of the Convention
legislation to prohibit such practices. It also
209. One of the main obstacles to the full recommends that the Government work with non-
implementation of the Convention is the current war. governmental organizations and the media to change
The Committee recognizes that the Democratic attitudes through information and awareness-raising
Republic of the Congo has been facing economic, campaigns, the teaching of the Convention in schools
social and political problems related to the war, which and the translation of the Convention into local
have had a negative impact on the whole population, languages so as to accelerate women’s enjoyment of
particularly on girls and women, who are often victims their human rights.
of rape and gender-based violence, and on most
217. The Committee is gravely concerned about the
refugees and displaced persons, who are experiencing
reports of women who were raped, assaulted or
great hardship. The situation is also being aggravated
severely tortured during the war. It is also concerned
by growing inflation, which has eroded the quality of
about the situation of refugee and displaced women
life of millions of women who do not have enough
suffering from the consequences of war and at the
resources to survive.
psychological and mental trauma experienced by
210. The Committee notes that the persistence of women and girls as a result of the forced conscription
prejudices and stereotyped behaviours with respect to of children.
the role of women and men in the family and society,
218. The Committee recommends that the Government
based on the idea of male superiority and the
adopt specific and structural measures, including
consequent subordination of women to men, is a
legislation to protect women from such acts and
serious obstacle to the implementation of the
provide to women victims of violence psychosocial
Convention.
support and socio-economic integration measures. It
also requests the Government to introduce awareness-
Principal areas of concern and
raising measures to emphasize the importance of
recommendations
maintaining human rights standards in times of war. It
211. The Committee notes with concern that despite calls on the Government to ensure that children are not
some legislative gains, the Family Code, the Penal recruited as soldiers.
Code and the Labour Code still contain discriminatory
219. The Committee is concerned about the extent of
provisions.
prostitution, often resulting from poverty, and
212. The Committee recommends that the Government particularly prostitution of girl children.
give the highest priority to the adoption of legislation
220. The Committee urges the Government to adopt
to protect the de jure and de facto equality of women,
and enforce laws that prohibit the prostitution of girl
and to the enforcement of this legislation.
children as well as to introduce appropriate measures
213. The Committee is concerned at the fact that the for the social rehabilitation of prostitutes and to ensure
national machinery and the Ministry of Social Affairs that psycho-educational services are provided, in
and the Family do not have adequate resources to particular to these very young prostitutes. In addition,
implement their plan of action. in view of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, full attention must be paid to
214. The Committee encourages the Government to
the provision of health services for prostitutes.
find the necessary resources to entrench the principle
of gender equality, particularly ensuring the equal 221. The Committee is concerned about the under-
participation of women and men at all levels of representation of women in political life and in the
decision-making. governing bodies of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, including those of the judicial system, and
215. The Committee is concerned at the persistence of
stresses the importance of a social and political
traditional customs and practices, which are in

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environment conducive to improving the situation of 231. The Committee urges the Government to pay the
women in all sectors of public life and in private life. greatest attention to the needs of rural women and to
ensure that they benefit from the policies and
222. The Committee recommends the adoption of
programmes adopted in all spheres, including
temporary special measures with specific objectives, in
recognition of their status as agricultural employees
accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the
who should benefit from the rights accorded by labour
Convention.
law. Rural women’s equal participation in decision-
223. Notwithstanding the efforts made by the making, and access to health services and credit should
Government in the sphere of education, the Committee be ensured. The Committee recommends that more
remains deeply concerned about the low rate of school studies be undertaken on the situation of rural women
enrolment of girls, their high drop-out rate and also the and that more statistical data be collected to provide
high female illiteracy rate, especially in rural areas. guidelines for policies in this sphere.
224. The Committee encourages the Government to 232. The Committee expresses concern about food
step up its efforts by establishing specific programmes taboos, which are not only detrimental to the health of
to reduce female illiteracy and promote the access of women, especially mothers, but also have serious
girls to secondary schools. The Government should consequences for the health of future generations. The
also envisage the provision of free primary education. Committee recommends that the Government address
the issue of eliminating food taboos by raising
225. The Committee is concerned about de jure and de
awareness about their detrimental effects on the health
facto discrimination against women with regard to the
of women.
right to work, particularly the requirement of the
husband’s authorization of a wife’s paid employment 233. The Committee regrets that the reports do not
and reduction of pay during maternity leave. fully abide by its guidelines on the form and content of
initial and periodic reports and do not take into account
226. The Committee urges the Government to amend
its general recommendations.
discriminatory laws in the sphere of employment in
accordance with article 11 of the Convention. 234. The Committee requests that, in preparing its next
report, the Democratic Republic of the Congo take into
227. The Committee notes with deep concern the high
account the Committee’s guidelines and general
rates of maternal and infant mortality, the low rate of
recommendations.
contraceptive use, particularly in rural areas, and the
decline in health services. 235. The Committee encourages the Democratic
Republic of the Congo to deposit its instrument of
228. The Committee calls upon the Government to
acceptance of the amendment to article 20, paragraph
make efforts to improve the use of contraceptive
1, of the Convention concerning the time of meetings
methods, to repeal article 178 of the Penal Code, which
of the Committee.
prohibits the dissemination of contraceptive methods,
and to provide sex education for young people. 236. The Committee urges the Government to sign and
ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention.
229. The Committee requests that the Government
promote the improvement of health services for women 237. The Committee requests that the Government
throughout their life cycle, taking into account the respond in its next report to the specific issues raised in
Committee’s general recommendation 24 on women its concluding comments.
and health.
238. The Committee requests the wide dissemination
230. The Committee is concerned about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo of the present
of rural women, who constitute the majority of the concluding comments in order to make the Congolese
population. In addition, customs and beliefs are most people, and particularly administrators and politicians,
broadly accepted and followed in rural areas, aware of the steps to be taken to ensure de jure and de
preventing women from inheriting or gaining facto equality for women, and the further steps
ownership of land and property. required in that regard. The Committee also requests
the Government to disseminate widely, in particular to
women’s and human rights organizations, the

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Convention, its Optional Protocol, the Committee’s 243. Taking into consideration the high levels of
general recommendations and the Beijing Declaration illiteracy (in rural areas the female literacy rate was 5
and the Platform for Action. per cent, compared to 15.5 per cent for men) and the
persisting bias against educating girls, a national plan
for the education of girls had been developed and the
4. Combined second and third periodic goal of reducing the gap between the educational levels
reports of girls and boys by one third had been established.
Public funds for education had been increased, teachers
Burkina Faso recruited, school infrastructures constructed and special
239. The Committee considered the combined second programmes and incentives to support girls’ education
and third periodic reports of Burkina Faso introduced. In addition, 50 per cent of the students in
(CEDAW/C/BFA/2-3) at its 458th and 459th meetings, newly established satellite schools had to be girls.
on 27 January 1999 (see CEDAW/C/SR.458 and 459). 244. The representative informed the Committee that
maternal and child health programmes had been
Introduction by the State party revised and a multisectoral plan to address HIV/AIDS
240. The representative of Burkina Faso informed the had been introduced. Training programmes for medical
Committee that since ratifying the Convention on the personnel to assist older people had also been
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against developed. Insufficient health coverage in rural areas
Women in 1984, the Government had formulated new and lack of resources and of qualified health personnel
policies and legislation on the equality of rights of both hampered the decentralization of health services, while
spouses and children, women’s access to land reproductive health services did not take the needs of
ownership, income-generating programmes and groups such as men and adolescent girls and boys into
employment-support initiatives for women. She noted account.
that the ratification of the Convention and the Optional 245. The representative drew attention to the different
Protocol was incorporated into the country’s struggle forms of violence, including physical and
for development and she expressed gratitude to the psychological violence, perpetrated by men against
United Nations for initiatives to promote women’s women in vulnerable situations. Steps had been taken
empowerment. to eradicate traditional harmful practices against
241. The representative informed the Committee that women, particularly prevalent in the rural areas.
women in her country faced sociocultural and Female genital mutilation had been prohibited by the
economic discrimination, particularly in the rural areas Penal Code in 1996, which established severe
where 84.6 per cent of the population lived and where punishments for perpetrators of all forms of genital
deeply-rooted traditions and customs shaped daily life. mutilation. The practice of levirate had been prohibited
The representative drew attention to the extreme by the Individual and Family Code, while legislation
poverty of 44.4 per cent of the population, a majority existed with regard to rape, adultery and polygamy.
of them women, and the slim possibilities they had to 246. Despite specific legislation on agrarian reform,
participate in major economic enterprises. She noted which established equality of women and men with
that inequality between women and men resulted from regard to access to land, traditional inheritance
poverty, illiteracy, traditional norms and stereotypes practices weakened women’s security and access to
nurtured by the patriarchal system. land that they customarily owned. The Government
242. The representative indicated that, despite efforts was committed to elaborating adequate legislation to
to promote and improve the situation of women, promote the upward economic mobility and
challenges remained. The maternal mortality rate was development of rural women. Such women had access
very high (531 per 100,000 live births), as was the to training, material and agrarian extension services.
fertility rate, and contraceptive use was low. In Many of the projects were supported by international
addition, the majority of the population was under 18 and bilateral donor countries.
years of age. 247. The representative informed the Committee that
credit was available to women through savings and

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credit banks. A Support Fund for Women’s Gainful second and third periodic reports and the objective
Activities had been established in 1990, but obstacles analysis of the situation of women in Burkina Faso.
persisted with respect to women’s access to finance,
252. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
including lack of information with regard to credit
Government of Burkina Faso for sending a large, high-
opportunities and the disapproval expressed by
level delegation, headed by the Minister for the
husbands of the economic and entrepreneurial activities
Advancement of Women. The Committee welcomes the
of their wives. The representative added that legislation
fact that the delegation established a constructive,
had been enacted in 1998 to ensure equal access to
frank and sincere dialogue with the members of the
employment and equal income for women and men in
Committee and provided, in its replies to the
the public sector.
Committee’s questions and in its oral statement,
248. The representative drew attention to the fact that, additional information and recent statistics concerning
in spite of deeply rooted sociocultural practices, areas of concern to the Committee, namely, education,
illiteracy and the social division of labour that health and employment, particularly in rural areas.
prevented women’s empowerment, the Government of
253. The Committee applauds the Government of
Burkina Faso had been able to promote women to
Burkina Faso for its steadfast political will and its
public decision-making posts. Since the presentation of
determination to achieve progress in the status of
the initial report, the number of women ministers,
women, despite a difficult socio-economic situation,
deputies, members of parliament and ambassadors had
and to explain the provisions of the Convention.
considerably increased. The representative highlighted
strategies and policies that had been adopted to 254. The Committee also commends the Government
promote women to decision-making posts in the public of Burkina Faso for having involved women’s
and private sectors and noted that the national plan of associations and non-governmental organizations in the
action included the social mobilization of different preparation of its reports and for continuing to work in
sectors, encompassing political parties, ministries, non- close collaboration with them.
governmental organizations and civil society, so as to
255. The Committee applauds the Government for its
ensure the portrayal of a positive image of women.
expressed desire to ratify the Optional Protocol.
249. The representative described the establishment of
coordination structures, institutional mechanisms and Positive aspects
information and research centres for the promotion of
256. The Committee commends the Government for
women, and the introduction of focal points in various
having adopted new legal and institutional measures
ministries, which were all part of efforts to mainstream
since the submission of the initial report in order to
a gender perspective into all policies, programmes and
implement the Convention and fulfil its commitments
public life.
vis-à-vis the international community. The Committee
250. In conclusion, the representative noted that the notes with satisfaction that the Individual and Family
Government had introduced specific measures to assist Code restores to women their fundamental rights and
particularly vulnerable women, such as women with establishes the principles of equal consent to marriage,
disabilities, prostitutes, older women and women choice of residence of the spouses during the marriage
victims of violence. Measures included policies to and the right to succession for the surviving spouse.
prevent discrimination and trafficking in women and to The Code also regulates the marriageable age and
increase the empowerment of women, through establishes monogamy as the legal form of marital
protective legislation and economic and social union.
programmes.
257. The Committee congratulates the Government on
the fact that the 1991 Constitution recognizes the
Concluding comments of the Committee
principle of equality and non-discrimination against
women.
Introduction
258. The Committee commends the Government on
251. The Committee commends the Government of
the fact that, as a result of the revision of the labour
Burkina Faso on the excellent presentation of its
code in 1992, the principle of equality has been

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confirmed and a definition of discrimination has been social practices, attitudes and beliefs derive from an
established. overwhelmingly rural population with low levels of
literacy and are contributing to the delay in the
259. The Committee notes that the May 1996 law on
advancement of women.
agrarian and land reorganization has accorded women
the same rights and conditions of access to land as 266. The Committee urges the Government to adopt all
men. appropriate measures and policies to develop the
sociocultural climate to the benefit of women. The
260. The Committee welcomes the establishment in
Committee calls on the Ministry for the Advancement
June 1997 of the Ministry for the Advancement of
of Women, with the cooperation of non-governmental
Women, which demonstrates the Government’s interest
organizations, intellectuals, religious leaders and the
in the development of women’s rights. The Committee
media, to encourage a change in people’s way of
also notes with satisfaction that the Ministry for the
thinking and accelerate the process of the emancipation
Advancement of Women has designated a focal point in
of women through law reform, information, education
all the ministries involved in the follow-up of national
and communications, particularly in rural areas, so that
policies and programmes to benefit women in order to
a change takes place in women’s view of themselves
incorporate a gender-specific approach at the level of
and society as a whole recognizes that the participation
analysis and to evaluate the results achieved.
of women is necessary for the development of Burkina
261. The Committee particularly commends the Faso.
Government of Burkina Faso on the provisions and
267. The Committee is very concerned about the
policies adopted in conjunction with all civil society to
female illiteracy rate, particularly in rural areas, which
eradicate the practice of genital mutilation, which
is one of the highest in the world.
infringes on the right to personal security and the
physical and moral integrity of girls and threatens their 268. The Committee recommends that the Government
lives and health. accord priority to the education of girls and women,
seeking international assistance, in order to ensure and
262. The Committee notes with satisfaction the
promote universal enrolment of girls and preclude
promulgation of a provision in the penal code in 1996
dropouts. It calls on the Government to allocate more
which prohibits and punishes female genital mutilation.
financial and human resources to the education sector,
to recruit more women teachers and to ensure that
Factors and difficulties affecting the
school textbooks no longer carry negative images of
implementation of the Convention
women.
263. The Committee notes that the economic
269. The Committee also recommends that, in addition
difficulties, resulting mainly from the scarcity of State
to formal education, the Government should focus its
resources and the discriminatory customary and
efforts on informal education and the campaign against
traditional practices, which are still a heavy burden for
illiteracy through programmes targeted at girls and
the women of Burkina Faso, exacerbate the very high
women. The Committee urges the Government to take
illiteracy rate and therefore hinder the implementation
into account the importance of civic education for
of the Convention.
women and the family and the teaching of human
264. The Committee also notes that all the human rights throughout the school curriculum.
development indicators — particularly in rural areas —
270. The Committee, while welcoming the State
are among the lowest in the continent and constitute a
party’s efforts to analyse and identify the various forms
serious obstacle to the implementation of the
of violence against women, is concerned about the
Convention.
absence of legislative texts and policies which would
specifically protect women who are victims of
Principal areas of concern and
domestic and sexual violence.
recommendations
271. The Committee recommends that the Government
265. The Committee is concerned about the prevalence
should take adequate legislative and structural
of discriminatory traditions and customs which
measures and provide assistance to those women. The
accentuate stereotypes and resist all change. These

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Committee also recommends that, as in the case of the 277. The Committee is concerned that, despite the law
campaign to combat genital mutilation, education and on agrarian and land reform, which establishes equality
awareness-raising activities on the phenomenon of between men and women with regard to land,
violence within the family and sexual violence should prejudices and customary rights are once again
be directed towards the police force, judges, health- hindering the implementation of this law.
care providers and the media, so that their efforts can
278. The Committee recommends that the State party
be more effective. A legal education campaign directed
encourage the services concerned to take into account
at women is desirable, so that they are better aware of
the rights of women to property and to provide them
their rights.
with the necessary credit.
272. The Committee is concerned about the low level
279. The Committee stresses, with concern, that
of representation of women, particularly in elective
although the laws prohibit all discrimination against
bodies.
women at the level of employment, men and women
273. The Committee recommends that the State party are segregated and differentiated at the time of
implement temporary special measures set forth in recruitment and in the allocation of responsibilities, as
article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and use a well as in levels of remuneration.
quota system in order to achieve a substantial
280. The Committee recommends that, in both the
improvement in the number of women in Parliament
public and the private sectors, the State party ensure
and increase their participation in political life and
strict respect for labour laws, and take measures to
decision-making.
eliminate discrimination in employment.
274. The Committee is particularly concerned about
281. The Committee notes that the Government has
the precarious state of women’s health, especially in
taken measures in the Individual and Family Code to
rural areas. The high rates of maternal and infant
place restrictions on the practice of polygamy, but it
mortality caused by infectious diseases and
remains concerned that the great majority of women
malnutrition result from the lack of local health-care
are unaware of these rules.
centres and adequate health-care providers. The
Committee notes with concern the lack of access for 282. The Committee recommends that the Government
women to family planning services. work towards the elimination of the practice of
polygamy. It recommends that it ensure enforcement of
275. The Committee recommends that the Government
the Individual and Family Code and protect the rights
pay particular attention to this problem in order to
of women. It also recommends that the Government
improve the indicators of women’s health. It
embark on a comprehensive public effort, in
recommends that national reproductive health
cooperation with non-governmental organizations,
programmes be drawn up both for women and for girls
directed at both women and men, to change existing
in order to prevent early pregnancy and induced
attitudes regarding polygamy, and in particular to
abortion.
educate women on their rights and how to avail
276. The Committee recommends that the access of themselves of these rights. The Committee also
women to primary health services and drinking water recommends that the Government take measures to
be facilitated. It encourages the Government to protect the human rights of women who are already in
integrate family planning services in primary health polygamous unions.
care so that women can have easier access to them. The
283. The Committee urges the Government to deposit
Committee recommends that the State party organize
its instrument of acceptance of the amendment to
awareness-raising and information activities for women
article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention relating to
about contraceptive measures and involve men in those
the time of meetings of the Committee.
activities. It also recommends that the State party
review its legislation on abortion and provide for 284. The Committee also urges the Government to
coverage by social security. The Committee further sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention
recommends that the female population be made aware as soon as possible.
of the risks and consequences of sexually transmitted
diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

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285. The Committee calls upon the Government of contributing to the improvement of women’s overall
Burkina Faso to include information on the subjects of social situation.
concern raised in these concluding comments in the
289. The representative underlined that on 10
next periodic report, which it is required to submit in
December 1999, Germany had signed the Optional
accordance with article 18 of the Convention.
Protocol to the Convention. The ratification process
286. The Committee requests the wide dissemination would be initiated in 2000, together with acceptance of
in Burkina Faso of the present concluding comments so the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the
that the people, and particularly administrators and Convention. In the light of the recent decision of the
politicians, are made aware of the steps to be taken to European Court of Justice on Germany’s prohibition
ensure de jure and de facto equality for women, and the that women bear arms, Germany would assess its
further steps required in that regard. It also requests the reservation to article 7, subparagraph (b) of the
Government to disseminate widely, in particular to Convention.
women’s and human rights organizations, the
290. In her presentation, the representative focused on
Convention, its Optional Protocol, the Committee’s
two key priorities of the current Government’s equal
general recommendations, the Beijing Declaration and
rights policy, namely the women and work programme
the Platform for Action.
and the action plan to combat violence against women.
The women and work programme aimed at ensuring
5. Combined second and third periodic better use of women’s skills in all sectors of society, to
reports and fourth periodic reports provide new impetus for equal opportunity at work and
to promote equal participation in the workforce and
Germany society. While women were better educated than ever
before and represented 42 per cent of all gainfully
287. The Committee considered the combined second employed or self-employed persons, they continued to
and third periodic reports and fourth periodic report of suffer inequalities in the distribution of family work
Germany (CEDAW/C/DEU/2-3 and 4) at its 464th and and in the allocation of training places and jobs. Their
465th meetings, on 1 February 2000 (see wages remained below those of men, they held 90 per
CEDAW/C/SR.464 and 465). cent of all part-time jobs, were concentrated in few
occupational groups and ranked lower in the business
Introduction by the State party hierarchy.
288. The representative of Germany noted that the 291. Consequently, the women and work programme
change in Government in September 1998 had led to would address various areas to assist in implementing
new priorities in the country’s equal rights policy. Ten the Convention. A draft bill would be prepared to
years had passed since the reunification of Germany increase the number of women in the federal
and since the presentation of its initial report, thus administration and in policy advisory bodies. The
providing an occasion to assess developments of equal under-representation of women in management
rights and equal opportunities in unified Germany. The positions in German business and industry would be
transition from the economic and social system of the addressed through the elaboration of effective equal
former German Democratic Republic to a system based opportunity regulations for the private sector since
on parliamentary democracy, federalism and the social voluntary action alone was not enough. A group of
market economy had entailed painful adjustments for experts had been established to make recommendations
the people living in the East. Women had often been that would gain wide acceptance and take into account
severely affected by the negative effects of that the great diversity of companies. In order to address the
process. Labour market and social policy measures had still considerable differences in women’s and men’s
helped to soften the effects of the radical changes for wages, the Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior
women in the new Länder (states). Having enjoyed full Citizens, Women and Youth would submit a report on
employment prior to unification, women’s equal pay and the economic situation of women to the
unemployment rate in the new Länder, while declining, German Bundestag. The report would examine the
was still 20.7 per cent. New public and non- primary causes of wage discrimination, which, due to
governmental institutions had also emerged, the clear legal situation, was no longer the result of

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direct wage discrimination against women. Measures to regions. The sixth report on families had, for the first
create opportunities for women in the expanding time, examined the situation of foreign families in
information technology sector would be undertaken, Germany, and a representative study would be
as would measures to encourage women’s commissioned soon to assess the living situation and
entrepreneurship. In cooperation with the Länder, social integration of foreign women and girls. That
efforts to improve equal opportunities for women in report was expected to serve as a basis for further
teaching and research would continue and a target of measures in this area. The entry into force of the new
20 per cent women holding professorships in law on nationality on 1 January 2000 also benefited
institutions of higher education by the year 2005 had foreign women and their children.
been set. Measures were planned to reconcile family
294. In conclusion, the representative noted that the
and career through greater work flexibility for
many initiatives undertaken by the current federal
women and men, flexibility of child-raising leave,
Government needed to be translated into practice in the
improvement of childcare institutions and the
coming years. They would further the achievement of
promotion of a new male image to help men fit into the
real equality for women and men and serve to
role of equal sharers in family work and child-raising.
implement the Convention more effectively than in the
292. Turning to the action plan to combat violence past.
against women, the representative pointed out that past
measures, while leading to improvements in certain Concluding comments of the Committee
areas, had not brought about a real and sustained
reduction in violence against women in German Introduction
society. The current plan had been drawn up as a
295. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
comprehensive overall concept, involving all
Government of Germany for submitting a detailed
authorities and non-governmental organizations dealing
combined second and third periodic report, as well as a
with violence against women. Since the plan applied to
fourth periodic report containing data disaggregated by
areas within the jurisdiction of the Länder and
sex, and following the Committee’s guidelines for the
municipalities, a working group would be set up to
preparation of periodic reports. It commends the
foster cooperation between the federal Government and
Government for the comprehensive written replies to
the Länder, with the inclusion of non-governmental
the Committee’s questions and its oral presentation,
organizations. The plan focused on a number of areas,
which provided additional information on recent
including prevention, with attention to the particular
developments in the State party. It appreciates the open
situation of disabled women and girls, older women
manner in which the State party shared with the
and foreign women and girls; legislation, with
Committee its analysis of the situation of women and
particular attention to improving the protection of
identified areas for further progress.
women victims of domestic violence under civil law,
combating sexual harassment in the workplace and 296. The Committee commends the Government of
fighting trafficking in women; cooperation among Germany for having sent a large delegation with a
institutions and projects, with working groups being set broad range of expertise, which was headed by the
up on trafficking in women and on domestic violence; Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry
nationwide networking of assistance services; work for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
with offenders, in particular through rehabilitation Their participation enhanced the quality of the
programmes for perpetrators; awareness-building constructive dialogue between the State party and the
among experts and the public at large; and international Committee. The Committee notes that the reports also
cooperation. refer to steps taken by the Government to implement
the Beijing Platform for Action.
293. The representative drew attention to several areas
where progress had been made or where there was an
Positive aspects
acute need for action. A first comprehensive study had
been commissioned to assess the health situation of 297. The Committee commends the Government on its
German women. Rural women benefited from a commitment to achieving equal rights and equal
number of projects to support structural change in rural opportunities for women, reflected in the progress

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made in the implementation of the Convention since paragraph 1, of the Convention concerning the time of
the consideration of the initial report in 1990. The meetings of the Committee.
Committee welcomes the steps taken by the
303. The Committee notes that the Government, in
Government following the reunification of Germany to
assessing the implication of a decision of the European
support the many adjustments required from the
Court of Justice concerning the role of women in the
people, especially the women, of the former German
German armed forces, will evaluate its reservation to
Democratic Republic in the transition to an economic
article 7, subparagraph b, of the Convention.
and social system based on parliamentary democracy,
federalism and the social market economy.
Factors and difficulties affecting the
298. The Committee welcomes the amendment of implementation of the Convention
article 3 of the Basic Law, which adds the commitment
304. The Committee notes that there are no significant
of the State to the promotion of women’s de facto
factors or difficulties that prevent the effective
equality with men and the removal of existing
implementation of the Convention in Germany.
disadvantages to the constitutional guarantee of equal
rights of women and men.
Principal areas of concern and
299. The Committee commends the Government on its recommendations
wide-ranging legislative and policy initiatives and the
305. The Committee, while noting the wealth of
programmes and projects aimed at giving effect to the
information concerning legislation, policy and specific
constitutional guarantee of equal rights of women and
measures designed to ensure compliance with the
men. In particular, it welcomes the adoption of the
Convention, is nonetheless concerned at the general
second Equal Rights Act of 1994, the amendment of
absence of assessment and evaluation of these
the Penal Law, making marital rape and sexual
initiatives.
coercion a punishable offence, and the action plan to
combat violence against women. It commends the 306. The Committee urges the State party to place
Government on its women and work programme aimed greater emphasis, in its next periodic report, on the
at ensuring women’s equal participation in all sectors assessment and evaluation of all measures taken to
of society. It welcomes the Government’s extensive use eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of
of temporary special measures, in accordance with their lives, and to set time-frames within which it
article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, for the intends to achieve its goals.
realization of de facto equality for women.
307. The Committee is concerned that, although a
300. The Committee commends the Government on series of measures has been adopted, the
the recent advances made in the participation of women implementation of the Convention for women living in
in the political sphere, particularly with respect to the the new Länder continues to lag behind that with
representation of women in the Parliament. regard to those living in the old Länder. It is concerned
that women in the new Länder used to enjoy full
301. The Committee commends the State party on the
employment but now account for 20.7 per cent of the
extensive network of institutional mechanisms at
unemployed. That is a disproportionately high
federal, state and local levels that support and promote
percentage compared to that of unemployed men in the
the implementation of the country’s equal rights
new Länder as well as to the overall unemployment
policies. It appreciates the fact that resources for the
rate of women in Germany.
Federal Ministry aimed at realizing equal opportunities
for women have increased continuously between 1986 308. The Committee urges the Government to continue
and 1997. its targeted efforts to improve the situation of women
in the new Länder in the area of work and employment,
302. The Committee congratulates the State party for
as well as their overall social well-being.
having signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention,
on 10 December 1999, and welcomes its stated 309. The Committee is concerned that the
intention to initiate in 2000 the process of ratifying the programmes, laws and policies introduced by the
Optional Protocol and the amendment of article 20, Government have failed to ensure that the
Constitutional obligation to promote the

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implementation of de facto equality for women is developing guidelines or directives to assist the
understood as a societal responsibility and achieved in partners in collective wage bargaining in determining
practice. comparable wage structures in sectors dominated by
women. The Committee urges the Government to
310. The Committee urges the Government to take
monitor closely the impact of its new programme on
measures to ensure that public officials, including law
women and work so as to ensure that it achieves its
enforcement officials, contribute to the realization of
stated aims of advancing equal opportunities of women
this principle in the entire territory of the country. It
and men in the working world and in the family and
urges the Government to ensure that tertiary and
does not perpetuate gender stereotypes.
continuing legal education of lawyers and the judiciary
adequately covers the evolving understanding of 313. The Committee expresses its concern at the
equality and non-discrimination and international persistence of stereotypical and traditional attitudes
norms and standards in that regard. It also urges the about the roles and responsibilities of women and men
Government to ensure the availability of effective in private and in public life. The Committee notes that
domestic remedies and their accessibility to women, that persistence is reflected in women’s predominance
especially in the light of the pending entry into force of in part-time work, their main responsibility for family
the Optional Protocol to the Convention. It also and caring work, occupational segregation, men’s
encourages the Government to refer directly to the extremely low participation in parental leave, at 1.5 per
Convention in its legislative, policy and programmatic cent of those taking parental leave in 1997, and the
initiatives, since the Convention is legally binding and taxation of married couples. The Committee is
such use would increase awareness of the international concerned that measures aimed at the reconciliation of
commitments entered into by the State party. family and work entrench stereotypical expectations
for women and men. In that regard, the Committee is
311. The Committee expresses its concern at the
concerned at the unmet need for kindergarten places for
continuing disadvantages women face in many aspects
the 0-3 age group, that the proportion of all-day
of work and the economy. In particular, the Committee
kindergartens was only 34.8 per cent in 1994 and that
is concerned at the persistence of the wage gap
childcare centres were available for only 5.1 per cent of
between women and men, notwithstanding women’s
school-age children, especially since all-day schools
high educational achievements, with women earning on
are the exception in Germany.
average 77 per cent of men’s earnings. It is concerned
that, in 1997, although women accounted for 42.1 per 314. The Committee urges the Government to study
cent of the gainfully employed population, they the impact of measures aimed at reconciliation of work
comprised 88 per cent of the persons working in part- and family responsibilities so as to create a firm basis
time employment and 55.9 per cent of the unemployed. for policies and programmes that will accelerate
The Committee is concerned that those differences are change and eradicate stereotypical attitudes. The
indicative of the persistence of indirect discrimination Committee urges the State party to develop more
against women in the labour market. It is also programmes and policies targeted at men to accelerate
concerned that part-time work tends to be in low- the changing of attitudes and behaviour. It calls on the
skilled employment, offering fewer opportunities for State party to consider the introduction of non-
professional advancement. transferable parental leave for fathers to increase the
number of men that share responsibility for childcare
312. The Committee calls on the Government to
and child-rearing. It urges the Government to improve
ensure that the definition of discrimination contained in
the availability of care places for school-age children
article 1 of the Convention, in particular the
to facilitate women’s re-entry into the labour market. It
Convention’s prohibition of indirect discrimination, is
also recommends that the State party assess the current
fully integrated into its legislation, especially its labour
legal provisions on the taxation of married couples
legislation. In this regard, it welcomes the
(“splitting”) and its impact on the perpetuation of
Government’s intention to prepare a report on equal
stereotypical expectations for married women.
pay which will examine the primary causes of wage
discrimination. The Committee calls on the State party 315. The Committee is concerned at the limited efforts
to examine existing formulae for the determination of and measures in place to extend women’s equal rights
equal work and work of equal value, with a view to and equal opportunities into the private sector.

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316. The Committee calls on the Government to legislation and measures to ensure that women victims
increase its legislative and regulatory efforts to ensure of domestic violence have immediate means of redress
that women are protected against all forms of and protection. It also calls on the Government to take
discrimination in the private sector and to increase measures aimed at creating zero tolerance for such
measures aimed at achieving de facto equality. It also violence, and to make it socially and morally
encourages the Government to intensify its interaction unacceptable. The Committee further recommends that
with the private sector, including through incentives measures be taken to sensitize the judiciary to all forms
and other non-legislative measures, as well as with of violence against women that constitute
unions and with women’s organizations to achieve that infringements of the human rights of women under the
goal. Convention, particularly taking into account the
increased vulnerability of foreign women to such
317. The Committee is concerned at the often
violence.
precarious social and economic situation of foreign
women living in Germany. It is also concerned at the 321. The Committee is concerned at the incidence of
incidences of xenophobic and racist attacks in the State trafficking in women and girls.
party and notes the vulnerabilities that foreign women
322. The Committee urges the Government to
can face on the multiple grounds of sex, ethnicity and
recognize that trafficked women are victims of human
race.
rights violations in need of protection and, accordingly,
318. Noting the Government’s intention to commission to provide assistance to them. It also urges the
a study on the living situation and social integration of Government to increase efforts of cross-border and
foreign women and girls, the Committee requests the international cooperation, especially with countries of
Government to undertake a comprehensive assessment origin and transit, to reduce the incidence of trafficking
of the situation of foreign women, including their and to prosecute traffickers. It calls on the Government
access to education and training, work and work- to ensure that trafficked women have the support that
related benefits, health care and social protection, and they need so that they can provide testimony against
to provide such information in its next report. The their traffickers. It also urges that training of border
Committee calls on the Government to improve the police and law enforcement officials provide them with
collection of data and statistics disaggregated by sex the requisite skills to recognize and provide support to
and race/ethnicity of victims of violence motivated by victims of trafficking. It also recommends that the
xenophobia and racism, to put in place adequate Government review its procedures for issuance of visas
protection mechanisms and to ensure that foreign to dependent spouses, taking into consideration that
women victims of such attacks are made aware of their such spouses may be vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
rights and have access to effective remedies. It also
323. The Committee is concerned at the continuing
urges the Government to strengthen its efforts for the
stereotypical portrayal of women, especially of foreign
social integration of foreign women through
women, in the media.
educational and employment services, and through
awareness-raising of the population. It also 324. The Committee urges the Government to support
recommends that steps be taken to combat domestic the important role of the media in changing
violence and violence within the family and to increase stereotypical attitudes to women. It recommends that
foreign women’s awareness about the availability of opportunities be created for the portrayal of positive,
legal remedies and means of social protection. non-traditional images of women and to encourage and
facilitate the use of self-regulatory mechanisms in the
319. The Committee, while welcoming the
media to reduce discriminatory and stereotypical
Government’s action plan on violence against women,
portrayals of women.
is concerned at the remaining gaps in protecting
women against violence in the family and in society. 325. The Committee is concerned that, although they
are legally obliged to pay taxes, prostitutes still do not
320. The Committee urges the Government to ensure
enjoy the protection of labour and social law.
the systematic implementation of the plan and to
monitor its impact in the areas of emphasis identified 326. The Committee recommends that the Government
in the plan. In particular, the Committee recommends improve the legislative situation affecting these women

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so as to render them less vulnerable to exploitation and Introduction by the State party
increase their social protection.
335. The representative of Belarus noted that since the
327. Noting the Government’s intention to amend the submission of the second periodic report in 1992,
Aliens Act on the legal status of foreign spouses, the significant changes had occurred for women in Belarus
Committee is concerned at the situation of alien women in the context of economic and social transition. She
seeking residence in the State party. emphasized the positive impact in Belarus of the
outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women
328. The Committee urges the Government to continue
and her country’s elaboration and implementation of a
to improve the legislative and social protection of alien
national action plan for the period 1996-2000. She also
women, especially of women asylum seekers.
noted the importance of implementing the Convention
329. The Committee urges the Government to deposit and other international documents and addressing
its instrument of acceptance of the amendment to issues of equality between women and men and
article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention as soon as indicated that the Government intended to sign the
possible. Optional Protocol to the Convention. Particular
attention had been given to the areas of labour,
330. The Committee also urges the Government to
decision-making, family and social protection, health,
ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention.
education, prevailing gender stereotypes and violence
331. The Committee requests that the Government against women. Nonetheless, many obstacles related to
respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues the transition, and the insufficient understanding of
raised in these concluding comments. gender issues by society had hampered efforts to
achieve full equality between women and men and the
332. The Committee also requests that the Government
implementation of the Convention.
engage in a broad consultative process with women’s
non-governmental organizations, including those that 336. Many legislative and policy changes had occurred
represent foreign women, when preparing its next and new alliances had been forged or strengthened
report. between the Government, local authorities, the
Parliament, women’s groups, civil society and
333. The Committee requests the wide dissemination
international organizations. Centres offering training
in Germany of the present concluding comments in
and curricula in gender and women’s studies had been
order to make the people of Germany, particularly
created. The collection of gender-sensitive information
government administrators and politicians, aware of the
and data had improved and numerous publications,
steps that have been taken to ensure de jure and de
awareness-raising campaigns and seminars had
facto equality for women and the future steps that are
contributed to greater visibility and better
required in that regard. It also requests the Government
understanding of gender equality issues by the public.
to continue to disseminate widely, in particular to
women’s and human rights organizations, the 337. Violence against women had been recognized as a
Convention and its Optional Protocol, the Committee’s social problem. The 1997 Penal Code addressed
general recommendations and the Beijing Declaration violence against women in all its forms and included
and Platform for Action. provisions relating to the protection of victims,
witnesses and their families. In 1998, the first women’s
crisis centre had been established and awareness-
6. Third periodic reports raising campaigns, the provision of information and the
publication of studies had been initiated. A
Belarus forthcoming criminal code would strengthen
334. The Committee considered the third periodic regulations and penalties in cases of trafficking in
report of Belarus (CEDAW/C/BLR/3) at its 460th and persons, violations of equal rights of citizens and all
461st meetings, on 28 January 2000 (see forms of exploitation, including sexual exploitation and
CEDAW/C/SR.460 and 461). direct and indirect violence.
338. The representative stated that women’s political
participation at the highest decision-making levels

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remained low, with 4.5 per cent women in the national 341. The economic and social transition had been
Parliament, only one woman cabinet minister and two particularly difficult for rural women, whose living
women ambassadors, despite the attention given to the conditions, in general, were more difficult than those of
issue by policy makers. She noted that women’s women living in urban areas. Rural women’s share of
participation at the higher levels of administration, unremunerated work at home and on the farm was
management, the judiciary and in local parliaments had higher. Despite efforts to modernize agriculture and
increased, with the number of women reaching 37 per village infrastructures and to ensure proper
cent on average. educational, health and social services to women,
progress remained insufficient.
339. The representative noted that the difficulties of
transition, including declining living standards and 342. Increased attention had been paid to women’s
increasing daily workloads, as well as the aftermath of roles as mothers and to the family and its needs, so as
the disaster in Chernobyl, had had a negative impact on to increase its protection. Changes in legislation had
the health status of women and children. However, brought assistance to families, in particular to single
health care and medical institutions in all areas had mothers with children. These included: additional
been strengthened, with particular attention being financial resources for single mothers with a child
given to prenatal, childbirth and childcare-related below 18 months of age or a disabled child below 16
services and the provision of medication. Advice to years; and assistance in kind to families with children
mothers, including awareness campaigns to promote with special needs, families with numerous children
breastfeeding, was also provided. A national plan and children with HIV/AIDS. In view of the high rate
focusing on reproductive health, including family of divorce affecting one family in two, the diminishing
planning, was being developed. Special legal number of marriages and high number of orphans,
regulations, policies and programmes had been legislative and policy measures had also addressed the
instituted to provide assistance to the victims of the needs of young families, education for family life,
Chernobyl disaster, including medical advice to reconciliation of work and family life, social support
pregnant women and mothers. services, human rights, including women’s and
children’s rights, and the situation of orphans. Family-
340. The restructuring of the economy, changes in the
oriented policies, however, had been criticized by some
labour market and budgetary cuts in the social sphere,
feminist groups on the grounds that they
combined with the prevailing unequal distribution of
overemphasized women’s traditional roles in the family
domestic tasks between women and men, had been
and weakened their position in the labour market,
having a negative impact on women, who were among
rather than supporting equal division of responsibilities
the most vulnerable social groups. There were cases
between women and men in all spheres of life.
when women were the first to be fired and the last to be
hired in the changing labour market. Living standards, 343. The representative informed the Committee that
in particular for single mothers, women in low-income the creation of national machinery for the advancement
families, women with disabilities and elderly women, of women had been recognized as a critical element for
had decreased. Training courses in non-traditional the implementation of gender and women-specific
areas such as management, marketing and auditing had programmes and for meeting international
been introduced to redress these factors and women commitments. The representative acknowledged that
also received financial and in-kind assistance. Newly while Belarus still lacked sufficient financial resources,
created jobs often included quotas for women and skills and public awareness to create fully functioning
vulnerable groups and women occupied more than half machinery, elements were currently in place in various
of the 20,000 work places created in 1999. Special sectors of the Government and in Parliament. They
protective provisions were in place for pregnant were responsible for data collection, development of
women workers, women with children below 3 years of indicators, monitoring the implementation of
age and single mothers with children between the ages governmental policies and the elaboration of measures
of 3 and 14. Cases of discrimination against female of assistance for women and children.
workers and of non-compliance with labour regulations
344. Among the practical steps taken by the
by employers had been addressed through conciliatory
Government to improve the situation of women were
means, or — in one third of the cases — in the courts.
special programmes for gender education, practical

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activities for the elimination of violence against also commends the Government for recognizing
women, as well as close cooperation with UNDP, trafficking in women as an emerging problem,
UNICEF and non-governmental organizations in the requiring sustained attention.
field of gender issues.
350. The Committee notes that human rights education
has been introduced into curricula, including teaching
Concluding comments of the Committee
on the human rights of women. It also notes that gender
education is being introduced at tertiary educational
Introduction
institutions.
345. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
351. The Committee commends the Government for
Government of Belarus for submitting its third periodic
recognizing the difficult economic situation women
report, which follows the Committee’s guidelines and
face in Belarus, in particular with regard to women’s
provided data disaggregated by sex. It notes the
employment and the incidence of poverty among
Government’s efforts to provide written replies to the
women. It also commends the efforts undertaken by the
Committee’s questions, which provided additional
Government to alleviate the situation.
information on the current situation of women in
Belarus and the status of implementation of the 352. The Committee notes the Government’s attempts
Convention and of the implementation of the Beijing to deal with the health impact of the Chernobyl
Platform for Action. disaster.
346. The Committee commends the Government of 353. The Committee welcomes the Government’s
Belarus for having sent a delegation headed by the intention to sign, at an early date, the Optional Protocol
Deputy Minister of Justice and including officials from to the Convention.
the national machinery for the advancement of women.
The Committee welcomes the open and constructive Factors and difficulties affecting the
dialogue established between the State party and the implementation of the Convention
Committee, which enabled the Committee to obtain a
354. The Committee considers that the negative effects
better understanding of the present situation of women
of the ongoing transition of the country to a market-
in Belarus.
based economy and the resulting levels of women’s
unemployment and poverty are major impediments to
Positive aspects
the full implementation of the Convention.
347. The Committee commends the Government for
the adoption, in 1996, of a national plan of action to Principal areas of concern and
improve the situation of women for the period 1996- recommendations
2000 and of a national programme entitled “Women of
355. The Committee is concerned that the absence of
the Republic of Belarus”.
an enabling environment in the country prevents
348. The Committee welcomes the efforts made to women from fully participating in all aspects of public
establish a national machinery for the advancement of life in accordance with articles 3, 7 and 8 of the
women and to achieve equality between women and Convention. The Committee is in particular concerned
men. It appreciates the work undertaken by the at the small number of women holding political and
Administration of Family and Gender Issues Section of decision-making positions.
the Ministry of Social Welfare and by the Centre for
356. The Committee recommends that the Government
Gender Information and Policy, which has been created
take all necessary steps to ensure an open and enabling
within the framework of a project on women in the
environment where women have equal opportunity to
development process.
express their opinions and to participate equally in all
349. The Committee commends the Government for aspects of the political process and in civil society
recognizing violence against women as a societal organizations. The Committee notes that such an
problem and for initiating legislation, establishing a environment is necessary for the advancement of
crisis centre for victims of sexual and domestic women and the full implementation of the Convention.
violence and starting awareness-raising activities. It

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357. The Committee expresses its concern that no 362. The Committee recommends the training of
unified State policy is in place to eliminate teachers to strengthen capacity for human rights
discrimination against women and achieve equality education in schools. It also recommends monitoring
between women and men. In particular, the Committee human rights education and gender studies with regard
notes with concern that the Government predominantly to the number of educational establishments offering
uses an approach of service delivery to women rather such education, and also the impact of such education.
than a human rights approach when implementing the
363. The Committee is concerned at the limited
Convention. In addition, such an approach emphasizes
capacity of the national machinery to develop and
the protection of and the delivery of services to women
support the implementation of a national gender
mainly as mothers and members of families, thus
equality policy to accelerate the implementation of the
perpetuating stereotypical attitudes concerning the
Convention.
roles and responsibilities of women.
364. The Committee urges the Government to
358. The Committee urges the Government to reassess
strengthen the status, the human and financial
its overall policy towards women in a manner that
resources as well as the capacity of the national
recognizes women as individuals entitled to the
machinery to gather and analyse data and information
realization of their human rights in accordance with the
and to develop legislative and policy proposals in all
Convention. It calls on the Government, in its new
areas covered by the Convention.
national action plan to improve the situation of women
in Belarus 2001-2005, to take a human-rights-oriented 365. The Committee is concerned at the economic
approach. It also urges the Government to ensure that situation of women, which is characterized by poverty
its gender equality efforts target men as well as women. and unemployment, displacement of women from the
labour market and even from sectors previously
359. The Committee expresses its concern that the
dominated by women. The Committee also notes with
country’s legislation, in particular with regard to
concern that re-employed women hold positions below
women’s role in the labour market, appears to be
their levels of education and skills. The Committee is
overly protective of women as mothers and thus creates
also concerned that women are employed
further obstacles to women’s participation in the labour
predominantly in low-paying jobs and that a wage gap
market.
between women and men persists. The Committee
360. The Committee calls on the Government to expresses its concern at the economic situation of
undertake a comprehensive legislative review so as to particularly vulnerable groups of women, such as those
ensure that the full meaning of article 1 of the with sole responsibility for families, older women and
Convention is reflected in the country’s Constitution women with disabilities.
and legislation. The Committee further urges the
366. The Committee urges the Government to
Government to create adequate remedies for women to
establish a legislative basis that ensures women equal
obtain easy redress from direct and indirect
access to the labour market and equal opportunities to
discrimination, especially in the area of employment. It
work and to create protection against direct and
also calls on the Government to improve women’s
indirect discrimination with regard to access and
access to such remedies, including access to courts, by
opportunities. It calls on the Government to implement
facilitating legal aid to women and embarking on legal
unemployment policies targeted at women. In
literacy campaigns.
particular, it recommends measures to facilitate
361. The Committee is concerned by the continuing women’s entry into growth sectors of the economy
prevalence of sex-role stereotypes and by the rather than into traditionally female-dominated
reintroduction of such symbols as a Mothers’ Day and employment. It calls on the Government to support
a Mothers’ Award, which it sees as encouraging women’s entrepreneurship through the creation of a
women’s traditional roles. It is also concerned whether conducive legislative and regulatory environment and
the introduction of human rights and gender education access to loans and credit.
aimed at countering such stereotyping is being
367. The Committee is concerned that poverty is
effectively implemented.
widespread among women.

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368. The Committee calls on the Government to so as to increase the use of contraception. It also urges
collect data and information on women living in the Government to review its occupational health and
poverty, disaggregated by age and according to urban safety legislation and standards, with a view to
and rural areas, to develop targeted policies and reducing protective standards, which often have a
support services, and make efforts to prevent more discriminatory effect on women in general and
women from falling below the poverty line. pregnant women in particular. It further recommends
the collection of data on illnesses affecting women
369. The Committee is concerned that, although some
more than men and the monitoring of HIV/AIDS
efforts have been made, there is no holistic approach to
prevalence among women. The Committee also
preventing and eliminating violence against women,
recommends further efforts by the Government to
and punishing perpetrators.
address the effects on women and children of the
370. The Committee calls on the Government to assess Chernobyl disaster, availing itself of international
the impact of measures already taken to address the humanitarian assistance.
incidence of violence against women. It recommends
375. The Committee encourages the Government to
addressing the root causes of violence against women,
accept the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the
especially domestic violence, so as to improve the
Convention concerning the time of meetings of the
effectiveness of legislation, policies and programmes
Committee.
aimed at combating such violence. It also recommends
that the legislation on violence against women be 376. The Committee encourages the Government to
reviewed and strengthened. It further recommends that sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the
the Government put in place immediate means of Convention.
redress and increase psychological counselling for
377. The Committee requests that the Government
victims, including for those women who are serving
respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues
prison sentences. The Committee urges the
raised in these concluding comments. It also requests
Government to implement training and sensitization
the Government to improve the collection and analysis
programmes for the judiciary, law enforcement
of data and statistics disaggregated by sex and age in
officials and members of the legal profession, as well
the areas of poverty and violence against women, and
as awareness-raising measures to create zero tolerance
relating to articles 10, 11, 12 and 14 of the Convention,
in society with regard to violence against women.
and to provide them in the next report. It further
371. The Committee expresses its concern about the requests the Government, in its next report, to provide
increasing trend in trafficking for purposes of an assessment of the impact of measures taken to
prostitution of Belarusian women, often under false implement the Convention.
pretences.
378. The Committee requests the wide dissemination
372. The Committee encourages the Government to in Belarus of the present concluding comments, in
increase its efforts, including through international and order to make the people of Belarus, particularly
cross-border cooperation with recipient and transit Government administrators and politicians, aware of
countries, to prevent trafficking in women, attack its the steps that have been taken to ensure de jure and de
root causes through poverty alleviation and assist its facto equality for women and the future steps required
victims through efforts of counselling and in that regard. It also requests the Government to
reintegration. continue to disseminate widely, in particular to
women’s and human rights organizations, the
373. The Committee expresses its concern with regard
Convention and its Optional Protocol, the Committee’s
to women’s health throughout the life cycle.
general recommendations and the Beijing Declaration
374. The Committee urges the Government to maintain and Platform for Action.
adequate and affordable physical and mental health
services for women throughout their life cycle, Luxembourg
including for older women. In particular, the
379. The Committee considered the third periodic
Committee urges the Government to increase
report of Luxembourg (CEDAW/C/LUX/3 and Add.1)
affordable contraceptive choices for women and men

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at its 446th and 447th meetings, on 17 January 2000 their withdrawal. The Government’s proposal to amend
(see CEDAW/C/SR.446 and 447). article 3 of the Constitution on the hereditary
transmission of the crown, which is supported by the
Introduction by the State party Grand Duke, is still being pursued. The representative
did not foresee any action during the current legislative
380. The representative of Luxembourg drew attention
period on the reservation to article 16 on the choice of
to follow-up steps taken after the Committee’s
a child’s surname; the existing legislation did not
consideration of the second periodic report in 1997,
include any provision on the question of imposing
which included wide distribution of the concluding
another family name. The practice of children carrying
comments, a discussion on equality between women
their fathers’ names was strongly rooted in the culture
and men in relation to the Committee’s
of the country.
recommendations in the Parliamentary Commission on
Equality of Opportunity Between Women and Men and 384. The representative underlined the Government’s
on the Advancement of Women of the Chamber of support for the Optional Protocol to the Convention,
Deputies and press coverage. The National Council of which it had signed on 10 December 1999, and hoped
Women of Luxembourg endorsed the recommendations to be among the first to ratify.
of the Committee and underlined the importance of this
385. The representative drew attention to the
international monitoring mechanism for achieving
Government’s policy of consciousness-raising
progress in the status of women in Luxembourg.
concerning the changing roles and responsibilities of
381. The Government had adopted an action plan 2000 women and men. Among actions taken was a project on
for the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and “sharing equality”, which had developed a pedagogic
Platform for Action. The Ministry for the Advancement gender approach. A working group was preparing a
of Women had reissued its publication entitled “Equal project to integrate gender equality aspects into all
rights for girls and boys, for women and men”, basic and continuing education curricula. Teaching and
covering the Convention and actions to implement it in training materials and manuals had also been
Luxembourg. The collection of statistics disaggregated developed, and activities of non-governmental
by sex had also been improved. organizations had been supported. A second strategic
focus was the integration of a gender perspective into
382. The representative stressed the importance of
all policies, with an emphasis on legislation. Since
maintaining the current institutional mechanism for the
September 1998, all legislation must be accompanied
implementation of policies for the advancement of
by a statement on its impact on equality of opportunity.
women and for gender equality in order to guarantee
The introduction of non-transferable parental leave as
implementation of the Convention, as called for in the
of 1 January 1999 was an example of legislative action
Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action. Since
aimed at changing roles.
the creation of the Ministry for the Advancement of
Women in 1995, the Government of Luxembourg had 386. The representative noted that women make up 37
pursued an active policy for the promotion of women’s per cent of the economically active population, with
equality. The new coalition Government, in power frontier workers from neighbouring countries
since August 1999, accorded priority to a policy of constituting about one third of the female labour force.
promotion of the status of women. There were four The traditional family, with the father being the head of
women ministers in the new Government, out of a total the household and working outside the home and the
of 14 ministers. The budget of the Ministry for the mother responsible for the home and social relations,
Advancement of Women, while small, had increased by remained well anchored in Luxembourg society. At the
33.75 per cent in five years, and the Ministry supported same time, there was growing demand for improved
the recent proposal made by the National Council of childcare and continuing education, especially from
Women of Luxembourg to conduct a gender analysis of women under 45 years of age who intended to leave the
the entire budget of the Government. job market only temporarily for family responsibilities.
Legislation had been adopted that created the basis for
383. With regard to Luxembourg’s two reservations to
positive action for women in the private sector and the
the Convention, the representative noted that the
Ministry had supported several projects in this area.
Government remained committed to working towards
Gender equality officers were now mandatory in the

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private sector and revision of the Civil Service Statute fact that the views of non-governmental organizations
was planned, with a view to introducing positive action had been sought for the report.
in the public sector. The current coalition Government
391. The Committee commends the Government of
had declared itself against the introduction of quotas on
Luxembourg for sending a high-level delegation,
electoral lists.
headed by the Minister for the Advancement of
387. The representative indicated that 1999 had been Women. The Committee notes that the report and the
designated the national year against violence against replies refer to steps taken by the Government to
women, during which extensive public awareness implement the Beijing Platform for Action.
campaigns had been implemented to sensitize the
public to the issue of domestic and marital violence. Positive aspects
Training would continue to be offered for service
392. The Committee commends the Government for
providers in women’s shelters, legislation on domestic
the wide dissemination of the Convention and of the
violence would be further reviewed, and the experience
concluding comments adopted by the Committee
of other countries with such legislation would be
following consideration of the State party’s second
studied to sensitize further various ministries and the
periodic report in 1997. The Committee welcomes the
judiciary to this issue. Action on a law against sexual
signing by the State party, on 10 December 1999, of
harassment in the workplace was expected.
the Optional Protocol to the Convention, and its stated
388. A special commission on women had been intention to work actively towards its speedy
created within the National Commission on Foreigners ratification.
to better integrate foreign women into society. The
393. The Committee commends the Government for
results of this initiative would be presented in the next
maintaining a separate Ministry for the Advancement
report.
of Women and its intention to continue this
389. In conclusion, the representative acknowledged institutional arrangement. It welcomes the Ministry’s
that further progress was necessary in all areas to interest in, and support for, proposals to conduct a
change traditions and cultural attitudes on the roles and gender analysis of the entire State budget. This will
responsibilities of men. Efforts were needed to ensure contribute to a better understanding of the way in
the participation of men in changing gender relations which women and men benefit from governmental
and to achieve equality between women and men. In expenditures in all areas. The Committee welcomes the
this context, Luxembourg had proposed to organize a Government’s strategic approach to the realization of
conference on “Men and power”. The representative equality between women and men, which includes
also expressed the hope that the General Assembly, at awareness-raising about the changing roles and
its twenty-third special session, in June 2000, in responsibilities of women and men, on the one hand,
conducting its five-year review of the outcome of and and the systematic integration of a gender equality
follow-up to the Beijing Conference, would deal with perspective into all policies, on the other.
this issue.
394. The Committee welcomes the law of May 1999
that strengthened measures against trafficking in
Concluding comments of the Committee
humans and the sexual exploitation of children and, in
particular, extended Luxembourg law to cover all
Introduction
sexual crimes or misdemeanours committed abroad by
390. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the citizens of Luxembourg.
Government of Luxembourg for submitting a detailed
395. The Committee commends the Government for its
third periodic report containing data disaggregated by
efforts to teach equality, in particular through its
sex. It commends the Government for the
project entitled “Partageons l’égalité-Glaichheet
comprehensive written replies to the Committee’s
delen-Gleichheit teilen” (sharing equality), which aims
questions and its oral presentation that further clarified
at promoting equality of opportunity between girls and
recent developments and Government policy in the
boys from the pre-school stage, by integrating the
State party. It appreciates the frank and open manner in
equality principle into the training curricula of teachers
which the report was prepared and presented, and the

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and trainers, including the development of training to bring it into compliance with the newly amended
manuals and modules. Constitution. The Committee underlines the importance
of such legislative review to highlight the significance
396. The Committee welcomes the legislation of July
of the Constitutional amendment on equality between
1998 requiring the appointment of equality officers in
women and men, and to ensure effective domestic
enterprises with at least 15 employees. It also
remedies. The Committee notes the crucial importance
welcomes the entry into force, as of 1 January 1999, of
of such effective remedies in light of the pending entry
the law on implementation of the national action plan
into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention.
on employment, which introduced the right to non-
transferable parental leave of six months for every 402. The Committee is concerned that,
parent, covered by State benefits. notwithstanding the Government’s stated commitment
in its action plan 2000 to the implementation of the
397. The Committee also welcomes the fact that the
Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, no
same law of July 1998 now provides the legal basis for
further progress has been made in withdrawing the
instituting affirmative action for women in the private
reservations concerning articles 7 (hereditary
sector.
transmission of the crown to the oldest male) and 16,
398. The Committee welcomes the efforts already paragraph 7 (g) (right to choose the family name of
undertaken and the intention to expand the collection children). With regard to the latter, the Committee
of data disaggregated by sex to develop a solid basis expresses its concern at the lack of governmental
for further legislative and policy initiatives, inter alia, commitment to working towards influencing cultural
with regard to disadvantaged groups of women such as traditions and attitudes which would allow for a
immigrant women. withdrawal of the reservation.
403. The Committee urges the Government to take
Factors and difficulties affecting the
action towards the amendment of article 3 of the
implementation of the Convention
Constitution in view of the consent of the Grand Duke
399. The Committee notes that there are no significant to such an amendment. The Committee also calls on
factors or difficulties that prevent the effective the Government to undertake awareness-raising and
implementation of the Convention in Luxembourg. education campaigns to overcome traditional and
stereotypical images of women and men so as to enable
Principal areas of concern and it to withdraw its reservation under article 16.
recommendations
404. The Committee is concerned at the persistence of
400. The Committee notes with concern the failure of traditional and stereotypical attitudes about the roles
the State party to amend the Constitution to include the and responsibilities of women and men in public and in
principle of equality between women and men. This is private life. These attitudes are reflected in people’s
not only a failure to comply with the State party’s behaviour and in legislation and policy, and limit
specific obligations under article 2 of the Convention, women’s full enjoyment of all their rights guaranteed
but with international human rights law in general. In under the Convention.
this regard, the Committee notes that this concern had
405. The Committee urges the Government to
already been raised during consideration of
intensify its awareness-raising efforts, supported by
Luxembourg’s second periodic report in 1997 and that,
legislation, policy and specific projects, to overcome
in a subsequent motion, the Chamber of Deputies of
such attitudes, so as to emphasize women’s and men’s
Luxembourg undertook to complete such an
shared family responsibilities and the importance of
amendment as a matter of priority.
women’s full participation in public and economic life.
401. The Committee recommends that the Government
406. The Committee expresses its concern that certain
undertake as a matter of urgency all necessary steps to
laws, for example, the waiting period of 300 days
facilitate the amendment of the Constitution to bring it
before a widow or divorced woman can remarry, and
in line with article 2 of the Convention. Once the
the legislation governing abortions, appear
Constitution is amended, the Committee recommends
anachronistic in a country like Luxembourg. The
that a time-frame be set to review all legislation so as
Committee is concerned, in particular, that the

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Government appears to lack the commitment to review the Committee’s general recommendation 24. Such
and adapt this legislation to changing attitudes and information should include data on female smokers and
developments in the European region. smoking-related diseases.
407. The Committee urges the Government to provide 413. The Committee urges the Government to deposit
the necessary leadership and to develop a its instrument of acceptance of the amendment to
comprehensive legislative agenda to amend such laws. article 20, paragraph l, of the Convention, on the time
of meetings of the Committee, as soon as possible.
408. The Committee expresses concern at the lack of
equality of opportunity of women in the labour market, 414. The Committee also urges the Government to
as expressed in the relatively low percentage of women ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention.
in the labour force (37 per cent of the active
415. The Committee requests that the Government
population), the wage gap between women and men,
respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues
the higher number of women in part-time work, the
raised in these concluding comments.
ongoing segregation of the labour market and the
stereotypical attitudes that tend to portray men as heads 416. The Committee requests the wide dissemination
of households and breadwinners and women primarily in Luxembourg of the present concluding comments, in
as mothers and homemakers. The Committee is also order to make the people of Luxembourg, and
concerned that there is insufficient understanding of particularly government administrators and politicians,
the structural causes that perpetuate the wage gap, as aware of the steps that have been taken to ensure de
women’s work remains undervalued compared with jure and de facto equality for women and the future
men’s work. steps that are required in that regard. It also requests
the Government to continue to disseminate widely, and
409. The Committee calls on the Government to
in particular to women’s and human rights
undertake studies on the causes of the wage gap to
organizations, the Convention and its Optional
improve the factual basis for labour negotiations where
Protocol, the Committee’s general recommendations,
collective wages are set. It also urges the Government
and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
to analyse the projects now under way to broaden
women’s participation in the labour market so that the
findings can be used for the development of Chapter V
comprehensive policies and legislation to secure the
gains made by women in this area.
Ways and means of expediting the
work of the Committee
410. The Committee is concerned that, although
adoption of a law on sexual harassment in the 417. The Committee considered ways and means of
workplace is expected to take place soon, there is still expediting the work of the Committee (agenda item 6)
no specific legislation on domestic violence. at its 445th and 466th meetings, on 17 January and 4
411. The Committee urges the Government to develop February 2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.445 and 466).
a policy and legislation to prevent and eliminate 418. The item was introduced by the Chief of the
domestic violence, and sexual violence, including rape, Women’s Rights Unit of the Division for the
against women and girls, and to prosecute violators. Advancement of Women, who introduced the reports of
The Committee calls on the State party to collect the secretariat (CEDAW/C/2000/I/4 and 5) and drew
statistics on the incidence of domestic violence, and attention to a working paper on the draft rules of
comprehensive information on the impact of measures procedure (CEDAW/C/2000/I/WG.I/WP.1).
against domestic violence. The Committee also
recommends that the Government gather further
information on the impact of the law on trafficking in
humans and the sexual exploitation of children.
412. The Committee asks the Government to provide,
in its next report, detailed information on article 12,
relating to women and health, taking into consideration

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Action taken by the Committee under Savitri Goonesckere (Asia)

agenda item 6 Zelmira Regazzoli (Latin America and the Caribbean)
1. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Ivanka Corti (Europe)
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women 5. Reports to be considered at future sessions
419. The Committee expressed satisfaction at the 423. The Committee decided that it would consider the
adoption of the Optional Protocol by the General following reports at its twenty-third, twenty-fourth and
Assembly at its fifty-fourth session (resolution 54/4 of twenty-fifth sessions:
6 October 1999) and its opening for signature,
accession and ratification, and requested Silvia Twenty-third session
Cartwright to prepare a working paper containing Initial reports
proposals on working methods of the Committee with
regard to the Optional Protocol to the Convention. The Cameroon
working paper would be discussed at the twenty-third Lithuania
session of the Committee.
Maldives
2. Rules of procedure Republic of Moldova
420. The Committee adopted a significant part of the
draft rules of procedure contained in working paper Third periodic reports
CEDAW/C/2000/I/WG.I/WP.1 and agreed to continue Iraq
consideration of the remaining draft rules at its twenty-
third session. Third and fourth periodic reports
3. Overdue reports Austria
421. The Committee requested the Secretariat to Fourth periodic reports
provide an analysis to be submitted to its twenty-third
session of proposed approaches in cases where States Cuba
parties have not submitted at least two reports required Romania
under article 18 of the Convention.
In the event that one of the above-mentioned States
4. Members of the pre-session working group for parties should be unable to present its report, the
the twenty-fourth session Committee will consider the initial report of Singapore.
422. The Committee decided that the members of the Twenty-fourth session
pre-session working group for the twenty-fourth
session and their alternates should be: Initial reports
Singapore
Members
Uzbekistan
Mavivi Myabuyata-Manzini (Africa)
Rosario Manalo (Asia) Second periodic reports
Yolanda Ferrer Gómez (Latin America and the Netherlands
Caribbean)
Combined second and third periodic reports
Feride Acar (Europe)
Jamaica
Alternates
Kongit Sinegiorgis (Africa)

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Third periodic reports United Nations meetings to be attended

Egypt by the Chairperson or members of the
Committee in 2000
Combined third and fourth periodic reports
425. The Committee recommended that the
Mongolia Chairperson or an alternate should attend the following
meetings in 2000:
Fourth periodic reports
(a) The Commission on the Status of Women
Sweden acting as preparatory committee for the twenty-third
In the event that one of the above-mentioned States special session of the General Assembly, entitled
parties should be unable to present its report, the “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace
Committee will consider the second periodic report of for the twenty-first century”;
the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya or the third and fourth (b) The Commission on Human Rights at its
periodic reports of Finland. fifty-sixth session;

Twenty-fifth session (c) The twelfth meeting of persons chairing the

human rights treaty bodies;
Initial reports
(d) The General Assembly at its fifty-fifth
Kazakhstan session (Third Committee).

Second periodic reports

Guyana
Chapter VI
Implementation of article 21 of
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
the Convention
Viet Nam
426. The Committee considered the implementation of
Third and fourth periodic reports article 21 of the Convention (agenda item 5) at its
445th and 466th meetings, on 17 January and 4
Finland
February 2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.445 and 466).
Fourth periodic reports 427. The item was presented by the Chief of the
Women’s Rights Unit of the Division for the
Nicaragua
Advancement of Women, who introduced a note by the
Secretary-General on reports of the specialized
In the event that one of the above-mentioned States
agencies on the implementation of the Convention in
parties should be unable to present its report, the
areas falling within the scope of their activities
Committee will consider the third periodic report of
(CEDAW/C/2000/I/3 and Add.1-4).
Iceland or Sri Lanka.

6. Dates of the twenty-third session of the Action taken by the Committee under
Committee agenda item 5
424. Consistent with the calendar of conferences for
2000, the twenty-third session should be held from 12 1. Report on the implementation of the Platform
to 30 June 2000. The pre-session working group for the for Action
twenty-fourth session will meet from 3 to 7 July 2000. 428. The Committee requested that its report on
progress in the implementation of the Platform for
Action based on the review of reports submitted under
article 18 of the Convention (E/CN.6/1999/PC/4) be

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issued by the Division for the Advancement of Women Chapter VIII

as one of the issues of Women 2000. Adoption of the report
2. Special session of the General Assembly — 431. At its 466th meeting, on 4 February 2000, the
women 2000: gender equality, development Committee adopted the report on its twenty-second
and peace for the twenty-first century session (CEDAW/C/2000/I/L.1 and CEDAW/C/2000/I/CRP.3
429. To mark the special session, the Committee and Add.1-9), as orally amended.
adopted a statement on the links between the Platform
for Action and the Convention (see chap. I, sect. A, Notes
above).
1
Report of the Fourth World Conference on Women,
Beijing, 4-15 September 1995 (United Nations
Chapter VII publication, Sales No. E.96.IV.13), chap. I, resolution 1,
Provisional agenda for the annex II.

twenty-third session 2
See Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty-fifth
Session, Supplement No. 38 and corrigendum (A/45/38
and Corr.1), paras. 28-31.
430. The Committee considered the provisional
agenda for its twenty-third session at its 466th meeting,
on 4 February 2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.466). The
Committee decided to approve the following
provisional agenda:
1. Opening of the session.
2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of
work.
3. Report of the Chairperson on activities
undertaken between the twenty-second and
twenty-third sessions of the Committee.
4. Consideration of reports submitted by States
parties under article 18 of the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.
5. Implementation of article 21 of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women.
6. Ways and means of expediting the work of
the Committee.
7. Provisional agenda of the twenty-fourth
session.
8. Adoption of the report of the Committee on
its twenty-third session.

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46
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Part two
Report of the Committee on the Elimination
of Discrimination against Women on its
twenty-third session

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Letter of transmittal

1 August 2000

Sir,
I have the honour to refer to article 21 of the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women, according to which the Committee on
the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, established pursuant to the
Convention, “shall, through the Economic and Social Council, report annually to the
General Assembly of the United Nations on its activities”.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women held its
twenty-third session from 12 to 30 June 2000 at United Nations Headquarters. It
adopted its report on the session at the 485th meeting, on 30 June 2000. The report
of the Committee is herewith submitted to you for transmission to the General
Assembly at its fifty-fifth session.

(Signed) Aída González Martínez

Chairperson
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan

Secretary-General of the United Nations
New York

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Chapter I B. Suggestion
Matters brought to the attention of
Suggestion 23/I
States parties
Taking into account article 20, paragraph 1, of the
A. Decisions Convention, the Committee requested that the
Secretariat explore the possibility of the Committee
Decision 23/I holding one of its regular sessions in 2002 or 2003,
Revised rules of procedure such as the twenty-sixth or twenty-eighth session,
outside United Nations Headquarters, and in particular
The Committee decided to adopt the revised rules in the Asia-Pacific region, in order to facilitate the
of procedure (CEDAW/C/2000/I/WG.1/WP.1) as to consideration of the initial or periodic reports of States
substance, but subject to editing by the Secretariat, in parties from that region.
consultation with Ms. Silvia Cartwright. The rules of
procedure would be adopted in final form at the
twenty-fourth session of the Committee in January/ Chapter II
February 2001. Organizational and other matters
Decision 23/II A. States parties to the Convention on the
Overdue reports required under article 18 of
Elimination of All Forms of
the Convention
Discrimination against Women
The Committee decided, on an exceptional basis
and as a temporary measure in order to address the 1. On 30 June 2000, the closing date of the twenty-
backlog of reports awaiting consideration and third session of the Committee on the Elimination of
encourage States parties to fulfil their reporting Discrimination against Women, there were 165 States
obligations within article 18 of the Convention, to parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All
invite States parties with overdue reports to combine Forms of Discrimination against Women, which was
these outstanding reports in a single document. The adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution
Committee decided that the Secretariat should inform 34/180 of 18 December 1979 and opened for signature,
the relevant States parties of this decision. ratification and accession in New York in March 1980.
In accordance with article 27, the Convention entered
Decision 23/III into force on 3 September 1981.
General recommendation on article 4 of the
Convention 2. A list of States parties to the Convention is
contained in annex I to the present report. A list of
The Committee decided to prepare a general States parties that have accepted the amendment to
recommendation on article 4 of the Convention. article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention is contained
Bearing in mind the Committee’s three-stage process in annex II. A list of States parties that have signed,
for the preparation of general recommendations ratified or acceded to the Optional Protocol to the
adopted at its seventeenth session, the Committee Convention, which was adopted by the General
decided that a general discussion and exchange of Assembly in its resolution 54/4 of 6 October 1999, and
views with specialized agencies, other bodies of the opened for signature on 10 December 1999, is
United Nations system and non-governmental contained in annex III.
organizations should take place during its twenty-
fourth session in January/February 2001.
B. Opening of the session

3. The Committee held its twenty-third session at

United Nations Headquarters from 12 to 30 June 2000.
The Committee held 19 plenary meetings (467th-
485th) and its working groups held 21 meetings. A list

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of the documents before the Committee is contained in review of legislation, with a view to removing
annex IV, section B. discriminatory provisions by the year 2005, and
eliminating legislative gaps that left women and girls
4. The session was opened by the Chairperson of the
without protection of their rights and without effective
Committee, Aída González Martínez (Mexico).
recourse against gender-based discrimination. Definite
5. Addressing the Committee, the Assistant gains had been made in several areas, including
Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the recommendations for ratification of the Rome Statute
Secretary-General on Gender Issues and the of the International Criminal Court and more extensive
Advancement of Women, Angela King, stated that the criminalization of violence against women, in
current session was being held after the very positive particular domestic violence, crimes of honour and of
closing of the twenty-third special session of the passion and trafficking. Recommendations concerning
General Assembly, entitled “Women 2000: gender globalization, health rights and HIV/AIDS were also
equality, development and peace in the twenty-first among the many other areas addressed in the
century”, at which the General Assembly had reviewed recommendations of Member States.
the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and
9. The Director of the Division for the Advancement
Platform for Action, adopted in 1995 at the Fourth
of Women, Yakin Ertürk, indicated that, since the
World Conference on Women.1
closure of the twenty-second session of the Committee,
6. Representatives of 178 Member States, 16 the Division had focused on the forty-fourth session of
observers and 5 non-governmental organizations had the Commission on the Status of Women, on the third
addressed the special session. In all, over 2,300 session of the Commission acting as preparatory
delegates, not including the mission staff, and over committee for the twenty-third special session of the
2,000 representatives of non-governmental General Assembly, and on the special session itself.
organizations had participated in the session.
10. During the forty-fourth session of the
7. The Special Adviser emphasized that a large Commission, delegates had urged Governments to
number of Member States had pledged their make efforts to realize the goal of universal ratification
commitment to the principles of the Convention on the of the Convention by the year 2000, as outlined in the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Beijing Platform for Action, and to limit or withdraw
Women and had expressed their firm intention to ratify reservations that had been entered to its terms.
or accede to its Optional Protocol. She reiterated the Acceptance of the amendment to article 20,
concerns voiced by Member States that the goal of the paragraph 1, of the Convention relating to meetings of
universal ratification of the Convention by the year the Committee was also advocated, as was the full
2000, established in the Beijing Platform for Action, implementation of the Convention at the national level.
had not been achieved; that there continued to exist a The Director emphasized that the adoption of the
large number of reservations to the Convention; and Optional Protocol to the Convention was welcomed by
that many countries had not yet fully implemented the delegates, and States were urged to sign and ratify or
provisions of the Convention. accede to it.
8. She noted that in enumerating the 199 actions and 11. The commitment of Governments with regard to
initiatives to be undertaken to overcome obstacles to the Optional Protocol had largely been translated into
the full implementation of the Platform for Action, the reality. To date, 41 States parties to the Convention had
Member States had expressed their firm intention to signed the Optional Protocol and four had ratified it.
ratify the Convention, limit or remove their The first State party to ratify it was Namibia, closely
reservations and accept the Optional Protocol. One of followed by Senegal and Denmark. During the special
the initiatives incumbent upon the United Nations session, a number of States had committed themselves
system was a requirement that the United Nations and to ratification of, or accession to, the Optional
regional organizations assist States parties, at their Protocol.
request, in building their capacities for the
12. She informed the Committee that several of the
implementation of the Convention. Among other
side events at the special session had been concerned
agreed actions were those aimed at creating a gender-
with the Optional Protocol, including one chaired by
sensitive legal and policy environment, including a

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the Chairperson of the Committee and with the 3. Report of the Chairperson on the activities
participation of a number of the Committee experts. It undertaken between the twenty-second and
was her view that the 10 ratifications required for the twenty-third sessions of the Committee.
entry into force of the Optional Protocol would be
4. Consideration of the reports submitted by
achieved during 2000.
States parties under article 18 of the
13. Turning to the work of the Committee, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
Director recalled that at its twenty-second session the of Discrimination against Women.
Committee had decided to consider the reports of eight
5. Implementation of article 21 of the
States parties during the current session; however, one
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of those States parties was unable to present its report.
of Discrimination against Women.
Experts would therefore consider the reports of seven
States parties and would continue their consideration of 6. Ways and means of expediting the work of
the rules of procedure of the Committee, with a view to the Committee.
their finalization. Experts would also have before them
7. Provisional agenda for the twenty-fourth
a working paper on procedures with regard to the
session.
Optional Protocol to the Convention, prepared by
Silvia Cartwright. In conclusion, the Director 8. Adoption of the report of the Committee on
congratulated the members of the pre-session working its twenty-third session.
group for its strenuous efforts in drawing up the lists of
issues and questions to be raised with regard to
periodic reports. E. Report of the pre-session working
group
C. Attendance 17. At its ninth session,2 the Committee had decided
to convene a pre-session working group for five days
14. All members of the Committee attended the before each session to prepare a list of issues and
twenty-third session, with the exception of Carlotta questions relating to periodic reports that would be
Bustelo and Anne Lise Ryel. Emna Aouij attended considered by the Committee at the session.
from 19 to 30 June, Naela Gabr from 21 to 30 June,
Savitri Goonesekere from 16 to 30 June and Kongit 18. The following four members, representing
Sinegiorgis from19 to 30 June 2000. different regional groups, participated in the working
group: Charlotte Abaka (Africa); Yung-Chung Kim
15. A list of the members of the Committee, (Asia); Zelmira Regazzoli (Latin America and the
indicating their terms of office, is contained in Caribbean); and Hanna Beate Schöpp-Schilling
annex V. (Europe).
19. The working group prepared a list of issues and
D. Adoption of the agenda and questions relating to the reports of four States parties,
organization of work namely, Austria, Cuba, Iraq and Romania.
20. At the 477th meeting of the Committee, on 20
16. The Committee considered the provisional June 2000, the Chairperson of the pre-session working
agenda and organization of work (CEDAW/C/II/1) at group, Charlotte Abaka, introduced the report of the
its 467th meeting, on 12 June 2000. The agenda as working group (CEDAW/C/2000/II/CRP.1 and
adopted was follows: Add.1-4).
1. Opening of the session.
2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of F. Composition and organization of work
work. of the working groups

21. At the 467th meeting, on 12 June 2000, the

Committee decided to take up issues under agenda

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items 5 (Implementation of article 21 of the implementation of the Platform for Action and
Convention) and 6 (Ways and means of expediting the identified future actions to be taken. Some of the
work of the Committee) as a working group of the experts had participated as members of their national
whole. The issues that it decided to consider were the delegations, while others had participated with the
revised rules of procedure of the Committee and support of the Division for the Advancement of Women
procedures to be adopted with regard to the Optional and the World Health Organization. The Chairperson
Protocol to the Convention. drew attention to a panel on the Optional Protocol to
the Convention in which officials from government
ministries in Namibia and Senegal had participated,
Chapter III along with members of the Committee. One of the
Report of the Chairperson on the members of the Committee, Zelmira Regazzoli, had
activities undertaken between the moderated a panel whose participants included the
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
twenty-second and twenty-third Mary Robinson; the President of the International
sessions of the Committee Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Navi Pillay; the
Executive Director of the United Nations Development
22. At the 467th meeting of the Committee, on 12 Fund for Women, Noeleen Heyzer; Ms. Gaye
June 2000, the Chairperson of the Committee stated McDougall, a member of the Committee on the
that since 4 February 2000, the date of closure of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; and the Special
twenty-second session, numerous events had taken Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on
place and many comments had been made regarding extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Asma
both the work and the functions of the Committee. Jahingar. As at 12 June 2000, four States parties had
23. One of the many meetings held in preparation for ratified the Optional Protocol, namely Denmark,
the twenty-third special session of the General France, Namibia and Senegal. The Chairperson
Assembly was the eighth session of the Regional expressed the hope that the Protocol would soon enter
Conference on Women in Latin America and the into force.
Caribbean, held at Lima from 8 to 10 February 2000. 26. She also reported that she had participated in the
The Conference had adopted the Lima Consensus, in general debate of the twenty-third special session of the
which participating countries had reiterated their General Assembly in her capacity as Chairperson of the
commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of Committee and had based her intervention on the
All Forms of Discrimination against Women as the declaration adopted by the Committee at its twenty-
legal framework of the Regional Programme of Action second session on the links between the Convention
for the Women of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Beijing Platform for Action. Following
1995-2001, adopted at the sixth session of the Regional difficult negotiations, the Assembly had ended the
Conference, and the Beijing Platform for Action, work of its twenty-third special session by reaching
adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women. consensus on a document that identified obstacles, new
24. The Chairperson indicated that during the forty- trends and challenges and elaborated future actions. On
fourth session of the Commission on the Status of a less positive note, she added, the goal of universal
Women, acting also as the third session of the ratification of the Convention by 2000 had not been
preparatory committee for the twenty-third special achieved, but the document did highlight the
session of the General Assembly, several delegations, Convention and its Optional Protocol, urging their
including that of Portugal, speaking on behalf of the ratification or accession thereto, and referred to the
European Union, had also noted that the Convention need to examine any reservations made to the
constituted the legal framework of the Platform for Convention and the importance of their removal. She
Action. States parties were also asked to review their emphasized that the Committee must carefully analyse
reservations to the Convention with a view to their the final outcome document of the twenty-third special
withdrawal. session for consistency between initiatives and actions
to be adopted and those to be undertaken for the full
25. At its twenty-third special session, the General implementation of the Convention. She also praised the
Assembly had monitored the progress made in work of the Division for the Advancement of Women

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which, under the direction of Yakin Ertürk, had Introduction by the State party
contributed to the successful outcome of the special
31. In introducing the report, the representative of
session.
Cameroon informed the Committee that in Cameroon,
27. In conclusion, the Chairperson stressed that the discrimination against women resulted from the de
twenty-third session of the Committee was important facto situation rather than de jure. For example, the use
not only because the reports of seven countries would by a woman of her husband’s name was optional and
be analysed, but also because the entry into force of the not a legal obligation. Prior to the ratification of the
Optional Protocol was imminent. Convention without reservations by Cameroon, the
Government had implemented a variety of legislative
and judicial measures to address de jure discrimination.
Chapter IV These included the adoption, in 1972, of the
Consideration of reports submitted Constitution, which enshrined the principle of equality
by States parties under article 18 of between the sexes. Other legislative measures
introduced prior to the ratification of the Convention
the Convention were: the Labour Code, which recognized the right to
work; the General Statute of the State Public Function,
A. Introduction which gave all citizens, with no distinction on the
grounds of sex, the right to have access to public
28. At its twenty-third session, the Committee functions; and the Code on Nationality, which granted
considered the reports of seven States parties submitted women and men the same rights in relation to the
under article 18 of the Convention: two initial reports; award, change or retention of nationality.
the initial and second periodic reports of one State
party; one combined second and third periodic report; 32. The representative indicated that, although laws
the combined third and fourth periodic reports and fifth were not discriminatory, certain legal measures,
periodic report of one State party; one fourth periodic because of ambiguity, might disadvantage women. In
report; and one combined fourth and fifth periodic particular, article 7 of the Trade Code allowed a
report. husband to interrupt his wife’s working activity
through notification of his opposition to the Trade
29. The Committee prepared concluding comments Tribunal. According to articles 1421 and 1428 of the
on the report of each State party considered. The Civil Code, women were not fully entitled to use, enjoy
Committee’s concluding comments on the report of or sell their property, although those rights were
each State party, as prepared by the members of the stipulated in the Constitution. In this context, article
Committee, and a summary of the introductory 1421 granted the husband the right to administer
presentations by the representatives of the States communal property, thereby giving him the right to sell
parties are set out below. or mortgage the couple’s property without the wife’s
consent. Articles 108 and 215 of the Civil Code
B. Consideration of reports of States granted the husband the sole right to determine the
parties family domicile, and article 361 of the Penal Code
defined the crime of adultery in terms more favourable
1. Initial reports to men than women.

Cameroon 33. The representative informed the Committee that

the Government had adopted several legal measures to
30. The Committee considered the initial report of ensure equality between women and men. These
Cameroon (CEDAW/C/CMR/1) at its 476th, 477th and included removal of the requirement of the husband’s
483rd meetings, on 20 and 26 June 2000 (see authorization for the wife’s travel abroad, the provision
CEDAW/C/SR.476, 477 and 483). of housing benefits to women workers on an equal
basis with men and the readmission of girls who had
been suspended from school due to pregnancy. Court
decisions, including ruling No. 14/L, 1993, by the

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Supreme Court, recognizing women’s right to 37. The representative informed the Committee of
inheritance, had also helped to address discrimination. developments that had occurred in Cameroon since the
submission of its report to the Committee in 1998,
34. The representative indicated that since ratification
particularly at the political level, demonstrating the
of the Convention, the Commission of Legislative and
Government’s commitment to confront different forms
Juridical Reforms had been reorganized within the
of violence and discrimination against women. Further
Ministry of Justice and now included a Commission on
actions were envisaged for the future in order to ensure
Civil Legislation, through which the Ministry on the
that women’s rights were promoted and protected in
Status of Women was represented. The Commission
accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
was drafting a new Family Code. A service unit in
charge of reform had been created in the Ministry on
Concluding comments of the Committee
the Status of Women, within the Directorate for
Promotion and Reform, and planned to initiate bills to Introduction
promote women’s rights. In this regard, a bill was
38. The Committee commends the Government of
being prepared that would address violence against
Cameroon for ratifying the Convention without
women, including the issue of female genital
reservation and for presenting a detailed and well-
mutilation.
structured initial report, which provides information on
35. The representative informed the Committee that the implementation of all the articles of the
structures for the promotion of women existed at the Convention, as well as relevant statistics. It thanks the
central, intermediate and community levels and that representative of Cameroon for her oral presentation
focal points had been established within certain and for the replies to questions from the Committee,
structures. Delegations of the Ministry on the Status of which provided a better insight into developments
Women existed at the provincial and departmental regarding the situation of women in Cameroon.
levels, services at the district level and a pool of
39. The Committee also commends the Government
activities at the local level. There was also a network of
for sending a large, high-level delegation headed by the
organizations, including non-governmental
Minister on the Status of Women. It appreciates the
organizations, that worked to promote women’s rights,
open-mindedness with which the report was prepared
address violence and discrimination against women and
and presented by the State party, which has engaged
promote training for women in cultural, socio-
the Committee in a constructive dialogue.
economic, scientific and technological areas.
40. The Committee welcomes the incorporation, by
36. The representative informed the Committee that
article 65 of the Constitution of 1996, of the
among the factors impeding the implementation of the
Convention into the domestic legal system.
Convention in Cameroon were: the multi-ethnic nature
of the country; the coexistence of conflicting norms of 41. The Committee commends the Government for
customary and general law; the existence of a dual involving women’s associations and non-governmental
system inherited from French and British colonialism; organizations in the preparation of the initial report.
the limited knowledge of the Convention among the
different social actors; the absence of a legal definition Positive aspects
of discrimination and of discrimination-related
42. The Committee welcomes the establishment, in
sanctions; the high level of illiteracy among women;
December 1997, of the Ministry on the Status of
limited material, financial and human resource
Women, which testifies to the Government’s interest in
allocation to mechanisms aimed at promoting the
promoting the rights of women. It also notes with
advancement of women; the difficult international
satisfaction that the Ministry has designated focal
economic environment which, through structural
points in all the ministries, with a view to taking
adjustment programmes, was leading to the
gender-specific matters into account in all national
dismantling of social security; and women’s limited
programmes and policies benefiting women. In
participation in efforts aimed at improving their status,
particular, it welcomes the national action plan for the
both in terms of political participation and in awareness
advancement of women.
of the role they could play to improve their status.

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43. The Committee commends the Government of formulate policies and programmes to eliminate these
Cameroon for its measures aimed at eliminating the violations of women’s human rights. It recommends
practice of genital mutilation, which is a violation of that the Government provide access to legal remedies
human rights and is injurious to the physical and and medical services, establish counselling services for
psychological well-being of girls, and poses a threat to the victims, train legal, health and police personnel,
their lives and health. and launch public-awareness campaigns in order to
achieve zero tolerance with regard to all forms of
Factors and difficulties affecting violence against women and girls.
implementation of the Convention
51. The Committee is concerned that because of the
44. The Committee recognizes that implementation increased feminization of poverty, more women and
of the structural adjustment programme, coupled with girls are entering prostitution and are thereby exposed
privatization, especially in the health and education to exploitation.
sectors, poses serious challenges to the full
52. The Committee urges the Government to design
implementation of the Convention.
and implement poverty alleviation programmes so that
women and girls do not have to resort to prostitution
Principal areas of concern and
for their livelihoods. It recommends that the
recommendations
Government develop programmes to reintegrate
45. The Committee notes with concern that, despite prostitutes, raise public awareness and prevent such
the incorporation of the Convention into domestic law exploitation. Moreover, in the light of the HIV/AIDS
and some legislative achievements, a number of pandemic in Cameroon, full attention must be paid to
discriminatory provisions exist, thus impeding full the health services available to prostitutes.
implementation of the Convention. The Committee is
53. The Committee is disturbed by the persistence of
also concerned that the retention of discriminatory laws
cultural practices and deep-rooted stereotypes relating
from two different legal systems, as well as customary
to the roles and responsibilities of women and men in
law, compounds this problem.
all areas of life, which affect their enjoyment of all
46. The Committee recommends that the State party human rights.
should urgently undertake a comprehensive reform of
54. The Committee urges the Government to review
legislation in order to promote equality and human
all aspects of this situation and to adopt legislation to
rights for women. The Committee also recommends the
prohibit discriminatory cultural practices, in particular
introduction of effective legal remedies and a review
those relating to female genital mutilation, levirate,
and revision of customary law that infringes the human
inheritance, early and forced marriage and polygamy. It
rights of women.
also urges the Government to carry out further public-
47. The Committee considers that the inadequate awareness, information and training programmes
allocation of resources for the advancement of women, targeting community leaders and the general public, so
with the resultant incomplete execution of programmes as to change ways of thinking and the stereotyped
and projects, seriously jeopardizes the improvement of perceptions of the roles and responsibilities of women
women’s living conditions. and men.
48. The Committee urges the Government to allocate 55. The Committee is concerned at the extremely low
sufficient resources for targeted programmes to percentage of women candidates for election and
promote the advancement of women. appointed to public office and decision-making posts,
and at the low percentage of women in ministerial
49. The Committee notes with concern that, despite
posts.
some efforts, there is no holistic approach to the
prevention and elimination of the various forms of 56. The Committee urges the Government to take
violence against women and girls, in particular female effective measures to increase the number of women
genital mutilation and domestic violence. elected and appointed to public office and positions of
decision-making.
50. The Committee invites the Government to apply
the Committee’s general recommendation 19 and

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57. Despite the Government’s efforts in the area of 16 of the Convention, and to submit such data to the
education, the Committee is concerned at the low rate Committee in its next report.
of female literacy, the high female dropout rate, and the
66. The Committee requests that the text of the
low rate of female enrolment in basic education.
present conclusions should be widely disseminated in
58. The Committee encourages the Government to Cameroon so as to inform the public, in particular
intensify its efforts to promote female access to basic administrators, officials and politicians, of the
and secondary education and to develop programmes measures taken to guarantee equality de jure and de
specifically designed to reduce female illiteracy. facto between men and women, and of the
supplementary measures to be adopted in this area. The
59. The Committee notes with concern the high rate
Committee also urges the Government to continue to
of fertility and repeated pregnancy, the high mortality
give broad publicity, particularly among women’s
rate among mothers and children and the HIV/AIDS
associations and human rights organizations, to the
pandemic in Cameroon.
Convention, its Optional Protocol, the general
60. The Committee urges the Government to review recommendations of the Committee, the Beijing
the abortion laws, to undertake to increase the use of Declaration and Platform for Action and the results of
contraceptives, and to develop programmes to protect the twenty-third special session of the General
mothers and children. It further recommends that the Assembly, entitled “Women 2000: gender equality,
Government strengthen its awareness campaigns to development and peace for the twenty-first century”,
make women aware of the risks and effects of sexually held in June 2000.
transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
61. The Committee notes with concern that, despite Republic of Moldova
the important role of rural women in Cameroon and
67. The Committee considered the initial report of
despite the Government’s efforts to provide them with
the Republic of Moldova (CEDAW/C/MDA/1) at its
education and extension services, these women are
478th, 479th and 484th meetings, on 21 and 27 June
disadvantaged and living in difficult circumstances.
2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.478, 479 and 484).
62. The Committee urges the Government to pay the
utmost attention to the needs of rural women and to
Introduction by the State party
ensure that they benefit from the policies and
programmes adopted in all areas. It should also ensure 68. In introducing the report, the representative of the
that rural women are able to participate, on an equal Republic of Moldova drew attention to the period of
basis, in the adoption of decisions to guarantee them change which the country had undergone towards a
access to literacy, health services, drinking water and democratic society, and the political, economic and
credit. social transformation that had influenced the
development of society, including women’s activities.
63. The Committee urges the Government to accept
The ratification of the Convention in 1994 was an
the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the
expression of the country’s commitment to women’s
Convention, concerning the time of meetings of the
rights. While the Constitution and existing legislation
Committee.
enshrined equality between women and men, and no
64. The Committee encourages the Government to discriminatory provisions were contained in the law,
sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the the Government recognized that there was a need for
Convention. further legislative reform, as well as for the creation of
adequate mechanisms for the realization of women’s
65. The Committee urges the Government to respond
rights.
in its next periodic report to the specific questions
raised in the present conclusions. It also urges the 69. A national action plan had been adopted in 1998
Government to improve the collection and analysis of to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
statistical data broken down by gender and age with Action. Cooperation between governmental bodies and
regard to poverty and violence against women and with non-governmental organizations to elaborate
regard to the application of articles 10, 11, 12, 14 and programmes for women was taking on increasing

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importance, and the Republic of Moldova had also Organization (ILO). The transition to a market-based
benefited from the cooperation and technical assistance economy required new skills and qualifications, and
of international organizations, especially the United women represented a high percentage of those who
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United received training in new skills. Women represented
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World three quarters of the unskilled labour force, and
Bank. received 70-80 per cent of male wages.
70. She noted that new legislation was being drafted 75. At the same time, women remained primarily
to cover labour issues, family, criminal and civil responsible for household activities, and the traditional
matters. Women parliamentarians, together with division of labour in the household had been reinforced
governmental bodies and non-governmental by certain policies.
organizations, provided support to harmonize these
76. That double burden of women was even more
reforms with the provisions of the Convention.
pronounced in rural areas, and also constituted an
71. The representative brought the Committee up to obstacle to women becoming entrepreneurs. In fact,
date on developments in the Republic of Moldova since women’s representation at the decision-making level in
the submission of the report. They included the large businesses remained low, but women made up
creation of a Commission on Questions of Women and some 48 per cent of micro-entrepreneurs.
the Family to advise the President of the Republic and
77. The representative noted that social rights granted
the designation of gender focal points to monitor and
to women as mothers actually had a negative effect on
coordinate implementation of the principle of equal
their position in the labour market. The Government
opportunity in ministries, local governments and other
intended to address the matter by extending parental
entities. Consideration was being given to the
benefits also to fathers, and a revision of the Labour
establishment of a Department for family policy and
Code in that regard was envisaged. Efforts were also
equal opportunities.
under way to create a system of labour inspection.
72. The challenges of the transition to a market-based
78. While the law provided for equal access of
economy were visible in women’s low economic
women and men to free basic health care, including for
activity rate, which stood at 43.6 per cent in 1999, their
pregnant women and children, those provisions were
level of unemployment, overall poverty levels, and
not implemented because of the difficult economic
massive migration, especially of women. The latter had
situation. Working conditions were often hazardous,
also led to an increase in trafficking in women, and
and the poor level of nutrition had led to an increase in
steps were being taken by the Government to prevent
the rate of anaemia in pregnant women. The
and combat that scourge, including plans to improve
Government had adopted programmes to address those
legislation. Women’s low representation in public and
issues, including plans to open prenatal health care
political life remained another area of concern.
offices at the district level.
73. The representative highlighted women’s
79. Access to medical care, including family
educational achievements, where they made up 55 per
planning, remained a problem especially in rural areas.
cent in secondary and 58 per cent in tertiary
A law governing reproductive health and family
educational institutions in 1998/99. She also noted that
planning was under consideration.
women’s literacy rate was 94.5 per cent. Efforts to
change traditional attitudes concerning the role of 80. The poor health situation of women was
women in society and in the family included curricula frequently caused by violence. Although the law
revisions at various levels of education, as well as the protected women against all forms of violence,
introduction of a course on gender education at the including domestic violence, it was difficult for the
University of Moldova. State to intervene in situations that were considered as
family conflicts. In addition, access to justice for
74. While the right to work was protected by the
victims of violence was very complicated. The planned
Constitution, various legislative provisions aimed at
revisions of the criminal code and of the code of
protecting women against discrimination in the labour
criminal procedure would address those matters.
market. The Republic of Moldova had ratified
Convention 100 of the International Labour

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81. Furthermore, a new Family Code intended to number of non-governmental organizations and other
reflect the change in social relations, including family actors of civil society that are active in women’s issues.
relations, and would also address the question of
matrimonial property. Factors and difficulties affecting the
implementation of the Convention
82. The representative noted that the Republic of
Moldova’s legislation covered the rights of women, but 90. The Committee considers that the country’s
lacked a prohibition of, or sanctions against, ongoing political and economic change and the
discrimination against women. The Government was resulting high level of women’s poverty are major
aware of the importance of such legislation to achieve impediments to the full implementation of the
equality and equal opportunity. She also noted that the Convention.
Government had initiated the process of acceding to
the Optional Protocol to the Convention. Principal areas of concern and
recommendations
Concluding comments of the Committee
91. The Committee is concerned that although the
Introduction Constitution provides for the equality of all citizens
before the law and public authorities, including on
83. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
grounds of sex, it does not reflect the definition of
Government of Moldova for submitting its initial
discrimination in article 1 of the Convention, which
report. It commends the Government on its frank and
prohibits both direct and indirect discrimination. The
substantive oral presentation, which updated
Committee is also concerned about the status of the
developments in the State party since the submission of
Convention in domestic law, and whether its provisions
its report in 1998, and which further clarified the
can be directly invoked before the Courts. It is further
present status of implementation of the Convention.
concerned about the lack of information provided about
84. The Committee commends the Government of the remedies available to women for redress of violations
Republic of Moldova for sending the Vice-Minister for of their rights protected under the Convention.
Labour, Social Protection and the Family, who
92. The Committee calls on the Government to
established a constructive and frank dialogue with the
encourage a constitutional amendment to incorporate
members of the Committee.
equality on the basis of sex in the Constitution and to
85. The Committee welcomes the fact that the reflect fully article 1 of the Convention. It requests the
Republic of Moldova adopted the Convention without Government to clarify the status of the Convention in
reservations and formulated a plan of action pursuant domestic law, and to ensure, through legal education
to the Beijing Platform for Action. and continuing professional training, that judicial
officers are aware of the Convention. It requests the
Positive aspects Government to provide in its next report information
about the remedies available to women, and about any
86. The Committee commends the Government for its
court cases based on the Convention.
expressed political will to implement the Convention.
It welcomes the Government’s efforts to review and 93. The Committee, while appreciating the efforts
amend its legislation to comply with its obligations undertaken to implement the Convention, notes with
under the Convention. concern that the legislative framework for the
implementation of the Convention has not yet been
87. The Committee congratulates the Government on
completed, and that several critical legislative
its intention to ratify, as soon as possible, the Optional
proposals and amendments remain at the drafting stage.
Protocol to the Convention.
94. The Committee calls on the Government to seek,
88. The Committee commends the Government for its
as a matter of urgency, the completion of a non-
efforts to ensure continued high levels of education in
discriminatory legislative framework that is fully
the population in general, and women in particular.
consistent, and in compliance, with the Convention. It
89. The Committee welcomes the Government’s recommends in particular that all measures be taken to
recognition of the important role of the increasing

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ensure the early adoption of the law on equal overall leadership for the elaboration, prioritization and
opportunities. implementation of the Government’s equality policy
and legislative agenda, including sectoral coordination
95. The Committee is concerned about the lack of an
within the Government, and with civil society.
overall, integrated policy for the achievement of gender
equality, which contributes to the disproportionately 100. The Committee recommends that the Government
heavy burden of transition carried by the women of the assess the capacity of the national machinery for the
Republic of Moldova. advancement of women, including its location,
mandate and resources, with a view to providing it with
96. The Committee recommends that the Government
the full political support and human and financial
take urgent action to put in place an integrated gender
resources required to lead the Government’s efforts to
equality policy to promote equality between women
implement the Convention.
and men in all areas, and in particular in the economy,
in political and public life, and in the family. The 101. The Committee is concerned about the prevalence
Committee emphasizes that a gender equality policy in of all forms of violence against women, including
accordance with the Convention will require a new domestic violence.
approach in the Republic of Moldova that focuses on
102. The Committee urges the Government to place
women as individuals and active agents of change and
high priority on measures to address violence against
claimants of rights.
women in the family and in society, and to recognize
97. The Committee notes with concern the that such violence, including domestic violence,
persistence of stereotyped attitudes and behaviour constitutes a violation of the human rights of women
patterns about the roles of women and men in the under the Convention. In the light of its general
family and in society. It is further concerned that there recommendation 19 on violence against women, the
is no clear understanding of article 4, paragraph 1, of Committee calls on the Government to ensure that such
the Convention. Stereotyped attitudes are reflected, for violence constitutes a crime punishable under criminal
example, in the low level of women’s participation in law, that it is prosecuted and punished with the
decision-making in political life, where women hold required severity and speed, and that women victims of
fewer than 10 per cent of the seats in Parliament. Such violence have immediate means of redress and
stereotyped behaviour is also reflected in the lack of protection. It recommends that measures be taken to
sharing of responsibilities between women and men for ensure that public officials, especially law enforcement
household and family duties. officials and the judiciary, are fully sensitized to all
forms of violence against women. The Committee also
98. The Committee recommends that the Government
invites the Government to undertake awareness-raising
take urgent measures to overcome stereotyped and
measures, including a campaign of zero tolerance, to
patriarchal societal attitudes. It recommends that the
make such violence socially and morally unacceptable.
Government use article 4, paragraph 1, of the
Convention to increase the number of women in 103. The Committee expresses its concern about the
decision-making at all levels, and in all areas, increase in trafficking in women and girls for a variety
including the establishment of targets and of timetables of purposes including sexual exploitation, often under
to monitor progress. It further urges the Government to false pretences.
take urgent measures to modify social and cultural
104. The Committee urges the Government to
patterns of behaviour, including through information
implement a holistic approach to combat trafficking in
and public awareness-raising campaigns, so as to
women for commercial or sexual purposes. This should
facilitate the emergence of non-discriminatory attitudes
include a legislative framework to prosecute and
about the roles and responsibilities of women and men.
punish traffickers, preventive measures aimed at
The Committee invites the Government to take fully
improving women’s economic situation so as to reduce
into account the Committee’s general recommendation
their economic vulnerabilities, and measures to
23 on women in public life.
rehabilitate and reintegrate trafficked women where
99. The Committee expresses its concern about the necessary. It also urges the Government to increase
adequacy of the mandate and resources of the national international and cross-border cooperation, especially
machinery for the advancement of women to provide with receiving countries, to reduce the incidence of

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trafficking and prosecute traffickers, as well as to transition. It invites the Government to increase
ensure the protection of the human rights of trafficked measures to adopt the sharing of family responsibilities
women. between spouses. It recommends that the Government
ensure that sexual harassment in the workplace is
105. The Committee, while noting women’s high
covered by legislation that is fully implemented.
educational levels, expresses its concern about the
predominance of women in low-level educational 109. The Committee, while noting declines in
sectors. It is also concerned about the lack of statistical women’s mortality rates, is concerned about the status
information concerning women’s representation in of women’s health, especially women’s reproductive
various fields of teaching, and in administrative and health, and that abortion is apparently used as a means
high-level posts at all levels of education. The of fertility control. It is also concerned about women’s
Committee is also concerned about the persistence of occupational health, in particular in the tobacco-
stereotyped portrayals of women and men in curricula growing industry.
and teaching materials.
110. The Committee urges the Government to maintain
106. The Committee urges the Government to free access to basic health care, to include a life-cycle
undertake curriculum reforms and textbook revisions approach to women’s health in its health policy, and to
addressing stereotyped images. It also recommends that improve its family planning and reproductive health
the Government’s educational policy include measures policy, including availability and accessibility of
to encourage girls and women to seek education and modern contraceptive means. It encourages the
training in non-traditional fields, as well as in growth Government to include sex education systematically in
areas of the economy. The Committee calls on the schools, including vocational training schools. It
Government to implement temporary special measures, encourages the Government to continue its cooperation
in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the with international organizations to improve the general
Convention, to accelerate women’s representation in health situation of women and girls in the Republic of
educational decision-making. Moldova, and to take measures aimed at reducing
occupational health risks to women workers. It requests
107. The Committee is concerned about the situation
the Government to provide detailed information in its
of women in the labour market, including women’s
next report on measures undertaken by the Government
unemployment levels, job segregation and the fact that,
to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS and other
because of lack of opportunity at home, many women
sexually transmitted diseases among women. It also
seek employment abroad, often without obtaining work
requests the Government to provide statistics on
permits. The Committee is also concerned that the
women’s tobacco, alcohol and drug use and other
country’s protective labour laws may create obstacles
substance abuse.
to women’s participation in the labour market.
111. The Committee is concerned about the lack of
108. The Committee urges the Government to ensure
information about the various aspects of the situation
that legislation is in place prohibiting both direct and
of rural women in the Republic of Moldova.
indirect discrimination against women in the labour
market, and guaranteeing to women equal opportunities 112. The Committee requests that the Government
in accordance with article 11 of the Convention and provide in its next report detailed information about all
relevant ILO conventions ratified by the Republic of aspects covered by article 14 of the Convention. In this
Moldova. It urges the Government to consider regard, it requests that information be provided about
establishing an equal opportunities ombudsman to rural women’s educational, health, housing and
monitor implementation of such legislation, and with employment situation, including entrepreneurship
the power to receive complaints about violations. It opportunities, compared to women living in urban
also recommends that the Government review areas.
protective legislation with a view to reducing barriers
113. The Committee is concerned at the differential
for women in the labour market. It recommends that
ages of marriage established in the Family Code for
the Government’s labour market and employment
boys and girls and the legal recognition of marriages of
policies target explicitly those groups of women who
girl children, which is not in conformity with article
are particularly disadvantaged by the impact of
16, paragraph 2, of the Convention.

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114. The Committee recommends that the Government language, religion or social status. All fundamental
take action to bring legislation on the marriage age for human rights were provided for in the Constitution,
women and men into full conformity with the which also guaranteed fundamental civil rights. He
Convention, taking into consideration the Committee’s indicated that, as a member of the Council of Europe
general recommendation 21. and an applicant for membership of the European
Union, Lithuania was in the process of bringing its
115. The Committee encourages the Government to
national legislation into compliance with that of the
accept the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the
European Union Directives. Lithuania had also acceded
Convention concerning the time of meetings of the
to a whole range of other international human rights
Committee.
instruments and had completed all necessary internal
116. The Committee requests that the Government legal procedures for the signature of the Optional
respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues Protocol to the Convention.
raised in these concluding comments. It further
120. The representative informed the Committee that
requests the Government to provide in its next report
the Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men
an assessment of the impact of measures taken to
had come into force on 1 March 1999. The definition
implement the Convention.
of discrimination in the Law fully corresponded to the
117. The Committee requests the wide dissemination definition in article 1 of the Convention. The Law had
in the Republic of Moldova of the present concluding also introduced the concepts of positive discrimination,
comments, in order to make the people of the Republic equal opportunities and sexual harassment. He noted
of Moldova, and particularly government that the monitoring of the implementation of the Law
administrators and politicians, aware of the steps that had been delegated to the Office of the Equal
have been taken to ensure de jure and de facto equality Opportunities Ombudsman, which had been established
for women and the future steps that are required in that by the Parliament on 25 May 1999.
regard. It also requests the Government to continue to
121. The representative informed the Committee about
disseminate widely, and in particular to women’s and
the institutional structures that existed to address
human rights organizations, the Convention and its
women’s issues. They included the Office of Adviser to
Optional Protocol, the Committee’s general
the Government on the issues of equal opportunities, a
recommendations, the Beijing Declaration and
subdivision on women’s issues within the Ministry of
Platform for Action, and the results of the twenty-third
Social Security and Labour, a gender statistics section
special session of the General Assembly, entitled
established in the Department of Statistics, as well as a
“Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace
group of women parliamentarians and the Commission
for the twenty-first century”.
of the Parliament on Family and Children. In addition,
in March 2000, the Government had established a
2. Initial and second periodic reports
permanent Inter-Ministerial Commission on Equal
Opportunities for Women and Men. The representative
Lithuania
further emphasized the important role that non-
118. The Committee considered the initial report and governmental organizations were playing with regard
the second periodic report of Lithuania (CEDAW/C/ to women’s issues. The number of women’s non-
LTU/1 and 2) at its 472nd, 473rd and 480th meetings, governmental organizations had expanded to 63 in
on 16 and 22 June 2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.472, 473 1999 from 50 in 1997. He noted that the Information
and 480). Centre on Women’s Issues was the most active
women’s organization that collected and studied
Introduction by the State party statistical data on women in the areas of education,
health, and employment, inter alia.
119. In introducing the report, the representative of
Lithuania informed the Committee that the priority of 122. The representative informed the Committee about
State policy was to ensure equal opportunities for men the increase of women’s participation in political life.
and women. The principle of equality was based on Women currently constituted 18 per cent of all
respecting all the fundamental human rights of men and members of the Parliament in comparison with 7 per
women irrespective of gender, race, nationality, cent in 1992. Women were also taking a more active

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part in local elections to municipalities. In 2000, Office of the Ombudsman, together with UNDP, was
women made up 30 per cent of all nominees, compared organizing a conference, “Men and women: creation of
to 24 per cent in 1995. negative stereotypes by mass media”, to be held on 30
June 2000.
123. The representative informed the Committee about
the situation of women in the areas of education, 126. The representative informed the Committee that
employment and health. He noted that, in Lithuania, since 1997 Lithuania had started to compile all
women and men had equal access to education and statistical data disaggregated by sex in order to show
attained high educational qualifications. Women the de facto situation of women and men in all areas of
constituted 58.6 per cent of university and 70 per cent life. Two annual statistical compendiums entitled
of high school graduates. Women’s share in the labour Women and Men in Lithuania were published in 1997
force continued to rise: in 1998, women made up 48.5 and 1998. The 1999 edition was also completed and
per cent of the total number of the employed ready for publication.
population. However, women had been negatively
127. The representative noted that Lithuania was
affected by the economic and financial difficulties in
making steady progress towards achieving gender
the country, which had led, in many cases, to a change
equality and advancing the status of women. The
of the nature of employment or loss of jobs. Many
Government was committed to continuing its work in
women had entered the informal sector or had started
that area and to overcoming the obstacles that women
their own business. The Government was trying to
of Lithuania were still encountering.
address the concerns and needs of women in the labour
market, including the needs of rural women and women
Concluding comments of the Committee
entrepreneurs. In 2000, for instance, the Credit Line
was established to assist women in small business. The
Introduction
Law on the National Health System provided for free
health care and services for everyone in the national 128. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
network of health care. All women had free access to Government of Lithuania for submitting its initial and
maternity and child health care and were entitled to second periodic reports, and for engaging in a frank
paid ante- and post-natal maternity leave. In addition, and constructive dialogue with the Committee. The
either parent was entitled to childcare allowance until reports follow the guidelines of the Committee and
the child reached his or her first birthday. contain good statistical data disaggregated by sex. The
Committee also commends the Government’s efforts to
124. The representative informed the Committee that
produce, in a short period of time, qualitative and
the Government was paying serious attention to the
informative responses to the questions posed by the
issue of violence against women, especially domestic
Committee.
violence. The Government was working in close
collaboration with the local authorities, police and non- 129. The Committee welcomes the fact that the
governmental organizations to prevent violence against Government of Lithuania followed the
women and to provide comprehensive assistance to the recommendations of the Beijing Platform for Action
victims of violence. In 1999, the Government, with the and approved two national action plans for 1996-1997
support of UNDP, had launched a project on training and 1998-2000, respectively, which are in accordance
police officials to deal with those issues. The Police with the priorities of the Platform for Action.
Department had established, in the Academy of Law, a
130. The Committee welcomes the fact that Lithuania
special course on preventive measures to combat
has ratified the Convention without reservations, and
violence against women and children. In addition, the
that it intends to sign the Optional Protocol and to
Government had translated Strategies for Confronting
accept article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention
Domestic Violence: A Resource Manual3 into
concerning the time of meetings of the Committee.
Lithuanian, and distributed it in secondary schools.
125. The representative informed the Committee that Positive aspects
the mass media had started to pay more serious
131. The Committee welcomes the fact that the
attention to women’s issues. To further raise the
Government of Lithuania puts high priority on a policy
awareness of the media regarding gender issues, the

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to ensure equal opportunities for men and women. It 135. The Committee notes with satisfaction that both
welcomes the revision of various legal provisions, the the Government and the Parliament of Lithuania
adoption of the Law on Equal Opportunities and the recognize the important role of the increasing number
establishment of the Office of the Equal Opportunities of non-governmental organizations working on
Ombudsman. The Committee also welcomes the broad women’s issues.
mandate of the Ombudsman to monitor the
136. The Committee notes with satisfaction the efforts
implementation of the Law. It commends the fact that
of the Government to collect and publish annually all
the Law’s definition of discrimination fully
statistical data disaggregated by sex.
corresponds to the definition articulated in article 1 of
the Convention, that it allows for positive
Factors and difficulties affecting the
discrimination according to article 4, paragraph 1, of
implementation of the Convention
the Convention, prohibits sexual harassment, and
allows for administrative sanctions to be imposed on 137. The Committee notes that the political and
both private and public persons and institutions. The economic transition in the last decade has posed
Committee notes with satisfaction that the Office of the serious challenges to the effective implementation of
Equal Opportunities Ombudsman has close connections the Convention, as women have been
with the Lithuanian Parliament, with State institutions disproportionately affected by the restructuring
and with non-governmental organizations, and that its processes.
budget significantly increased in less than a year.
Principal areas of concern and
132. The Committee notes with appreciation the
recommendations
incremental development of several components of a
national machinery. The Committee commends the 138. The Committee is concerned about the
creation of a group of women parliamentarians from all persistence of traditional stereotypes regarding the role
political parties, as well as a parliamentary commission of men and women in the family, in employment and in
on the family and the child. It also welcomes the society. The Committee is also concerned about the
establishment of a permanent Inter-Ministerial lack of targeted educational programmes, mass media
Commission on Equal Opportunities for Women and campaigns and temporary special measures in
Men and the fact that the meetings of the Commission education, employment and politics to eliminate these
can be attended by the Ombudsman as well as by stereotypes. It is also concerned that provisions in the
representatives of non-governmental organizations. current draft Code of Advertising Ethics may not be
sufficient to address advertisements that utilize and
133. The Committee notes with appreciation the
support traditional sex-role stereotypes.
efforts by the Government to combat violence against
women, especially domestic violence. It commends the 139. The Committee urges the Government to design
creation, with the collaboration of non-governmental and implement comprehensive programmes in
organizations, of telephone hot lines and crisis centres education and the mass media in order to promote roles
to provide information and assistance to women and tasks of women and men in all sectors of society. It
victims of violence. It also commends the training of also recommends that the draft Code of Advertising
police officials in this regard. Ethics be amended in order to cover not only the
prohibition of the promotion of discrimination against
134. The Committee appreciates the willingness of the
women and men, or of the alleged superiority of one
Government to address the issues of prostitution and
sex over the other, but also of the more subtle
trafficking in women and girls, which has resulted in
utilization of and support for traditional role
various changes of and amendments to the Criminal
stereotypes in the family, in employment and in
Code of Lithuania, some of which, however, are still to
society.
be adopted. It commends the National Programme on
Control and Prevention of Prostitution and Trafficking, 140. The Committee is concerned that a clear
to be launched soon and to be implemented by understanding of temporary special measures according
ministries and governmental and non-governmental to article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the
institutions. Lithuanian Law on Equal Opportunities, as well as the
reason for their application, seems to be lacking in

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large parts of Lithuanian society and in the government 145. The Committee recommends that efforts be made
bureaucracy. to eliminate occupational segregation through efforts in
education, training and retraining. There should be
141. The Committee recommends that the Government
additional wage increases in female-dominated sectors
raise public awareness about the importance of such
of public employment to decrease the wage differential
measures and programmes by pointing to the positive
in comparison with male-dominated sectors.
example of Vilnius University and encourage similar
programmes in various areas, especially that of 146. The Committee is concerned at the increase of
political decision-making. The Committee also poverty among various groups of women, in particular
recommends that the Government introduce such of female-headed households.
special provisions in the educational field, including
147. The Committee recommends that the Government
admission to disciplines in which one sex is under-
closely monitor the poverty situation of women of
represented, in government commissions and in public
various groups, including those of various ages, and
administration. Such provisions should be designed
implement effective poverty alleviation programmes.
with measurable goals or quotas and time lines in order
to accelerate the achievement of de facto equality 148. The Committee is concerned that the existing
between women and men in those areas. national mechanisms do not have sufficient capacity or
funding to promote effectively the advancement of
142. The Committee is concerned about the situation
women and gender equality.
of women in the labour market, and in particular about
the fact that the official unemployment statistics do not 149. The Committee requests the Government to
take account of the hidden unemployment of women or consolidate and strengthen the existing governmental
of their informal employment and underemployment. national mechanisms for women, including through the
While the official overall unemployment rate of women provision of financial and human resources to carry out
is slightly lower than that of men, such general effectively their mandates. It further recommends that
statistics hide the fact that there tends to be a higher the Government continually review the budgetary
number of women among the long-term and the higher- needs of the Office of the Equal Opportunities
educated unemployed, and in the older age groups that Ombudsman.
more women than men are unemployed.
150. The Committee expresses its concern about
143. The Committee requests the Government to violence against women, especially domestic violence.
include precise information and data in its next
151. The Committee urges the Government to amend
periodic report on women’s unemployment rates
article 118 of the Criminal Code in order explicitly to
differentiated according to age groups and educational
define rape as sexual intercourse without consent. The
and professional levels, as well as on their
Committee also urges the Government to continue to
representation in the various training programmes. It
pay serious attention to domestic violence against
further recommends that the Government design and
women, including through ongoing training of police
implement specific targeted programmes for different
officials, future lawyers and judges and through easy
groups of unemployed women, addressing their
access to courts by the victims of domestic violence. It
training needs in different employment areas with a
recommends the introduction of a specific law
view to future-oriented jobs. It also recommends the
prohibiting domestic violence against women, which
monitoring of the increasing number of women’s
would provide for protection and exclusion orders and
businesses in regard to their viability.
access to legal aid and shelters.
144. The Committee also notes with concern that the
152. The Committee recognizes the efforts made by
position of women in the labour market is
the Government in addressing the issue of trafficking
characterized by discrimination, in particular of women
in women and girls, but notes with concern that the
with children, and by a strong occupational segregation
size of the problem is not reflected in the information
with a concomitant wage differential. The Committee
provided in the report. The Committee draws attention
is also concerned that there may be hidden
to article 6 of the Convention, and in this regard notes
discrimination against women in the training
that criminal penalties imposed only on prostitutes
programmes offered by the Labour Exchange Offices.
entrench sexual exploitation of women.

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153. The Committee requests the Government to Committee is concerned with the increase of
include in its next periodic report detailed information tuberculosis and mental diseases among women, as
on the impact and results of the intended legal changes well as with the high rate of anaemia among pregnant
regarding prostitution, as well as of the intended women.
National Programme on Control and Prevention of
159. The Committee recommends that the Government
Prostitution and Trafficking. It also recommends that
fully implement a life-cycle approach to women’s
the Government increase its collaboration with other
health. It further recommends comprehensive research
countries of origin, transit and destination of trafficked
into the specific health needs of women, the financial
women and girls and to report on the results of such
and organizational strengthening of family planning
collaboration. It further recommends the creation of
programmes and the provision of wide access to
reintegration programmes for victims of prostitution
contraceptives for all women, including rural women.
and trafficking in cooperation with non-governmental
The Committee urges the Government to introduce
organizations.
programmes of sexual and reproductive education for
154. The Committee notes with concern the both girls and boys as a regular part of the school
insufficient funding of non-governmental curriculum.
organizations, including women’s non-governmental
160. The Committee expresses its concern with the
organizations, which makes it difficult for them to
fact that the Government does not have enough
build their capacities to fulfil their various roles and
information on the situation of rural women, especially
functions in supporting human rights of women.
older rural women, as concerns their cash income,
155. The Committee recommends that the Government health situation, access to free health care services and
develop clear criteria for rendering and ensuring social and cultural opportunities.
governmental financial support on the national and
161. The Committee requests the Government to
local level for the work of women’s non-governmental
provide more information and data on the situation of
organizations. It also recommends that the Government
rural women in its next periodic report. The Committee
increase awareness among individuals and corporations
recommends that the Government monitor existing
regarding possible donations to women’s organizations.
programmes and develop additional policies and
156. The Committee expresses its concern at the fairly programmes aimed at the economic empowerment of
low rate of women holding parliamentary seats and rural women, ensuring their access to productive
political office at the municipal and national levels. resources and capital as well as to health care services
and to social and cultural opportunities.
157. The Committee recommends that the Government
strengthen its efforts in offering or supporting special 162. The Committee is concerned with the situation of
training programmes for current and future women older women, who constitute a large proportion of the
leaders and conduct, on a regular basis, awareness- population. The Committee recommends that the
raising campaigns regarding the importance of Government design and implement gender-sensitive
women’s participation in political decision-making. policies and programmes that address the specific
The Committee also recommends that the Government needs of older women. It also recommends that social
involve the mass media in promoting positive images workers be provided with gender-sensitive education
of women leaders. and training in order to be able to recognize and meet
those needs.
158. The Committee is concerned that the Government
has not addressed the health needs of Lithuanian 163. The Committee urges the Government to sign and
women by taking into account the life-cycle approach ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention and to
recommended by the Beijing Platform for Action and deposit as soon as possible, its instrument of
as stated in the Committee’s general recommendation acceptance of the amendment to article 20, paragraph
24 on article 12, relating to women and health. The 1, of the Convention on the time of meetings of the
Committee also notes with concern the high rate of Committee.
abortion among women and a lack of access to various
methods of family planning, including contraceptives,
especially among women in rural areas. The

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164. The Committee requests that the Government facilitate the strategy’s implementation. For instance, a
respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues high-level National Committee for the Advancement of
raised in these concluding comments. Iraqi Women had been established, headed by the
Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and comprising
165. The Committee requests the Government to
high-level officials from ministries and bodies
disseminate widely the present concluding comments
concerned with the implementation of the national
in Lithuania and to support their public discussion, in
strategy.
order to make politicians and government
administrators, women’s non-governmental 169. The representative emphasized that the
organizations and the public at large aware of the steps implementation of the Convention in Iraq should be
required to ensure de jure and de facto equality for seen against the background of the circumstances of
women. It also requests the Government to continue to the country. She recalled paragraph 145 of the Beijing
disseminate widely, and in particular to women’s and Platform for Action, on the negative impact of
human rights organizations, the Convention and its economic sanctions on the status of women, and noted
Optional Protocol, the Committee’s general that the comprehensive regime of sanctions on Iraq had
recommendations, the Beijing Declaration and negatively affected the lives of its people and resulted
Platform for Action, and the results of the twenty-third in a significant increase in child and maternal mortality
special session of the General Assembly entitled and cancers, including leukaemia. In that regard, she
“Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace drew attention to the findings and recommendations in
for the twenty-first century”. a 1999 UNICEF survey on child and maternal mortality
in Iraq.
3. Combined second and third periodic reports
170. The representative noted that Iraq had
experienced over 197,000 air raids since 9 May 1991
Iraq
which had caused the death of hundreds of civilians
166. The Committee considered the combined second and the destruction of critical economic infrastructure.
and third periodic reports of Iraq (CEDAW/C/IRQ/2-3) Extreme suffering had been experienced by the general
at its 468th and 469th meetings, on 14 June 2000 (see population and among women and children, in
CEDAW/C/SR.468 and 469). particular. The absence of governmental control over
the north of the country had also impeded the State
Introduction by the State party party’s ability to monitor the implementation of
international human rights treaties, including the
167. In introducing the report, the representative of
Convention.
Iraq stressed her delegation’s desire for a constructive
dialogue with the Committee. She noted that according 171. The representative emphasized the Government’s
to the most recent census of 1997, women composed decisive political will to implement the Convention,
50.3 per cent of the total population of approximately which was clear from steps such as the accession to the
22 million, which reflected a population growth since Convention, regular reporting, the formulation of
1987 of approximately 3 per cent. national strategies and the establishment of national
mechanisms. The absence of adequate resources and
168. The representative informed the Committee of
international cooperation had hindered full
actions taken in her country pursuant to the Convention
implementation, and circumstances had forced the
and the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for
State party to change its priorities and shift its main
Action. These included a seminar in 1994 on the topic
focus to the right of survival, especially for women and
“Women and human rights: ways of confronting
children.
challenges”. The seminar, organized by the
Government in cooperation with non-governmental 172. The representative highlighted several measures
organizations, resulted in the adoption of the introduced to ensure the advancement of women. They
Declaration of Baghdad. A national strategy to promote included the introduction, by the country’s largest
the situation of Iraqi women had also been developed political party, of quotas to increase the number of
after the Fourth World Conference on Women. women at the decision-making level, which resulted in
Institutional mechanisms had been reinforced to a marked increase in the number of women occupying

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leadership positions after the 1999 elections. Women provisions of the Convention, as a five-year plan to the
currently comprised 8 per cent of members of year 2005.
Parliament, a figure exceeding the Arab country
177. The Committee welcomes the establishment, in
average of 3 per cent. The personal status code had
June 1997, of the high-level National Committee for
been made more equitable through reform of
the Advancement of Iraqi Women, the agency
regulations on alimony payments for women, which
concerned with the advancement of women and
had been further reinforced by criminal law. The penal
consisting of representatives of ministries involved in
code had also been amended to exclude women from
activities of relevance to women, and of the General
detention for certain crimes.
Federation of Iraqi Women. The Committee welcomes
173. The representative concluded that political will the work of the General Federation of Iraqi Women
existed at the highest levels in Iraq to ensure the aimed at implementation of the Convention.
implementation of the Convention, despite the adverse
effects of sanctions and the resultant limited resources Factors and difficulties affecting the
which prevailed. In that regard, she urged the implementation of the Convention
Committee to take into consideration the grave
178. The Committee notes that the effects of sanctions
circumstances and challenges facing her country, which
and embargo are reflected in the difficult economic and
were caused mainly by sanctions, and which affected
social situation prevailing in the country, which has
implementation of the Convention.
had repercussions on the advancement of women and
on their socio-economic well-being. The situation
Concluding comments of the Committee
impedes the full implementation of the Convention.
However, the Committee is of the opinion that,
Introduction
notwithstanding difficulties, the State party remains
174. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the responsible for implementing its obligations under the
Government of Iraq for submitting its combined second Convention in order to ensure elimination of
and third periodic report in accordance with the discrimination against women with respect to the rights
Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of periodic contained in the Convention.
reports and with statistical data disaggregated by sex. It
welcomes the submission of written replies to the Principal areas of concern and
Committee’s questions and the oral presentation that recommendations
further clarified the current situation of women in Iraq.
179. The Committee notes with concern that while the
The Committee appreciates the fact that, despite the
current situation in the State party is not favourable to
difficult situation faced by the country, the Government
the advancement of women in some respects, the State
has shown the will to continue the constructive
party has failed to adopt specific policies and take all
dialogue with the Committee.
possible measures to implement the Convention. The
Committee notes in particular the failure of the State
Positive aspects
party to revoke legislative provisions that discriminate
175. The Committee welcomes the Government’s against women.
stated political will to implement the Convention and
180. The Committee also notes with concern that
notes with appreciation the legislative reforms
discriminatory views and attitudes that impede
implemented by the State party, in particular with
women’s enjoyment of their rights have not been
regard to the Personal Status Code, which brought
addressed by the State party.
about a greater degree of women’s equality with men,
and the Penal Code, which now provides greater 181. The Committee calls on the Government to
protection to women. review discriminatory legislative provisions and to take
measures, including temporary special measures, aimed
176. The Committee commends the Government for
at creating a non-discriminatory legislative and de
adopting, in June 1997, a National Strategy for the
facto environment for women.
Advancement of Women in implementation of the
Beijing Platform for Action and keeping in mind the

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182. The Committee is concerned that while article 19, nationality and that none should have dual nationality
subparagraph (a), of the Constitution of 1970 provides or lose their nationality, does not grant women an
for equality of all citizens before the law without independent right to acquire, change or retain their
discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of nationality or to pass it on to their children.
sex, it does not specifically prohibit discrimination that
188. The Committee recommends that the Government
has the effect or purpose of adversely affecting
of Iraq review its reservations to article 2,
women’s human rights. The Committee is also
subparagraphs (f) and (g), and articles 9 and 16, in the
concerned that article 19, subparagraph (b), grants
light of the Committee’s statement on reservations,
equal opportunities to all citizens “within the limits of
assess the justifications for those reservations and
the law”, thus restricting the guarantee of article 19,
modify or withdraw them as soon as possible to ensure
subparagraph (a), in particular for women.
full implementation of the Convention.
183. The Committee calls on the Government to
189. While noting the existence of certain legislative
encourage a constitutional amendment which reflects
provisions on violence against women, the Committee
fully article 1 of the Convention. It also encourages the
expresses its concern at the lack of a comprehensive
Government to undertake a comprehensive legislative
approach to that issue. The Committee is particularly
review with a view to bringing all legislation into full
concerned about the lack of data and information on
conformity with the Convention.
the incidence and types of violence perpetrated against
184. The Committee notes with concern that women in the home and in society; social, medical and
insufficient information is available about progress in psychological support available to women subjected to
the implementation of the national strategy and in violence; and measures to prosecute and punish
particular about steps to measure and evaluate such perpetrators and to provide legal redress.
progress and to identify successful programmes.
190. The Committee requests the Government to
185. The Committee urges the Government to put in provide in its next report a comprehensive picture with
place a mechanism to provide for the regular regard to violence against women in the State party,
evaluation and qualitative and quantitative assessment including information on legislation, statistical data on
of progress in the implementation of the national the types and incidence of violence against women and
strategy for the advancement of women. It also invites the responses to such violence by law enforcement
the Government to provide further information on the officials, the judiciary, social workers and health-care
mandate, annual work plans and major areas of activity providers. The Committee urges the Government to
of the National Committee for the Advancement of encourage and support the establishment of facilities
Women in its next report. for women victims of domestic violence, such as
telephone hotlines and shelters for battered women,
186. The Committee is concerned that the State party
and to launch a zero-tolerance campaign on violence
explicitly ruled out the possibility of withdrawal of its
against women so as to raise awareness about the
reservations to article 2, subparagraphs (f) and (g), and
problem and the need to combat it effectively.
articles 9 and 16. The Committee expresses its concern
at the State party’s justification of those reservations as 191. The Committee is concerned at the prevailing
being based on its desire to apply the provisions of the view that emphasizes women’s stereotypical role in the
Convention in a manner consistent with Islamic Sharia. family and in private life to the detriment of
In that regard, the Committee draws the attention of the establishing equality of women in all spheres of life.
State party to its statement on reservations (see The Committee notes with concern that insufficient
A/53/38/Rev.1, part two, chap. I), and in particular its attention is being given to modifying harmful
view that articles 2 and 16 are central to the object and traditional and cultural practices, such as polygamy,
purpose of the Convention, and that, in accordance and stereotypical attitudes that perpetuate
with article 28, paragraph 2, reservations should be discrimination against women.
reviewed and modified or withdrawn.
192. The Committee urges the Government to
187. The Committee is also concerned that Iraq’s implement awareness-raising campaigns to change
nationality law, which is based on the principle that the stereotypical and discriminatory attitudes concerning
members of a family should all have the same the roles of women and girls, in addition to providing a

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non-discriminatory legislative basis. It also urges the that the flexibility granted to employers in labour
Government to work towards the elimination of the relations has a negative impact on women’s
practice of polygamy, in light of the Committee’s employability and security of employment. Differences
general recommendation 21 on marriage and family in maternity benefits granted to women in the public
relations. It also urges the Government to ensure that and the private sector are also a cause of concern to the
gender-sensitive public education campaigns at all Committee.
levels create a non-discriminatory environment.
200. The Committee urges the Government to ensure
193. The Committee is also deeply concerned by the that women do not bear a disproportionate portion of
violence against women perpetrated through honour the economic difficulties facing the country. In
killings. particular, the Committee calls on the Government to
ensure that non-discriminatory labour legislation is in
194. The Committee urges the Government in
place and effectively enforced. The Committee
particular to condemn and eradicate honour killings
requests the Government to ensure that women’s
and ensure that these crimes are prosecuted and
reproductive function does not lead to discrimination
punished in the same way as other homicides.
against them in employment, job security and social
195. While noting that, apparently, there is a quota benefits.
provision in place in the country’s main political party,
201. The Committee recognizes that sanctions have
the Ba’ath Party, to increase the number of women in
had a negative impact on women and children in areas
leadership positions, the Committee expresses its
such as health care, nutrition, employment and other
concern about the continuing low representation of
basic social services. The Committee nevertheless is
women in public life.
concerned at the failure of the Government to put in
196. The Committee calls on the Government to place specific and targeted measures to address these
introduce measures in accordance with article 4, problems.
paragraph 1, of the Convention, and especially to
202. The Committee urges the Government to assess
increase the number of women in the political sphere.
the differential impact of sanctions on women and
197. The Committee notes with concern the level of children, especially on particularly vulnerable groups
illiteracy among women, the increasing rate at which of women, and to put in place measures aimed at
girls drop out of secondary and higher education, and countering such a negative impact. In that regard, the
the low representation of women in technical schools. Committee urges the Government to use resources
available from programmes such as the oil-for-food
198. The Committee calls on the Government to
programme in a manner that directly benefits women,
strengthen efforts to eradicate illiteracy and to ensure
including through diverting resources currently
primary and secondary education for girls by
allocated for other purposes.
preventing school dropouts. It further urges the
Government to broaden the educational and training 203. The Committee expresses its concern at the
opportunities for girls and young women at the overall health situation of women. It notes the high
secondary and tertiary levels and in technical fields. It incidence of maternal mortality and the lack of basic
urges the Government to give particular attention to health services, medicines and reproductive health
ensuring that girls and women have equal access to services, including qualified birth attendants. The
new specializations, including the opportunity to Committee is particularly concerned that, given the
acquire skills and knowledge to participate on a basis socio-economic difficulties, no measures have been put
of equality with men in the labour market and in the in place to address the mental and psychological health
future reconstruction of the country. of women. The Committee is also concerned that no
steps have been taken to determine the prevalence of
199. The Committee expresses its concern about
HIV/AIDS in the country, and that no relevant
women’s low participation in the labour market. It is
preventive education and information campaigns aimed
also concerned at the absence of a law establishing
at women exist.
minimum wages, which makes it extremely difficult to
determine whether women are being paid equal pay for 204. The Committee urges the Government to put in
work of equal value. The Committee is also concerned place mechanisms to provide the greatest possible

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protection of women’s health rights. It urges the Optional Protocol, the Committee’s general
Government to ensure that women and children are recommendations, the Beijing Declaration and
effectively targeted so as to benefit from available Platform for Action, and the results of the twenty-third
resources and that such resources are not diverted to special session of the General Assembly entitled
other purposes. It calls on the Government to take a “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace
holistic view of women’s health, in line with the for the twenty-first century”.
Committee’s general recommendation 24 relating to
article 12 of the Convention, and to put in place 4. Combined third and fourth periodic reports
measures to ensure women’s mental and psychological and fifth periodic reports
well-being.
Austria
205. The Committee expresses its concern about the
lack of information provided about the situation of 211. The Committee considered the combined third
rural women and the implementation of article 14 of and fourth reports and the fifth periodic reports of
the Convention. Austria (CEDAW/C/AUT/3-4 and 5) at its 470th and
471st meetings, on 15 June 2000 (see
206. The Committee calls on the Government to
CEDAW/C/SR.470 and 471).
provide in its next report a comprehensive picture of
the situation of rural women, in particular their
Introduction by the State party
educational, health and employment situation, and the
impact of traditions and stereotypes on their status. 212. In introducing the reports, the representative of
Austria informed the Committee that as a result of
207. The Committee notes with concern the lack of
restructuring following the formation of Austria’s new
information on the situation of particularly
coalition government in February 2000, the Ministry
disadvantaged groups of women, especially women
for Social Security and Generations had been assigned
belonging to ethnic minorities, including Kurds,
responsibility for the development of women’s policy,
Turkmens and Assyrians.
which had been previously within the framework of the
208. The Committee calls on the Government to Federal Chancellery. The new Austrian Federal
address the situation of those groups of women. Government emphasized that it considered women’s
policy to be an integral part of its overall policy and
209. The Committee requests that the Government
had committed itself to an ambitious women’s policy
respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues
programme. In this regard, the law on equal treatment
raised in the present concluding comments. It requests
applicable to the public sector had been amended, inter
the Government to provide information about the
alia, to shift the burden of proof in sexual harassment
mandate, functions and activities of the Human Rights
cases and to enhance the enforceability and monitoring
Commission established within the National Assembly
of the equal treatment obligation. A regional office of
with regard to women’s enjoyment of their human
the ombudsman’s office for equal treatment had been
rights. It also requests that the Government engage in a
established (the central office had been founded in
broad consultative process with women’s non-
Vienna in 1991), and further regional offices were
governmental organizations, including those that
planned. Beginning on 1 January 2002 a childcare
represent minority women, when preparing its next
allowance would be paid to each parent, irrespective of
report.
whether they were employed.
210. The Committee requests the wide dissemination
213. The representative drew attention to the many
in Iraq of the present concluding comments, in order to
initiatives introduced to address violence against
make the people of Iraq, and particularly government
women, including information campaigns and the
administrators and politicians, aware of the steps that
federal law on the protection against family violence,
have been taken to ensure de jure and de facto equality
providing for exclusion orders, which had entered into
for women and the future steps that are required in that
force on 1 May 1997. Seven intervention centres
regard. It also requests the Government to continue to
against domestic violence, functioning as contact
disseminate widely, and in particular to women’s and
centres for victims and coordinating bodies with regard
human rights organizations, the Convention and its
to all organizations concerned with the problem, had

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been established, and an advisory committee on the presentation of the combined third and fourth periodic
prevention of violence had also been set up within the reports and the fifth periodic report.
Federal Ministry of the Interior. A series of large-scale
218. The Committee is gratified that the Government
training courses had been conducted during the past
of Austria had sent a large, high-level inter-ministerial
three years to sensitize all those concerned with
delegation headed by the Federal Minister for Social
domestic violence, and measures were being
Security and Generations, which established a frank
introduced to support sexually abused children and
and highly constructive dialogue with the members of
young people with regard to court proceedings.
the Committee.
214. Measures had also been introduced with regard to
219. The Committee commends the Government for
trafficking in women, including the creation in Vienna
announcing its intention to accept the amendment to
in 1998 of an intervention centre for women victims of
article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention in respect of
trafficking and the introduction of a “humanitarian
the time of meetings of the Committee. It also
visa” to allow them to remain in Austria. Austria
welcomes the imminent withdrawal of the reservation
supported the ongoing negotiations relating to the
to article 7 of the Convention in respect of women and
revised draft Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish
the military. At the same time, it appeals to the
Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and
Government to make efforts also to withdraw the
Children, supplementing the United Nations
reservation to article 11 of the Convention in respect of
Convention against Transnational Organized Crime
night work.
(A/AC.254/4/Add.3/Rev.7).
220. The Committee commends the Government for
215. The representative indicated that an inter-
the central role played by Austria in the elaboration of
ministerial working group for gender mainstreaming
the Optional Protocol and for having expressed its
had been established, comprising representatives of all
intention to ratify it in the coming months.
ministries, which would develop and monitor the
implementation of strategies for gender mainstreaming.
Positive aspects
She also noted that Austria had introduced several
initiatives to make women aware of the opportunities 221. The Committee notes with satisfaction the
and risks related to new technology. These included a measures undertaken by Austria to combat violence
project to encourage women to take up non-traditional against women. The Committee commends the federal
technical professions, especially in regard to law on the protection against family violence, which
technology, and the development of a manual providing entered into force on 1 May 1997, and created a legal
practical guidelines for the implementation of measures basis for the speedy and efficient protection of victims
to increase the participation of women in technical of domestic violence. It also appreciates in particular
fields. the programmes relating to sexual violence against
persons with disabilities.
216. In concluding, the representative informed the
Committee that Austria had signed the Optional 222. The Committee notes with appreciation the
Protocol to the Convention and would soon be in a various measures of the Government to combat
position to ratify the instrument, as well as to accept trafficking in women, including the apprehension,
the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators. It also
Convention relating to the time of meetings of the appreciates Austria’s efforts to increase international
Committee. Austria would also shortly remove its cooperation in order to address this transnational issue.
reservation to article 7, subparagraph (b), of the
223. The Committee welcomes the initiative of the
Convention in the light of the introduction of the 1998
Government to promote the participation of women in
women’s education act providing for access by women
the field of the new information and communication
to the army.
technologies, as both consumers and entrepreneurs.
Concluding comments of the Committee
217. The Committee commends the Government of
Austria for the high quality of the written and oral

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Factors and difficulties affecting the 229. The Committee expresses its concern at women
implementation of the Convention seeking asylum in Austria, and in particular about
human rights violations by State officials. The
224. The Committee considers that persisting cultural
Committee recommends that the Government adopt
stereotypes of women as homemakers and child-rearers
policies that acknowledge gender-specific grounds for
constitute an impediment to the full implementation of
women seeking asylum in Austria, including gender
the Convention.
violence and persecution and female genital mutilation.
Principal areas of concern and 230. With respect to violence against women,
recommendations notwithstanding the extensive measures already
undertaken by the Government, the Committee urges
225. The Committee expresses its concern at the
the Government to ensure ongoing education for law
abolition of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. While
enforcement officials and the judiciary, including their
acknowledging that the new Government has
sensitization to violence against women in migrant
transferred the responsibility for women’s and gender
communities, and to extend such programmes to health
issues from the Ministry within the framework of the
professionals. It also recommends that the Government
Federal Chancellery to the Ministry of Social Security
pay particular attention to the physical, emotional and
and Generations and that it has set up an inter-
financial abuse of elderly women. It suggests further
ministerial coordinating committee on gender
that programmes of therapy for male offenders be
mainstreaming, it is concerned that the broad scope of
instituted.
the responsibilities of the latter Ministry will result in
giving lesser priority to the elimination of 231. The Committee expresses concern at the high
discrimination against women and obstruct the percentage of the female population in Austria which
visibility of government policy in that respect. has no education beyond the compulsory level. It is
also concerned with the continuing gender role
226. The Committee requests the Government to
stereotyping in the area of education and vocational
ensure, on a regular basis, the evaluation and
training for girls and boys.
assessment of the gender impact of the federal budget
as well as governmental policies and programmes 232. The Committee urges the Government to take
affecting women. It also urges the national machinery measures to encourage girls to continue their education
for women to increase its cooperation with non- beyond compulsory level and particularly in the areas
governmental organizations. of science and technology. The Committee also calls
upon the Government to introduce affirmative action to
227. The Committee is concerned about the situation
increase the appointment of women to academic posts
of migrant women. The Committee urges the
at all levels and to integrate gender studies and feminist
Government to facilitate the attainment of work
research in university curricula and research
permits by migrant women on an equal basis with
programmes.
migrant men and to establish the conditions needed for
their integration into the economic and social life of 233. In the area of women’s employment, the
Austrian society. Committee is concerned that women continue to
remain segregated in low-paid jobs in the labour
228. The Committee is also concerned about the
market.
situation of trafficked women. The Committee requests
the Government to take responsibility in caring for the 234. The Committee requests the Government to take
human rights of all trafficked women and girls. It also action in order to decrease the wage discrepancy
urges the Government to increase its cooperation with between female-dominated jobs and male-dominated
countries of origin and other countries of destination so jobs, especially in the private sector. It also urges the
as to prevent trafficking and penalize those who Federal Government to adopt a proactive
facilitate trafficking. comprehensive policy, with appropriate budgetary
allocations as incentives to provincial and local
authorities, so as to develop childcare facilities that
enable women’s equal participation in the labour force.

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235. The Committee urges the Government to Government to apply the results of the projects in
strengthen the powers of the Equal Treatment ongoing law, policy and programming.
Commission in order to allow it to be more effective in
241. The Committee requests the Government to
its efforts to combat discriminatory practices and to
introduce human rights education, and in particular
guarantee equal opportunity and treatment for women
women’s human rights education on the basis of the
in the workplace.
Convention, into school curricula.
236. The Committee is concerned about the situation
242. The Committee calls upon the Government of
of single women and, in particular, the disadvantages
Austria to include information on the concerns raised
suffered by never-married and divorced elderly women
in these concluding comments in the next periodic
in terms of retirement pensions and social security
report.
benefits. The Committee urges the Government to take
into consideration current social trends when designing 243. The Committee requests the wide dissemination
policies so as to meet the needs of the increasing in Austria of the present concluding comments so that
number of single women in the country. the people, and, in particular administrators and
politicians, are made aware of the steps to be taken to
237. The Committee recommends that the Government
ensure de jure and de facto equality for women, and the
replicate, at the federal level, the Vienna programme on
further steps required in that regard. It also requests the
women’s health and intensify efforts to apply a gender
Government to disseminate widely, in particular to
perspective in health care by, inter alia, initiating and
women’s and human rights organizations, the
sponsoring relevant research, taking into account the
Convention and the Committee’s general
Committee’s General Recommendation 24 on article
recommendations, the Beijing Declaration and
12, relating to women and health.
Platform for Action and the further actions and
238. The Committee is concerned at the decrease in initiatives adopted by the General Assembly at its
women’s representation in the legislature in the recent twenty-third special session, entitled “Women 2000:
elections. The Committee recommends that the gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-
Government undertake in this respect temporary first century”.
special measures, in accordance with article 4,
paragraph 1, of the Convention, and consider, inter 5. Fourth periodic reports
alia, the use of federal funding for political parties as
an incentive for the increased representation of women Cuba
in Parliament, as well as the application of quotas and
244. The Committee considered the fourth periodic
numerical goals and measurable targets aimed at
report of Cuba (CEDAW/C/CUB/4) at its 474th and
increasing women’s political participation.
475th meetings, on 19 June 2000 (see
239. The Committee is concerned at the lack of data CEDAW/C/SR.474 and 475).
disaggregated by sex on the impact of policies and
programmes. The Committee urges the Government, Introduction by the State party
inter alia, to improve the collection of data on criminal
245. In introducing the report, the representative of
proceedings related to violence against women, to
Cuba drew attention to the fact that her country had
evaluate policy as regards victims of trafficking, to
consistently adhered to the letter and spirit of the
assess the nature and outcome of equal treatment cases
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
in the labour courts and to integrate gender
Discrimination against Women, and upheld its value as
perspectives into health care, taking into account sex-
an international legal instrument. Likewise, she noted
disaggregated data on causes of morbidity and
that Cuba had expressed its political will to support the
mortality.
Optional Protocol to the Convention and undertaken a
240. The Committee commends governmental national evaluation of the actions adopted to implement
initiatives to assess gender policies through pilot the agreements of the Fourth World Conference on
projects, but is concerned that such initiatives do not Women. She added that the evaluation showed the
go beyond the pilot stage. The Committee urges the advances, the failures and the resulting new priorities
on gender issues.

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246. The representative informed the Committee that, current expenditure to education, health care, social
during the period from 1996 to 2000, Cuba had adopted security, housing maintenance and repair and
measures to solve pending problems and to outline community services. The representative informed the
national middle and long-term strategies to follow up Committee that, during the seventh Congress of the
the process aimed at the achievement of gender Federation of Cuban Women, held in March 2000, it
equality. had been indicated that women’s employment in the
civil-State sector had risen from 42.3 per cent in 1995
247. The representative stressed that, after the Fourth
to 43.6 per cent in 1999. Moreover, in some middle-
World Conference on Women, Cuba had implemented a
and higher-level job categories (i.e., technical and
series of actions to publicize the commitments made on
professional), women’s employment had risen from
the adoption of the Platform for Action among the
63.8 per cent in 1995 to 66.1 per cent in 1999. She also
policy-making State bodies. That wide process of
noted that the participation of women in decision-
social awareness-raising had culminated in a national
making had increased from 29.8 per cent in 1995 to
seminar entitled “Cuban women from Beijing to 2000”,
32.3 per cent in 1999. She stressed the qualitative and
which examined the Platform for Action and elaborated
quantitative improvement of women’s participation in
recommendations for future work. The seminar had
Parliament, where women represented 27.6 per cent in
been a valuable part of the background to the
comparison to the period from 1993 to 1998, when
establishment of the National Plan of Action to Follow
women accounted for 22.8 per cent.
up the Fourth World Conference on Women, which had
been adopted into law in April 1997. 251. The representative underlined the impact of the
Helms-Burton Act and the economic, commercial and
248. The representative informed the Committee that
financial blockade of the Government of the United
Cuba had strengthened the executive functions of each
States of America, and described its differential
State body charged with implementing the relevant
negative consequences for women and men. She noted
policies. She also drew attention to those bodies of the
that those factors had prevented Cuba from fulfilling
State Central Management which were involved in and
the purposes of the National Plan of Action as well as
responsible for the 90 measures included in the Plan.
the principles of the Convention. She indicated that,
The 90 measures conformed with the national priorities
owing to continuing gender stereotypes and traditional
established with regard to women’s employment,
sexist behaviour patterns, many women were still
access to decision-making, the reflection of women’s
responsible for family and children’s care, and that the
images in the media, community participation in health
blockade took a particular toll on women who were
services, community social work, improvement of
responsible for productive and social activities in the
legislation, attention to women’s human, sexual and
home. She acknowledged that international solidarity,
reproductive rights and the improvement of research on
including through women’s organizations, had
women and gender relations.
counteracted some of the negative effects of the
249. The representative indicated that the substantial blockade and promoted projects for the advancement of
advances in the implementation of the National Plan of women and girls in Cuba.
Action was due to the country’s gradual and sustained
economic recovery, particularly during the last five Concluding comments of the Committee
years. The Cuban gross domestic product (GDP) had
risen by 6.2 per cent in 1999, and had been Introduction
accompanied by a 5.4 per cent rise in job productivity,
252. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
and 8.8 per cent investment growth.
Government of Cuba for submitting on time a detailed
250. The representative informed the Committee that fourth periodic report containing data disaggregated by
the continuing growth in the economy ensured a sex. It commends the Government for the
consistent policy of favouring social programmes, comprehensive written replies to the Committee’s
particularly those that benefited women and children. questions, and its comprehensive oral presentation that
She emphasized that the Cuban national budget for further clarified recent developments in the State party.
social programmes had risen since 1995, and, in the
253. The Committee commends the Government of
year 2000, the State had devoted 70 per cent of its
Cuba for having sent a large delegation, headed by the

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Vice-Minister for Science, Technology and the 258. The Committee welcomes the fact that Cuba
Environment, with a high degree of expertise and invited the Special Rapporteur on violence against
including officials from various branches of women to visit the country in June 1999.
Government and from the Federation of Cuban
259. The Committee commends the Government for
Women. Their participation enhanced the quality of the
having signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention
constructive dialogue between the State party and the
in March 2000.
Committee.
Factors and difficulties affecting the
Positive aspects
implementation of the Convention
254. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the
260. The Committee notes the ongoing economic
Government’s political will and commitment to
blockade and its particular effects on women and on
implement the Convention under extremely difficult
the full implementation of the Convention. These
circumstances.
effects are compounded by the fact that women remain
255. The Committee commends the Government for primarily responsible for household work and are
the adoption, at the level of a law, of a National Plan of clustered in professions that are seriously affected by
Action to follow up the Fourth World Conference on the blockade.
Women, prepared in a consultative process among
governmental bodies and entities of civil society, and Principal areas of concern and
containing a large number of actions in various fields recommendations
to be implemented by various government bodies. It
261. The Committee expresses its concern about the
also commends the Government for the legislative
persistence of stereotypes concerning the role of
changes and programmes implemented since the
women in the family and society and of attitudes and
consideration by the Committee of its third periodic
behaviours of machismo in many areas of public and
report in 1996, including in direct response to the
private life. The Committee is concerned that,
Committee’s concluding comments. The Committee
notwithstanding the Government’s recognition of this
also commends the Government for clearly recognizing
problem and the implementation of measures to
the link between the Convention as the legal
address it, the persistence of such stereotypes continues
framework, and the Beijing Platform for Action as the
to be an issue affecting efforts to fully implement the
operational policy document, for realizing women’s
Convention.
human rights.
262. The Committee calls on the Government to
256. The Committee welcomes the increase, since
continue to undertake measures to address stereotypical
1996, in the women’s employment rate in the civil-
attitudes in Cuban society. In particular, the Committee
State sector, which has reached 43.6 per cent, women’s
calls on the Government to continue efforts aimed at
participation in the National Assembly at 27.6 per cent,
increasing women’s participation in all areas and at all
in leadership positions at 32.3 per cent, and in technical
levels of decision-making, as well as to encourage men
and professional mid- and higher-level posts at 66.1
to share family responsibilities. It also calls on the
per cent. It welcomes the fact that women constitute 60
Government to continue to undertake a comprehensive
per cent of the judiciary. It also welcomes the
assessment of the impact of its measures to identify
improvements in women’s socio-economic situation as
shortcomings, and adjust and improve these measures
a result of the country’s sustained economic recovery
accordingly.
in recent years.
263. The Committee expresses its concern that there is
257. The Committee commends with appreciation the
insufficient assessment of the question of violence
State party for its encouraging national indicators for
against women, in particular domestic violence, and
social development, especially women’s generally high
sexual harassment in the workplace. It notes with
literacy rates, and the favourable indicators in the field
concern that no specific laws are in place to penalize
of women’s health, including access to basic health
domestic violence and sexual harassment in the
care, low maternal, infant and women’s mortality rates
workplace. It also notes that insufficient statistical data
and a decline in abortion rates.
are available about various types of violence against

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women, including elderly women and against children. divorce, it may involve inherent risks of disadvantage
The Committee also notes with concern that there is for women.
insufficient information on the response of law
268. The Committee encourages the Government to
enforcement officials, the judiciary and health care
monitor carefully the implementation of divorce by
providers to such violence.
consent, and in particular any negative impact this
264. The Committee calls upon the Government to option might have for women with regard to issues
assess, in a comprehensive manner, the possible such as alimony payments, custody and maintenance of
incidence of violence against women, including children and distribution of property.
domestic violence and sexual harassment in the
269. While recognizing the increase since 1996 in
workplace, as well as, in case of incidents, the root
women’s employment rate in the civil-State sector, the
causes of such violence. It invites the Government to
Committee remains concerned that women make up a
increase public awareness of the need to take measures
higher percentage of the unemployed, and at the
to prevent such violence, to consider launching a zero-
persistence of obstacles to their full integration in all
tolerance campaign on violence against women, as well
sectors of the labour market, in particular the joint
as to increase the awareness of public officials and the
venture and tourism industry.
judiciary about the seriousness of such violence. It also
invites the Government to increase the availability of 270. The Committee calls on the Government to
support measures for women victims of domestic implement temporary special measures targeted at
violence, such as telephone helplines and shelters for women to reduce the level of unemployment and of
battered women. The Committee invites the disparities in access to some sectors of the labour
Government to provide in its next report data on market. It also recommends that such measures ensure
women’s access to the Courts in general, and with that women benefit equally from the country’s
regard to violence in particular. economic recovery. The Committee calls on the
Government to increase its efforts to create new
265. The Committee notes with concern that, while
opportunities for women in non-traditional and high-
prostitution is not a crime, there is little information
growth areas, including in new information and
about the impact of programmes and other measures to
communications areas and in the service sector, and to
prevent women from becoming prostitutes, and to
strengthen efforts to ensure that they can take full
rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society. Further
advantage of the mixed economy, in accordance with
efforts are needed to identify the root causes of the
their high levels of education and skills.
increase in prostitution in recent years, and of the
effectiveness of measures to counteract this trend. 271. While recognizing the Government’s sustained
efforts to ensure women’s right to health, the
266. The Committee urges the Government to increase
Committee underlines the necessity of continued
its understanding of the causes of prostitution, and to
efforts to address HIV/AIDS, and in particular its
assess the impact of its preventive and rehabilitative
potential impact on high-risk groups, such as
measures with a view to improving their effectiveness,
prostitutes and young adults. The Committee is
and to bringing them fully into line with article 6 of the
concerned about the occurrence of suicide among older
Convention. The Committee invites the Government to
women. The Committee calls on the Government to
expand its programmes for women’s economic
study the cause of women’s suicide with a view to
independence in such a manner as to attack the causes
adopting preventive measures.
of prostitution and to eradicate the need for women to
enter into prostitution. It also calls on the Government 272. The Committee is concerned about the fact that
to include in its next periodic report detailed insufficient information was provided on the situation
information on any developments related to preventive of rural women.
and rehabilitative measures taken with regard to
273. The Committee calls on the Government to
prostitutes.
provide in its fifth periodic report a comprehensive
267. The Committee notes with concern that, while the picture of the situation of rural women, including data
introduction of the option of divorce by consent disaggregated by sex, and comparing the situation of
constitutes a viable alternative to a court-supervised women in urban areas. It also invites the Government

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to provide further information about the system of rural Introduction by the State party
cooperatives and their benefits for women.
279. Introducing the report, the representative of
274. The Committee requests the Government to Romania informed the Committee that the Government
provide in its next report information, including adhered to all major international human rights
statistical data, on the prevalence of tobacco use and instruments and reporting procedures, and had
alcohol, drug and substance abuse by women of withdrawn its reservation to article 29 of the
different age groups and measures aimed at preventing Convention ratified in 1981. Specific institutional and
and reducing such abuse. It also invites the legislative steps for the promotion of the human rights
Government to provide information about the of women and equal opportunities for men and women
availability of counselling and rehabilitation measures had been made following the adoption of the Beijing
for women drug abusers. Declaration and Platform for Action. She also noted
that in addition to the positive aspects of the
275. The Committee requests that the Government
democratic transformation of Romania since 1989, the
responds in its next periodic report to the specific
economic and social costs of the transformation had
issues raised in these concluding comments.
created some difficulties in the full implementation of
276. The Committee encourages the Government of the Convention.
Cuba to deposit its acceptance to the amendment to
280. The representative informed the Committee that
article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention, and to ratify
efforts were being made to harmonize national
the Optional Protocol to the Convention as soon as
legislation with international norms, and that the
possible.
constitution and existing laws in Romania contained
277. The Committee requests the wide dissemination provisions providing equal rights irrespective of
in Cuba of the present concluding comments, in order gender, including in the areas of marriage, social life
to make the people of Cuba, and particularly and employment, as well as stipulations for paternity
Government administrators and politicians, aware of leave. Amendments to the Criminal Code to introduce
the steps that have been taken to ensure de facto penalties for domestic violence were also being
equality for women and further steps that are required prepared.
in that regard. It also requests the Government to
281. The representative informed the Committee that
continue to disseminate widely, and in particular to
institutional structures had been created to promote
women’s and human rights organizations, the
policies for women in areas such as employment,
Convention, the Committee’s general
human rights, social status, family, domestic violence,
recommendations, the Beijing Declaration and
gender equality and gender mainstreaming. She noted
Platform for Action and the further actions and
that improved coordination among all public
initiatives adopted by the General Assembly at its
authorities responsible for women’s issues were still
twenty-third special session, entitled “Women 2000:
needed to ensure equal opportunities for women and
gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-
men, but that an Office of the Advocate of the People,
first century”.
with a Human Rights Ombudsman had been created.
6. Combined fourth and fifth periodic reports 282. The representative informed the Committee that
although a high percentage of party members were
Romania women, women were not yet equally represented in the
higher levels of political decision-making. She noted
278. The Committee considered the combined fourth
that only 5.3 per cent of the Members of Parliament
and fifth periodic reports of Romania
were women, and that a draft law regarding equal
(CEDAW/C/ROM/4-5) at its 481st and 482nd
participation of women at high levels of political
meetings, on 23 June 2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.481 and
parties had been rejected by the Parliament and that
482).
measures were still necessary to promote the political
participation of women.
283. The representative informed the Committee that
domestic violence was an area of special concern, and

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that although there were no specific legal provisions women held only one third of the top administrative
regarding domestic violence, such offences were and business positions and the Ministry of Labour and
covered under several articles of the Criminal Code Social Welfare had taken steps to improve the
and under Law No. 61/1991. Other measures to combat employment conditions of women, including the
domestic violence had included the creation of centres promotion of equal opportunities for women, support
for family counselling and assistance to victims and a for unemployed women, reintegration into the labour
study on domestic violence. Further actions would market and assistance for the diversification of
include studies on the causes and effects of violence women’s economic activities.
against women, legislative improvements to include
287. The representative informed the Committee that
criminal, civil and administrative penalties for
the life expectancy of women was higher than that of
domestic violence and protection of victims, training
men, but that heart disease and cancer were the most
programmes for police and lawyers and support for
common causes of death among women. The maternal
civil society in preventing domestic violence.
mortality rate had dropped since the legalization of
284. The representative drew attention to the problems abortion in 1989, although the increased number of
of prostitution and international trafficking in women abortions constituted a concern. The Ministry of Health
and girls, indicating that although there were no had established a national family planning programme
specific legal provisions addressing trafficking in in 1992 and a National Strategy for the Promotion of
women, proposals to amend the Criminal Code had Reproductive Health to inform the population about
been submitted to Parliament. Romania was also modern birth control methods and healthy sexual
cooperating with other countries to combat the problem practices. From 1997, the health care system had
of trafficking in women, and a Regional Centre for undergone reforms, and a number of mother and child
Preventing and Combating Transboundary Crime had protection measures had been adopted. In addition, a
been set up in Bucharest. National Multi-Sectoral Anti-AIDS Commission had
been created to find solutions to HIV-associated
285. The representative informed the Committee that
problems and an action plan on women’s rights to
many women were involved in the education system,
health and reproductive health was to be implemented
both as students and teachers, and noted that the
in cooperation with trade unions. A legal guide on the
enrolment rate of women in higher education had
protection of pregnant employees at the workplace was
increased. However, few women held top management
also being prepared.
and administrative positions in education, and the
female illiteracy rate was still high: 4.6 per cent in 288. To protect children, including the girl child,
1997 (compared to 5.0 per cent in 1992). To raise Romania had adopted a strategy on child welfare for
awareness of gender issues, Romania had introduced 2000-2003, establishing general principles as well as
gender training programmes in the curricula of various concrete objectives and activities for protecting the
universities. child. The representative also informed the Committee
that a National Agency for the Protection of Children’s
286. The representative informed the Committee that
Rights had been established.
the ongoing economic reforms had had an adverse
impact on women because of a rise in unemployment 289. The representative informed the Committee that
and a reduction in social security. Between 1998 and there was an increased number of non-governmental
1999, the female unemployment rate had increased organizations, including women’s organizations, in
from 10.5 per cent to 11.4 per cent, and as of April Romania, and stressed the importance of collaboration
2000, it was 11.2 per cent. The main areas of between the Government and civil society in promoting
employment for women, such as health care, social the advancement of women and gender equality. The
assistance, education, agriculture and trading, were representative reaffirmed the Government’s
often lower paid than other sectors. Positive commitment to the full implementation of the
developments had occurred in the private sector, in Convention, and indicated that it had been inspired by
which an increased number of women were employed. the new initiatives for the advancement of women
Women were increasingly involved in sectors such as adopted at the twenty-third special session of the
financial, banking and insurance services, which were General Assembly held in June 2000. She also
better paid. The representative indicated that in 1999, informed the Committee that Romania had started the

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domestic procedures for the signature and ratification achieving equality between women and men. It
of the Optional Protocol to the Convention. welcomes in particular the Government’s efforts to
prepare a law on equal opportunities for women and
Concluding comments of the Committee men, and to seek amendments to the Criminal Code
with regard to domestic violence and trafficking in
Introduction women.
290. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the 296. The Committee welcomes the establishment, in
Government of Romania for submitting its combined 1998, of the Office of the Advocate of the People with
fourth and fifth periodic reports. It commends the the functions of human rights ombudsman, empowered
Government for the comprehensive written replies to to protect the human rights of women and children
the Committee’s questions, which also included data including in the family.
disaggregated by sex, and its oral presentation, both of
297. The Committee welcomes the Government’s open
which provided additional information on the current
and cooperative attitudes towards the ever-increasing
situation of the implementation of the Convention. It
number of non-governmental organizations and the
appreciates the manner in which the State party
joint efforts undertaken between the Government and
identified areas requiring further progress.
actors of civil society to promote implementation of the
291. The Committee commends the Government of Convention.
Romania for having sent a high-level delegation,
headed by the Secretary of State, Ministry of Labour Factors and difficulties affecting the
and Social Welfare, including officials from several implementation of the Convention
branches of Government and representatives of non-
298. The Committee notes that the political and
governmental organizations. The Committee
economic transformations which Romania has been
appreciates the open, frank and sincere dialogue that
undergoing since 1989 continue to pose major
took place between the delegation and the members of
challenges to the full implementation of the
the Committee.
Convention, especially in the areas of employment and
292. The Committee welcomes the Government’s health.
statement that the domestic procedures for the
signature and ratification of the Optional Protocol to Principal areas of concern and
the Convention have already started, and looks forward recommendations
to the early completion of these procedures by the State
299. The Committee, while noting the reforms and
party.
plans already in place, is concerned at the overall pace
of legislative and policy change in the State party since
Positive aspects
the consideration of the third periodic report in 1993.
293. The Committee commends the Government for
300. The Committee calls on the Government to
the efforts undertaken, in particular since the 1995
recognize the urgency of the needed legislative and
Fourth World Conference on Women, to implement the
policy changes, and to place the highest priority on the
Convention and to harmonize Romanian law and policy
adoption of the proposed legislation on equal
on gender equality and women’s equal opportunities
opportunities and on domestic violence and trafficking
with the provisions of the Convention.
in women. It also calls on the Government to make
294. The Committee welcomes the entry into force, in gender equality a priority and to develop a holistic and
December 1999, of the law on paternal leave aimed at integrated policy for the implementation of the
strengthening the principle of sharing of Convention and the achievement of equality between
responsibilities in the family and society. women and men, including a timetable to monitor and
evaluate progress in this regard. It urges the
295. The Committee expresses its appreciation for
Government to consider the adequacy and funding of
efforts under way to reform the Romanian legislative
the national machinery for the advancement of women
framework with a view to eliminating remaining
in leading this effort, including coordination within the
legislative gaps and discriminatory provisions and
Government and with organizations of civil society,

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awareness-raising and mobilization of public opinion about the absence of legislation criminalizing domestic
in favour of equality measures and elimination of violence, including marital rape, and the recognition of
stereotypes. the defence of a so-called “reparatory marriage” in the
Criminal Code, which eliminates criminal liability of a
301. The Committee is concerned that stereotypical
rapist if the rape victim consents to marry him. It is
attitudes about the roles of women and men in the
also concerned that there is no legislation concerning
family and society are reflected in women’s low level
sexual harassment.
of representation in decision-making at all levels and in
all areas. 307. The Committee calls on the Government to make
violence against women in all its forms and in the light
302. The Committee calls on the Government to
of the Committee’s general recommendation 19 on
increase its efforts at combating stereotypical attitudes.
violence against women a crime adequately punishable
It urges the Government to implement temporary
by law. In particular, the Committee urges the
special measures, in accordance with article 4,
Government to collect statistical data disaggregated by
paragraph 1, of the Convention, to increase the number
age on the incidence and type of such violence,
of women in all decision-making posts, including in
including domestic violence. It recommends legislation
Government and Parliament. It invites the Government
and measures to ensure that women victims of
to place priority on the review and revision of teaching
domestic violence have immediate means of redress
materials, textbooks and curricula, especially for
and protection. It also calls on the Government to
primary- and secondary-level education.
expand its zero-tolerance campaign on violence against
303. The Committee is concerned at the continuing women so as to make such violence socially and
stereotypical and sexist portrayal of women in the morally unacceptable. It also recommends that
media, especially in advertising. The Committee calls measures be taken to ensure that law enforcement
on the Government to encourage the media to officials, the judiciary and health-care providers are
contribute to the societal effort at overcoming such aware that violence against women, including domestic
attitudes, to create opportunities for a positive, non- violence, constitutes an infringement of the human
traditional portrayal of women and encourage and rights of women under the Convention that must be
facilitate the use of self-regulatory mechanisms in the prosecuted with the seriousness and speed it deserves.
media to reduce discriminatory and stereotypical
308. The Committee, while appreciating the
portrayals of women.
Government’s efforts at combating trafficking in
304. The Committee, while welcoming the fact that in women, notes with concern that trafficking has
accordance with article 20 of the Constitution, the expanded in Romania as a country both of origin and of
Convention is integrated into domestic legislation and transit.
takes precedence over such legislation, is concerned
309. The Committee recommends that urgent further
that there is a lack of familiarity among the judiciary
steps be taken by the State party to prevent and
about the opportunities created by article 20 of the
eliminate trafficking in women, especially through a
Constitution for the application of the Convention in
firm anchoring of this crime in legislation. This should
domestic decision-making.
include increased cross-border and international
305. The Committee encourages the Government to cooperation, especially with recipient countries, to
ensure that law school curricula and continuing judicial eliminate the incidence of trafficking and to prosecute
education include the Convention and its applicability traffickers. It also recommends that the State party
at the domestic level. It invites the Government to focus on the causes of trafficking through measures
provide information, in its next report, about aimed at poverty alleviation and women’s economic
complaints filed in courts based on the Convention, as empowerment. It encourages the Government to assist
well as about any court decisions that referred to the victims through counselling and reintegration. It also
Convention. recommends that the Government pay due attention to
article 6 of the Convention in the ongoing debate about
306. The Committee, while noting the Government’s
the legislative approach to prostitution.
recognition of the problem, expresses its concern about
the increase in violence against women. It is concerned

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310. The Committee expresses its concern at the high opportunities and to investigate discriminatory
rate of illiteracy of women over 50 years of age and the situations experienced by women.
extremely wide gap in illiteracy between the urban and
314. The Committee expresses its concern about the
rural population, as well as the high dropout rates for
health situation of women, especially women’s
girls at secondary level. The Committee is also
reproductive health. While appreciating recent declines
concerned that, while the number of women working in
in maternal and child mortality rates, these indicators
the education sector is high, the percentage of women
are still high compared to other countries in the region.
in administrative and decision-making positions in this
It is especially concerned about the abortion rates and
sector is low.
the use of abortion as a means of fertility control. It is
311. The Committee recommends that measures be also concerned about the increase in HIV/AIDS
taken to increase the literacy levels of older women, infection rates and in sexually transmitted diseases.
and to reduce the literacy gap between urban and rural The Committee expresses its concern about the
women. Efforts should also be made to ensure that situation of the environment, including industrial
education, including continuing education and adult accidents and their impact on women’s health.
literacy programmes, are targeted to women and
315. The Committee, while commending the
include training in new information and
Government for maintaining a system of universal free
communications technologies to provide women and
health care, recommends that increased efforts be
girls with the skills required in a knowledge-based
placed on improving women’s reproductive health. In
economy.
particular, it calls on the Government to improve the
312. The Committee is concerned about the situation availability, acceptability and use of modern means of
of women in the labour market, especially women’s birth control to avoid the use of abortion as a method
higher unemployment rates, the decrease in women’s of family planning. It encourages the Government to
share in the economically active population and the include sex education systematically in schools,
concentration of women particularly in low-paid including vocational training schools. It also urges the
occupational areas and sectors. The Committee is also Government to target high risk groups for HIV/AIDS
concerned about the high percentage of women prevention strategies and strategies to prevent the
working as unpaid family workers, especially in rural spread of sexually transmitted diseases. It encourages
areas. the Government to increase its cooperation with non-
governmental organizations and international
313. The Committee recommends that the
organizations in order to improve the general health
Government’s labour market and employment policies
situation of Romanian women and girls. It also requests
explicitly address the situation of women workers in
that the Government provide in its next report detailed
order to ensure that women do not carry a
information on women’s tobacco use and statistics on
disproportionate share of the burden of the transition to
their alcohol, drug and other substance abuse.
a market-based economy. It recommends that urgent
targeted measures be put in place to facilitate women’s 316. The Committee is concerned about the growing
entry into new growth sectors of the economy, number of elderly women living in poverty.
including women’s entrepreneurship, and to ensure that
317. The Committee, while appreciating the adoption
women’s health and retirement benefits are protected.
of the law on pensions and the law on assistance for the
It also encourages the Government to ensure that
elderly, calls upon the Government to seek, without
women can take full advantage of jobs created by
delay, the adoption of the proposed Social Security
foreign investment, ensuring non-discriminatory
Code, which will include social assistance for persons
protection of their rights. It recommends that the
without pension benefits, mostly elderly women in
Government seek the adoption, as a matter of priority,
need.
of a forward-looking equal opportunities law that
extends to the private sector and includes the creation 318. The Committee is concerned at the different age
of a specific office of ombudsman for equal of marriage established in the Family Code for boys
opportunities for women, with powers to receive and girls, and that marriages of girl children can be
complaints of violations of the laws on equal legalized in contravention of article 16 of the
Convention. The Committee is also concerned that

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despite the decrease in marriages and a growing Advancement of Women, who introduced the
incidence of cohabitation, the rights of women in report of the Secretariat (CEDAW/C/2000/II/4). She
cohabitation are not protected by the legal system. also drew attention to the working paper containing
proposals on the draft rules of procedure
319. The Committee recommends that the Government
(CEDAW/C/2000/I/WG.I/WP.1) and the working paper
take action to bring its legislation on the marriage age
on proposed procedures to be used by the Committee
for women and men into full conformity with the
with respect to the Optional Protocol to the
Convention, taking into consideration the Committee’s
Convention, prepared by Silvia Cartwright
general recommendation 21. The Committee invites the
(CEDAW/C/2000/II/WP.2).
Government to consider how women’s rights, including
with regard to alimony and child custody, can be
protected following dissolution of domestic Action taken by the Committee under
partnerships. agenda item 6
320. The Committee encourages the Government to
accept the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the 1. Rules of procedure
Convention concerning the time of meetings of the 325. The Committee adopted the revised rules of
Committee. procedure as to substance, but subject to editing by the
321. The Committee requests that the Government Secretariat, in consultation with Ms. Cartwright, with a
respond in its next periodic report to the specific issues view to final adoption at its twenty-fourth session in
raised in these concluding comments. It further January/February 2001 (see decision 23/I).
requests the Government to provide in its next report
an assessment of the impact of measures taken to 2. Optional protocol to the Convention
implement the Convention. 326. The Committee discussed the working paper on
322. The Committee requests the wide dissemination proposed procedures relating to the Optional Protocol
in Romania of the present concluding comments, in to the Convention, including the respective
order to make the people of Romania, and particularly responsibilities of the Committee and the Secretariat.
government administrators and politicians, aware of the The Committee agreed to continue its consideration of
steps that have been taken to ensure de facto equality proposed procedures at its twenty-fourth session on the
for women and further steps that are required in that basis of the working paper and discussions held during
regard. It also requests the Government to continue to the twenty-third session.
disseminate widely, and in particular to women’s and
human rights organizations, the Convention, the 3. Approaches to be taken with regard to States
Committee’s general recommendations, the Beijing parties with overdue reports
Declaration and Platform for Action and the results of 327. The Committee discussed proposed approaches to
the twenty-third special session of the General be taken with regard to States parties with overdue
Assembly, “Women 2000: gender equality, reports and decided, on an exceptional basis and as a
development and peace for the twenty-first century”. temporary measure, that States parties with overdue
reports should be invited to combine these in a single
document (see decision 23/II). The Committee agreed
Chapter V to continue consideration of further approaches to be
Ways and means of expediting the taken to encourage States parties to fulfil their
work of the Committee reporting obligations at its twenty-fourth session.

323. The Committee considered ways and means of 4. Members of the pre-session working group for
expediting the work of the Committee (agenda item 6) the twenty-fifth session
at its 467th and 485th meetings, on 12 and 30 June
328. The Committee decided that the members of the
2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.467 and 485).
pre-session working group and their alternates for the
324. The item was introduced by the Chief of the twenty-fifth session should be:
Women’s Rights Unit of the Division for the

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Members Twenty-fifth session

Charlotte Abaka (Africa) Initial reports
Savitri Goonesekere (Asia) Singapore
Ivanka Corti (Europe)
Second periodic reports
Rosalyn Hazelle (Latin America and the
Guyana
Caribbean)
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Alternates
Netherlands
Emna Aouij (Africa)
Viet Nam
Rosario Manalo (Asia)
Fourth periodic reports
Carmel Shalev (Europe)
Sweden
Zelmira Regazzoli (Latin America and the
Caribbean)
Fourth and fifth periodic reports
5. Reports to be considered at future sessions Nicaragua
329. The Committee decided that it would consider the In the event that one of the above-mentioned States
following reports at its twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth and parties should be unable to present its report, the
twenty-sixth sessions: Committee will consider the combined third and fourth
periodic reports of Iceland, or the combined third and
Twenty-fourth session fourth periodic reports of Zambia.
Initial reports
Twenty-sixth session
Burundi
Subject to the implementation of suggestion 23/I,
Kazakhstan which concerns the possibility of convening the
twenty-sixth session outside United Nations
Maldives
Headquarters, the reports to be considered by the
Uzbekistan Committee would be:

Combined second, third and fourth periodic Second periodic reports

reports
Equatorial Guinea
Jamaica
Combined third and fourth periodic reports
Third and fourth periodic reports
Iceland
Finland
Sri Lanka
Combined third and fourth periodic reports
Fourth periodic reports
Mongolia
Portugal
Third periodic report and combined fourth and
Fifth periodic reports
fifth periodic reports
Russian Federation
Egypt
In the event that one of the above-mentioned States
parties should be unable to present its report, the

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Committee will consider the third and fourth periodic 2. World Conference against Racism, Racial
reports of Zambia, or the combined fourth and fifth Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related
periodic reports of Ukraine, or the fifth periodic report Intolerance
of Denmark.
334. The Committee discussed the World Conference
against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia
6. Dates of the twenty-fourth session of the
and Related Intolerance, to be held in South Africa
Committee
from 31 August to 7 September 2001. The Committee
330. Consistent with the calendar of conferences for agreed to nominate from among its members a focal
2001, the twenty-fourth session of the Committee point with regard to the Conference who should
should be held from 15 January to 2 February 2001. prepare a draft statement for adoption by the
The pre-session working group for the twenty-fifth Committee and submission to the preparatory
session will meet from 5 to 9 February 2001. committee for the Conference. The Committee
requested the Secretariat to provide support to the focal
point in the preparation of the statement. The
Chapter VI Committee also requested its Chairperson to request
Implementation of article 21 of the support of the Secretary-General of the Conference
the Convention with regard to the Committee’s participation in the
Conference.
331. The Committee considered the implementation of
article 21 of the Convention (agenda item 5) at its
467th and 485th meetings, on 12 and 30 June 2000 (see
Chapter VII
CEDAW/C/SR.467 and 485). Provisional agenda for the twenty-
332. The item was introduced by the Chief of the
fourth session
Women’s Rights Unit, who introduced a note by the
335. The Committee considered the provisional
Secretary-General on reports of the specialized
agenda for its twenty-fourth session at its 485th
agencies on the implementation of the Convention in
meeting, on 30 June 2000 (see CEDAW/C/SR.485).
areas falling within the scope of their activities
The Committee adopted the following provisional
(CEDAW/C/2000/II/3 and Add.1-4).
agenda:
1. Opening of the session.
Action taken by the Committee under
agenda item 5 2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of
work.
1. General recommendation on article 4 of the 3. Report of the Chairperson on activities
Convention undertaken between the twenty-third and
333. The Committee discussed its long-term twenty-fourth sessions of the Committee.
programme of work with respect to general 4. Consideration of reports submitted under
recommendations under article 21 of the Convention, article 18 of the Convention on the
and decided to begin work, at its twenty-fourth session Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
in January/February 2001, on a general against Women.
recommendation with regard to article 4 of the
Convention concerning temporary special measures 5. Implementation of article 21 of the
aimed at accelerating de facto equality between men Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
and women (see decision 23/III). of Discrimination against Women.
6. Ways and means of expediting the work of
the Committee.
7. Provisional agenda for the twenty-fifth
session.

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8. Adoption of the report of the Committee on

its twenty-fourth session.

Chapter VIII
Adoption of the report
336. At its 485th meeting, on 30 June 2000, the
Committee adopted the report on its
twenty-third session (CEDAW/C/2000/II/L.1 and
CEDAW/C/2000/II/CRP.3 and Add.1-6), as orally
amended.

Notes
1
Report of the Fourth World Conference on Women,
Beijing, 4-15 September 1995 (United Nations
publication, Sales No. E.96.IV.13), chap. I, resolution 1,
annex II.
2
See Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty-fifth
Session, Supplement No. 38 and corrigendum (A/45/38
and Corr.1), paras. 28-31.
3
United Nations publication, Sales No. E.94.IV.1.

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Annex I
States parties to the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women as
at 1 August 2000
Date of receipt of the instrument of ratification or
States parties accession Date of entry into force

Albania 11 May 1994 a 10 June 1994

Algeria 22 May 1996 a b 21 June 1996
Andorra 15 January 1997 a 14 February 1997
Angola 17 September 1986 a 17 October 1986
Antigua and Barbuda 1 August 1989 a 31 August 1989
Argentina 15 July 1985 b 14 August 1985
Armenia 13 September 1993 a 13 October 1993
Australia 28 July 1983 b 27 August 1983
Austria 31 March 1982 b 30 April 1982
Azerbaijan 10 July 1995 a 9 August 1995
Bahamas 6 October 1993 a 5 November 1993
Bangladesh 6 November 1984 a b 6 December 1984
Barbados 16 October 1980 3 September 1981
Belarus 4 February 1981 c 3 September 1981
Belgium 10 July 1985 b 9 August 1985
Belize 16 May 1990 15 June 1990
Benin 12 March 1992 11 April 1992
Bhutan 31 August 1981 30 September 1981
Bolivia 8 June 1990 8 July 1990
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 September 1993 d 1 October 1993
Botswana 13 August 1996 a 12 September 1996
Brazil 1 February 1984 b 2 March 1984
Bulgaria 8 February 1982 c 10 March 1982
Burkina Faso 14 October 1987 a 13 November 1987
Burundi 8 January 1992 7 February 1992
Cambodia 15 October 1992 a 14 November 1992
Cameroon 23 August 1994 a 22 September 1994
Canada 10 December 1981 c 9 January 1982
Cape Verde 5 December 1980 a 3 September 1981
Central African Republic 21 June 1991 a 21 July 1991
Chad 9 June 1995 a 9 July 1995
Chile 7 December 1989 6 January 1990
China 4 November 1980 b 3 September 1981
Colombia 19 January 1982 18 February 1982
Comoros 31 October 1994 a 30 November 1994
Congo 26 July 1982 25 August 1982
Costa Rica 4 April 1986 4 May 1986
Côte d Ivoire 19 December 1995 a 17 January 1996
Croatia 9 September 1992 d 9 October 1992
Cuba 17 July 1980 b 3 September 1981
Cyprus 23 July 1985 a b 22 August 1985

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Date of receipt of the instrument of ratification or

States parties accession Date of entry into force

Czech Republice 22 February 1993 c d 24 March 1993

Democratic Republic
of the Congo f 17 October 1986 16 November 1986
Denmark 21 April 1983 21 May 1983
Djibouti 2 December 1998 a 1 January 1999
Dominica 15 September 1980 3 September 1981
Dominican Republic 2 September 1982 2 October 1982
Ecuador 9 November 1981 9 December 1981
Egypt 18 September 1981 b 18 October 1981
El Salvador 19 August 1981 b 18 September 1981
Equatorial Guinea 23 October 1984 a 22 November 1984
Eritrea 5 September 1995 a 5 October 1995
Estonia 21 October 1991 a 20 November 1991
Ethiopia 10 September 1981 b 10 October 1981
Fiji 28 August 1995 a b 27 September 1995
Finland 4 September 1986 4 October 1986
France 14 December 1983 b c 13 January 1984
Gabon 21 January 1983 20 February 1983
Gambia 16 April 1993 16 May 1993
Georgia 26 October 1994 a 25 November 1994
Germany g 10 July 1985 b 9 August 1985
Ghana 2 January 1986 1 February 1986
Greece 7 June 1983 7 July 1983
Grenada 30 August 1990 29 September 1990
Guatemala 12 August 1982 11 September 1982
Guinea 9 August 1982 8 September 1982
Guinea-Bissau 23 August 1985 22 September 1985
Guyana 17 July 1980 3 September 1981
Haiti 20 July 1981 3 September 1981
Honduras 3 March 1983 2 April 1983
Hungary 22 December 1980 c 3 September 1981
Iceland 18 June 1985 18 July 1985
India 9 July 1993 b 8 August 1993
Indonesia 13 September 1984 b 13 October 1984
Iraq 13 August 1986 a b 12 September 1986
Ireland 23 December 1985 a b c 22 January 1986
Israel 3 October 1991 b 2 November 1991
Italy 10 June 1985 b 10 July 1985
Jamaica 19 October 1984 b 18 November 1984
Japan 25 June 1985 25 July 1985
Jordan 1 July 1992 b 31 July 1992
Kazakhstan 26 August 1998 a 25 September 1998
Kenya 9 March 1984 a 8 April 1984
Kuwait 2 September 1994 a 2 October 1994
Kyrgyzstan 10 February 1997 a 12 March 1997
Lao People s Democratic
Republic 14 August 1981 13 September 1981
Latvia 14 April 1992 a 14 May 1992

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Date of receipt of the instrument of ratification or

States parties accession Date of entry into force

Lebanon 21 April 1997 a b 21 May 1997

Lesotho 22 August 1995 a b 21 September 1995
Liberia 17 July 1984 a 16 August 1984
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 16 May 1989 a b 15 June 1989
Liechtenstein 22 December 1995 a c 21 January 1996
Lithuania 18 January 1994 a 17 February 1994
Luxembourg 2 February 1989 b 4 March 1989
Madagascar 17 March 1989 16 April 1989
Malawi 12 March 1987 a c 11 April 1987
Malaysia 5 July 1995 a b 4 August 1995
Maldives 1 July 1993 a b 31 July 1993
Mali 10 September 1985 10 October 1985
Malta 8 March 1991 a b 7 April 1991
Mauritius 9 July 1984 a c 8 August 1984
Mexico 23 March 1981 b 3 September 1981
Mongolia 20 July 1981 c 3 September 1981
Morocco 21 June 1993 a b 21 July 1993
Mozambique 16 April 1997 a 16 May 1997
Myanmar 22 July 1997 a b 21 August 1997
Namibia 23 November 1992 a 23 December 1992
Nepal 22 April 1991 22 May 1991
Netherlands 23 July 1991 b 22 August 1991
New Zealand 10 January 1985 b c 9 February 1985
Nicaragua 27 October 1981 26 November 1981
Niger 8 October 1999 a 7 November 1999
Nigeria 13 June 1985 13 July 1985
Norway 21 May 1981 3 September 1981
Pakistan 12 March 1996 a b 11 April 1996
Panama 29 October 1981 28 November 1981
Papua New Guinea 12 January 1995 a 11 February 1995
Paraguay 6 April 1987 a 6 May 1987
Peru 13 September 1982 13 October 1982
Philippines 5 August 1981 4 September 1981
Poland 30 July 1980 c 3 September 1981
Portugal 30 July 1980 3 September 1981
Republic of Korea 27 December 1984 b c 26 January 1985
Republic of Moldova 1 July 1994 a 31 July 1994
Romania 7 January 1982 b 6 February 1982
Russian Federation 23 January 1981 c 3 September 1981
Rwanda 2 March 1981 3 September 1981
Saint Kitts and Nevis 25 April 1985 a 25 May 1985
Saint Lucia 8 October 1982 a 7 November 1982
Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines 4 August 1981 a 3 September 1981
Samoa 25 September 1992 a 25 October 1992
Senegal 5 February 1985 7 March 1985
Seychelles 5 May 1992 a 4 June 1992
Sierra Leone 11 November 1988 11 December 1988

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Date of receipt of the instrument of ratification or

States parties accession Date of entry into force

Singapore 5 October 1995 a b 4 November 1995

Slovakia e 28 May 1993 c d 27 June 1993
Slovenia 6 July 1992 d 5 August 1992
South Africa 15 December 1995a 14 January 1996
Spain 5 January 1984 b 4 February 1984
Sri Lanka 5 October 1981 4 November 1981
Suriname 1 March 1993 a 31 March 1993
Sweden 2 July 1980 3 September 1981
Switzerland 27 March 1997 a 26 April 1997
Tajikistan 26 October 1993 a 25 November 1993
Thailand 9 August 1985 a b c 8 September 1985
The former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia 18 January 1994 d 17 February 1994
Togo 26 September 1983 a 26 October 1983
Trinidad and Tobago 12 January 1990 b 11 February 1990
Tunisia 20 September 1985 b 20 October 1985
Turkey 20 December 1985 a b 19 January 1986
Turkmenistan 1 May 1997 a 31 May 1997
Tuvalu 6 October 1999 a 5 November 1999
Uganda 22 July 1985 21 August 1985
Ukraine 12 March 1981 c 3 September 1981
United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland 7 April 1986 b 7 May 1986
United Republic of Tanzania 20 August 1985 19 September 1985
Uruguay 9 October 1981 8 November 1981
Uzbekistan 19 July 1995 a 18 August 1995
Vanuatu 8 September 1995 a 8 October 1995
Venezuela 2 May 1983 b 1 June 1983
Viet Nam 17 February 1982 b 19 March 1982
Yemen h 30 May 1984 a b 29 June 1984
Yugoslavia 26 February 1982 28 March 1982
Zambia 21 June 1985 21 July 1985
Zimbabwe 13 May 1991 a 12 June 1991
a
Accession.
b
Declarations and reservations.
c
Reservation subsequently withdrawn.
d
Succession.
e
Before becoming separate States on 1 January 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia formed part of Czechoslovakia, which
State had ratified the Convention on 16 February 1982.
f
Effective 17 May 1997, Zaire was renamed Democratic Republic of the Congo.
g
With effect from 3 October 1990, the German Democratic Republic (which ratified the Convention on 9 July 1980) and the
Federal Republic of Germany (which ratified the Convention on 10 July 1985) united to form one sovereign State, which acts
in the United Nations under the designation “Germany”.
h
On 22 May 1990, Democratic Yemen and Yemen merged to form a single State, which acts in the United Nations under the
designation “Yemen”.

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Annex II
States parties that have deposited with the Secretary-
General instruments of acceptance of the amendment to
article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention
States parties Acceptance date

Australia 4 June 1998

Brazil 5 March 1997
Canada 3 November 1997
Chile 8 May 1998
Denmark 12 March 1996
Finland 18 March 1996
France 8 August 1997
Guatemala 3 June 1999
Italy 31 May 1996
Liechtenstein 15 April 1997
Madagascar 19 July 1996
Malta 5 March 1997
Mexico 16 September 1996
Mongolia 19 December 1997
Netherlands 10 December 1997 a
New Zealand 26 September 1996
Norway 29 March 1996
Panama 5 November 1996
Republic of Korea 12 August 1996
Sweden 17 July 1996
Switzerland 2 December 1997
Turkey 9 December 1999
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 19 November 1997 b

a
For the Kingdom in Europe, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
b
For the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the British
Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Annex III
States parties that have signed, ratified or acceded to the
Optional Protocol
States parties Date signed Ratification, accession

1. Argentina 28 February 2000

2. Austria 10 December 1999
3. Azerbaijan 6 June 2000
4. Belgium 10 December 1999
5. Benin 25 May 2000
6. Bolivia 10 December 1999
7. Bulgaria 6 June 2000
8. Chile 10 December 1999
9. Colombia 10 December 1999
10. Costa Rica 10 December 1999
11. Croatia 5 June 2000
12. Cuba 17 March 2000
13. Czech Republic 10 December 1999
14. Denmark 10 December 1999 31 May 2000
15. Dominican Republic 14 March 2000
16. Ecuador 10 December 1999
17. Finland 10 December 1999
18. France 10 December 1999 9 June 2000
19. Germany 10 December 1999
20. Ghana 24 February 2000
21. Greece 10 December 1999
22. Iceland 10 December 1999
23. Indonesia 28 February 2000
24. Italy 10 December 1999
25. Liechtenstein 10 December 1999
26. Luxembourg 10 December 1999
27. Mexico 10 December 1999
28. Namibia 19 May 2000 26 May 2000
29. Netherlands 10 December 1999
30. Norway 10 December 1999
31. Panama 9 June 2000
32. Paraguay 28 December 1999
33. Philippines 21 March 2000
34. Portugal 16 February 2000
35. Senegal 10 December 1999 26 May 2000
36. Slovakia 5 June 2000

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States parties Date signed Ratification, accession

37. Slovenia 10 December 1999

38. Spain 14 March 2000
39. Sweden 10 December 1999
40. Thailand 14 June 2000 14 June 2000
41. The former Yugoslav 3 April 2000
Republic of Macedonia
42. Uruguay 9 May 2000
43. Venezuela 17 March 2000

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Annex IV
Documents before the Committee at its twenty-second
and twenty-third sessions
Document number Title or description

A. Twenty-second session
CEDAW/C/2000/I/1 Provisional agenda and annotations

CEDAW/C/2000/I/2 Report of the Secretary-General on the

status of submission of reports by States
parties under article 18 of the Convention

CEDAW/C/2000/I/3 Note by the Secretary-General on reports

of specialized agencies on the
implementation of the Convention in
areas falling within the scope of their
activities
CEDAW/C/2000/I/3/Add.1 Report of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations

CEDAW/C/2000/I/3/Add.2 Report of the World Health Organization

CEDAW/C/2000/I/3/Add.3 Report of the United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
CEDAW/C/2000/I/3/Add.4 Report of the International Labour
Organization

CEDAW/C/2000/I/4 Report of the Secretariat on ways and

means of improving the work of the
Committee

CEDAW/C/2000/I/5 Report of the Secretariat on the Optional

Protocol to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women

CEDAW/C/1997/WG.I/WP.1 Draft rules of procedure

CEDAW/C/2000/I/WG.I/WP.1 Proposals on the draft rules of procedure

Reports of States parties

CEDAW/C/IND/1 Initial report of India

CEDAW/C/MMR/1 Initial report of Myanmar

CEDAW/C/JOR/1 and 2 Initial report and second periodic report
of Jordan

93
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Document number Title or description

CEDAW/C/ZAR/1, 2 and 2/Add.1 and Initial report and second and third
Corr.1 and CEDAW/C/COD/1 periodic reports of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo

CEDAW/C/BFA/2-3 Combined second and third periodic

reports of Burkina Faso
CEDAW/C/DEU/2-3 and 4 Combined second and third periodic
reports and fourth periodic report of
Germany

CEDAW/C/BLR/3 Third periodic report of Belarus

CEDAW/C/LUX/3 and Add.1 Third periodic report of Luxembourg

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Document number Title or description

B. Twenty-third session
CEDAW/C/2000/II/1 Provisional agenda
CEDAW/C/2000/II/2 Report of the Secretary-General on the
status of submission of reports by States
parties under article 18 of the Convention
CEDAW/C/2000/II/3 Note by the Secretary-General on reports
of specialized agencies on the
implementation of the Convention in
areas falling within the scope of their
activities
CEDAW/C/2000/II/3/Add.1 Report of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations
CEDAW/C/2000/II/3/Add.2 Report of the World Health Organization
CEDAW/C/2000/II/3/Add.3 Report of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
CEDAW/C/2000/II/3/Add.4 Report of the International Labour
Organization
CEDAW/C/2000/II/4 Report of the Secretariat on ways and
means of improving the work of the
Committee
CEDAW/C/1997/WG.I/WP.1 Draft rules of procedure
CEDAW/C/2000/I/WG.I/WP.1 Proposals on the draft rules of procedure
CEDAW/C/2000/II/WP.2 Report on the Optional Protocol to the
Convention
Reports of States parties
CEDAW/C/CMR/1 Initial report of Cameroon
CEDAW/C/MDA/1 Initial report of the Republic of Moldova
CEDAW/C/LTU/1 and 2 Initial report and second periodic report
of Lithuania
CEDAW/C/IRQ/2-3 Combined second and third periodic
reports of Iraq
CEDAW/C/AUT/3-4 and 5 Combined third and fourth periodic
reports and fifth periodic reportof Austria
CEDAW/C/CUB/4 Fourth periodic report of Cuba
CEDAW/C/ROM/4-5 Combined fourth and fifth periodic
reports of Romania

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Annex V
Membership of the Committee on the Elimination of
Discrimination against Women

Name of member Country of nationality

Charlotte Abaka ** Ghana

*
Ayse Feride Acar Turkey
**
Emna Aouij Tunisia
*
Carlota Bustelo García del Real Spain
*
Silvia Rose Cartwright New Zealand
**
Ivanka Corti Italy
**
Feng Cui China
**
Naela Gabr Egypt
*
Yolanda Ferrer Gómez Cuba
*
Aída González Martínez Mexico
**
Savitri Goonesekere Sri Lanka
**
Rosalyn Hazelle Saint Kitts and Nevis
*
Salma Khan Bangladesh
*
Yung-Chung Kim Republic of Korea
**
Rosario Manalo Philippines
**
Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini South Africa
Ahoua Ouedraogo * Burkina Faso
**
Zelmira Regazzoli Argentina
*
Anne Lise Ryel Norway
*
Hanna Beate Schöpp-Schilling Germany
**
Carmel Shalev Israel
*
Kongit Sinegiorgis Ethiopia
Chikako Taya ** Japan

* Term of office expires in 2000.

** Term of office expires in 2002.

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Annex VI
Status of submission and consideration of reports submitted
by States parties under article 18 of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
as at 1 August 2000
Considered by Committee (session
States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

A. Initial reports
Albania 10 June 1995
Algeria 21 June 1997 1 September 1998 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/DZA/1)
1 December 1998
(CEDAW/C/DZA/1/Add.1)
Andorra 14 February 1998 23 June 2000
(CEDAW/C/AND/1)
Angola 17 October 1987
Antigua and Barbuda 31 August 1990 21 September 1994 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/ANT/1-3)
Argentina 14 August 1986 6 October 1986 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.39)
Armenia 13 October 1994 30 November 1994 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/ARM/1)
10 February 1997
(CEDAW/C/ARM/1/Corr.1)
Australia 27 August 1984 3 October 1986 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.40)
Austria 30 April 1983 20 October 1983 Fourth (1985)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.17)
Azerbaijan 9 August 1996 11 September 1996 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/AZE/1)
Bahamas 5 November 1994
Bangladesh 6 December 1985 12 March 1986 Sixth (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.34)
Barbados 3 September 1982 11 April 1990 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.64)
Belarus 3 September 1982 4 October 1982 Second (1983)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.5)
Belgium 9 August 1986 20 July 1987 Eighth (1989)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.53)

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Belize 15 June 1991 Twenty-first (1999)

Benin 11 April 1993
Bhutan 30 September 1982
Bolivia 8 July 1991 8 July 1991 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/BOL/1)
26 August 1993
(CEDAW/C/BOL/1/Add.1)
Bosnia and 1 October 1994
Herzegovina
Botswana 12 September 1997
Brazil 2 March 1985
Bulgaria 10 March 1983 13 June 1983 Fourth (1985)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.15)
Burkina Faso 13 November 1988 24 May 1990 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.67)
Burundi 7 February 1993 1 June 2000
(CEDAW/C/BDI/1)
Cambodia 14 November 1993
Cameroon 22 September 1995 9 May 1999 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/CMR/1)
Canada 9 January 1983 15 July 1983 Fourth (1985)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.16)
Cape Verde 3 September 1982
Central African 21 July 1992
Republic
Chad 9 July 1996
Chile 6 January 1991 3 September 1991 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/CHI/1)
China 3 September 1982 25 May 1983 Third (1984)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.14)
Colombia 18 February 1983 16 January 1986 Sixth (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.32)
Comoros 30 November 1995
Congo 25 August 1983

Costa Rica 4 May 1987

98
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Côte d Ivoire 17 January 1997

Croatia 9 October 1993 10 January 1995 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/CRO/1)
Cuba 3 September 1982 27 September 1982 Second (1983)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.4)
Cyprus 22 August 1986 2 February 1994 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/CYP/1-2)
Czech Republic 24 March 1994 30 October 1995 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/CZE/1)
Democratic Republic 16 November 1987 1 March 1994 Twenty-second (2000)
of the Congo b (CEDAW/C/ZAR/1)
Denmark 21 May 1984 30 July 1984 Fifth (1986)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.22)
Djibouti 2 January 2000
Dominica 3 September 1982
Dominican Republic 2 October 1983 2 May 1986 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.37)
Ecuador 9 December 1982 14 August 1984 Fifth (1986)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.23)
Egypt 18 October 1982 2 February 1983 Third (1984)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.10)
El Salvador 18 September 1982 3 November 1983 Fifth (1986)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.19)
Equatorial Guinea 22 November 1985 16 March 1987 Eighth (1989)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.50)
Eritrea 5 October 1996
Estonia 20 November 1992
Ethiopia 10 October 1982 22 April 1993 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/ETH/1-3)
16 October 1995
(CEDAW/C/ETH/1-3/Add.1)
Fiji 27 September 1996 29 February 2000
(CEDAW/C/FIJ/1)
Finland 4 October 1987 16 February 1988 Eighth (1989)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.56)
France 13 January 1985 13 February 1986 Sixth (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.33)

99
A/55/38

Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Gabon 20 February 1984 19 June 1987 Eighth (1989)

(CEDAW/C/5/Add.54)
Gambia 16 May 1994
Georgia 25 November 1995 9 March 1998 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/GEO/1)
6 April 1999
(CEDAW/C/GEO/1/Add.1)
21 May 1999
(CEDAW/C/GEO/1/Add.1/Corr.1)
Germany 9 August 1986 15 September 1988 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.59)
Ghana 1 February 1987 29 January 1991 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/GHA/1-2)
Greece 7 July 1984 5 April 1985 Sixth (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.28)
Grenada 29 September 1991
Guatemala 11 September 1983 2 April 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/GUA/1-2 and Corr.1)
7 April 1993
(CEDAW/C/GUA/1-2/Amend.1)
Guinea 8 September 1983
Guinea-Bissau 22 September 1986
Guyana 3 September 1982 23 January 1990 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.63)
Haiti 3 September 1982
Honduras 2 April 1984 3 December 1986 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.44)
Hungary 3 September 1982 20 September 1982 Third (1984)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.3)
Iceland 18 July 1986 5 May 1993 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/ICE/1-2)
India 8 August 1994 2 February 1999 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/IND/1)
Indonesia 13 October 1985 17 March 1986 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.36)
Iraq 12 September 1987 16 May 1990 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.66/Rev.1)

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Ireland 22 January 1987 18 February 1987 Eighth (1989)

(CEDAW/C/5/Add.47)
Israel 2 November 1992 12 January 1994 c Seventeenth (1997)
7 April 1997
(CEDAW/C/ISR/1-2)
Italy 10 July 1986 20 October 1989 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.62)
Jamaica 18 November 1985 12 September 1986 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.38)
Japan 25 July 1986 13 March 1987 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.48)
Jordan 31 July 1993 27 October 1997 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/JOR/1)
Kazakhstan 25 September 1999 26 January 2000
(CEDAW/C/KAZ/1)
Kenya 8 April 1985 4 December 1990 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/KEN/1-2)
Kuwait 1 October 1995
Kyrgyzstan 12 March 1998 26 August 1998 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/KGZ/1)
Lao People’s 13 September 1982
Democratic Republic
Latvia 14 May 1993
Lebanon 21 May 1998
Lesotho 21 September 1996
Liberia 16 August 1985
Libyan Arab 15 June 1990 18 February 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
Jamahiriya (CEDAW/C/LIB/1)
4 October 1993
(CEDAW/C/LIB/1/Add.1)
Liechtenstein 21 January 1997 4 August 1997 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/LIE/1)
Lithuania 17 February 1995 4 June 1998 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/LTU/1)

Luxembourg 4 March 1990 13 November 1996 Seventeenth (1997)

(CEDAW/C/LUX/1)

101
A/55/38

Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Madagascar 16 April 1990 21 May 1990

(CEDAW/C/5/Add.65)
8 November 1993 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.65/Rev.2)
Malawi 11 April 1988 15 July 1988 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.58)
Malaysia 4 August 1996
Maldives 1 July 1994 28 January 1999
(CEDAW/C/MDV/1)
Mali 10 October 1986 13 November 1986 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.43)
Malta 7 April 1992
Mauritius 8 August 1985 23 February 1992 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/MAR/1-2)
Mexico 3 September 1982 14 September 1982 Second (1983)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.2)
Mongolia 3 September 1982 18 November 1983 Fifth (1986)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.20)
Morocco 21 July 1994 14 September 1994 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/MOR/1)
Mozambique 16 May 1998
Myanmar 21 August 1998 14 March 1999 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/MNR/1)
Namibia 23 December 1993 4 November 1996 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/NAM/1)
Nepal 22 May 1992 16 November 1998 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/NPL/1)
Netherlands 22 August 1992 19 November 1992 )
(CEDAW/C/NET/1) )
17 September 1993 )
(CEDAW/C/NET/1/Add.1) ) Thirteenth (1994)
20 September 1993 )
(CEDAW/C/NET/1/Add.2) )
9 October 1993 )
(CEDAW/C/NET/1/Add.3) )

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

New Zealand 9 February 1986 3 October 1986 Seventh (1988)

(CEDAW/C/5/Add.41)
Nicaragua 26 November 1982 22 September 1987 Eighth (1989)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.55)
Nigeria 13 July 1986 1 April 1987 Seventh (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.49)
Norway 3 September 1982 18 November 1982 Third (1984)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.7)
Pakistan 11 April 1997
Panama 28 November 1982 12 December 1982 Fourth (1985)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.9)
Papua New Guinea 11 February 1996
Paraguay 6 May 1988 4 June 1992 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/PAR/1-2)
23 August 1995
(CEDAW/C/PAR/1-2/Add.1)
20 November 1995
(CEDAW/C/PAR/1-2/Add.2)
Peru 13 October 1983 14 September 1988 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.60)
Philippines 4 September 1982 22 October 1982 Third (1984)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.6)
Poland 3 September 1982 10 October 1985 Sixth (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.31)
Portugal 3 September 1982 19 July 1983 Fifth (1986)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.21)
Republic of Korea 26 January 1986 13 March 1986 Sixth (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.35)
Republic of Moldova 31 July 1995 26 September 1998 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/MDA/1)
Romania 6 February 1983 14 January 1987 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.45)
Russian Federation 3 September 1982 2 March 1983 Second (1983)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.12)
Rwanda 3 September 1982 24 May 1983 Third (1984)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.13)
Saint Kitts and Nevis 25 May 1986

103
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Saint Lucia 7 November 1983

Saint Vincent and the 3 September 1982 27 September 1991 Sixteenth (1997)
Grenadines (CEDAW/C/STV/1-3)
28 July 1994
(CEDAW/C/STV/1-3/Add.1)
Samoa 25 October 1993
Senegal 7 March 1986 5 November 1986 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.42)
Seychelles 4 June 1993
Sierra Leone 11 December 1989
Singapore 4 November 1996 1 December 1999
(CEDAW/C/SGP/1)
Slovakia 27 June 1994 29 April 1996 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/SVK/1)
11 May 1998
(CEDAW/C/SVK/1/Add.1)
Slovenia 5 August 1993 23 November 1993 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/SVN/1)
South Africa 14 January 1997 5 February 1998 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/ZAF/1)
Spain 4 February 1985 20 August 1985 Sixth (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.30)
Sri Lanka 4 November 1982 7 July 1985 Sixth (1987)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.29)
Suriname 31 March 1994
Sweden 3 September 1982 22 October 1982 Second (1983)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.8)
Switzerland 26 April 1998
Tajikistan 25 October 1994
Thailand 8 September 1986 1 June 1987 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.51)
The former Yugoslav 17 February 1995
Republic of Macedonia
Togo 26 October 1984
Trinidad and Tobago 11 February 1991

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Tunisia 20 October 1986 17 September 1993 Fourteenth (1995)

(CEDAW/C/TUN/1-2)
Turkey 19 January 1987 27 January 1987 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.46)
Turkmenistan 31 May 1998
Uganda 21 August 1986 1 June 1992 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/UGA/1-2)
Ukraine 3 September 1982 2 March 1983 Second (1983)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.11)
United Kingdom of 7 May 1987 25 June 1987 Ninth (1990)
Great Britain and (CEDAW/C/5/Add.52)
Northern Ireland
United Republic of 19 September 1986 9 March 1988 Ninth (1990)
Tanzania (CEDAW/C/5/Add.57)
Uruguay 8 November 1982 23 November 1984 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.27)
Uzbekistan 18 August 1996 19 January 2000
(CEDAW/C/UZB/1)
Vanuatu 8 October 1996
Venezuela 1 June 1984 27 August 1984 Fifth (1986)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.24)
Viet Nam 19 March 1983 2 October 1984 Fifth (1986)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.25)
Yemen 29 June 1985 23 January 1989 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.61)
Yugoslavia 28 March 1983 3 November 1983 Fourth (1985)
(CEDAW/C/5/Add.18)
Zambia 21 July 1986 6 March 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/ZAM/1-2)
Zimbabwe 12 June 1992 28 April 1996 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/ZWE/1)
B. Second periodic reports
Albania 10 June 1999
Angola 17 October 1991
Antigua and Barbuda 31 August 1994 21 September 1994 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/ANT/1-3)

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Argentina 14 August 1990 13 February 1992 Seventeenth (1997)

(CEDAW/C/ARG/2)
27 May 1994
(CEDAW/C/ARG/2/Add.1)
19 August 1994
(CEDAW/C/ARG/2/Add.2)
Armenia 13 September 1998 23 August 1999
(CEDAW/C/ARM/2)
Australia 27 August 1988 24 July 1992 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/AUL/2)
Austria 30 April 1987 18 December 1989 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.27)
Bahamas 5 November 1998
Bangladesh 6 December 1989 23 February 1990 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.30)
Barbados 3 September 1986 4 December 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/BAR/2-3)
Belarus 3 September 1986 3 March 1987 Eighth (1989)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.5)
Belgium 9 August 1990 9 February 1993 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/BEL/2)
Belize 15 June 1995 19 June 1996 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/BLZ/1-2)
Benin 11 April 1997
Bhutan 30 September 1986
Bolivia 8 July 1995
Bosnia and 1 September 1998
Herzegovina
Brazil 2 March 1989
Bulgaria 10 March 1987 6 September 1994 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/BGR/2-3)

Burkina Faso 13 November 1992 11 December 1997 Twenty-second (2000)

(CEDAW/C/BFA/2-3)
Burundi 7 February 1997
Cambodia 14 November 1997

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Cameroon 22 September 1999

Canada 9 January 1987 20 January 1988 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.11)
Cape Verde 3 September 1986
Central African 21 July 1996
Republic
Chad 9 July 2000
Chile 6 January 1995 9 March 1995 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/CHI/2)
China 3 September 1986 22 June 1989 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.26)
Colombia 18 February 1987 14 January 1993
(CEDAW/C/COL/2-3)
2 September 1993 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/COL/2-3/Rev.1)
Comoros 30 November 1999
Congo 25 August 1987
Costa Rica 4 May 1991
Croatia 9 October 1997
Cuba 3 September 1986 13 March 1992 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/CUB/2-3)
30 November 1995
(CEDAW/C/CUB/2-3/Add.1)
Cyprus 22 August 1990 2 February 1994 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/CYP/1-2)
Czech Republic 24 March 1997
Democratic Republic 16 November 1991 24 October 1996 Twenty-second (2000)
of the Congo b (CEDAW/C/ZAR/2)
27 August 1998
(CEDAW/C/ZAR/2/Add.1 and
Corr.1)
Denmark 21 May 1988 2 June 1988 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.14)
Dominica 3 September 1986

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Dominican Republic 2 October 1987 26 April 1993 Eighteenth (1998)

(CEDAW/C/DOM/2-3)
Ecuador 9 December 1986 28 May 1990 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.31)
Egypt 18 October 1986 19 December 1986 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.2)
El Salvador 18 September 1986 18 December 1987 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.12)
Equatorial Guinea 22 November 1989 6 January 1994
(CEDAW/C/GNQ/2-3)
Estonia 20 November 1996
Ethiopia 10 October 1986 22 April 1993 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/ETH/1-3)
16 October 1995
(CEDAW/C/ETH/1-3/Add.1)
Finland 4 October 1991 9 February 1993 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/FIN/2)
France 13 January 1989 10 December 1990 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/FRA/2 and Rev.1)
Gabon 20 February 1988
Gambia 16 May 1998
Georgia 25 November 1999
Germany 9 August 1990 8 October 1996 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/DEU/2-3)
Ghana 1 February 1991 29 January 1991 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/GHA/1-2)
Greece 7 July 1988 1 March 1996 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/GRC/2-3)
Grenada 29 September 1995
Guatemala 11 September 1987 2 April 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/GUA/1-2 and Corr.1)
7 April 1993 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/GUA/1-2/Amend.1)

Guinea 8 September 1987

Guinea-Bissau 22 September 1990

108
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Guyana 3 September 1986 20 September 1999

(CEDAW/C/GUY/2)
Haiti 3 September 1986
Honduras 2 April 1988 28 October 1987 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.9)
Hungary 3 September 1986 29 September 1986 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.1)
Iceland 18 July 1990 5 May 1993 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/ICE/1-2)
India 8 August 1998
Indonesia 13 October 1989 6 February 1997 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/IDN/2-3)
Iraq 12 September 1991 13 October 1998 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/IRQ/2-3)
Ireland 22 January 1991 6 February 1997 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/IRL/2-3)
Israel 2 November 1996 7 April 1997 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/ISR/1-2)
Italy 10 July 1990 1 March 1994 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/ITA/2)
Jamaica 18 November 1989 17 February 1998
(CEDAW/C/JAM/2-4)
Japan 25 July 1990 21 February 1992 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/JPN/2)
Jordan 31 July 1997 19 November 1999 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/JOR/2)
Kenya 8 April 1989 4 December 1990 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/KEN/1-2)
Lao People’s 13 September 1986
Demoocratic Republic
Latvia 14 May 1997
Liberia 16 August 1989

109
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Libyan Arab 15 June 1994 14 December 1998

Jamahiriya (CEDAW/C/LBY/2)
Lithuania 17 February 1999 4 April 2000 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/LTU/2)
Luxembourg 4 March 1994 8 April 1997 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/LUX/2)
Madagascar 16 April 1994
Malawi 11 April 1992
Maldives 1 July 1998
Mali 10 October 1990
Malta 7 April 1996
Mauritius 8 August 1989 23 January 1992 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/MAR/1-2)
Mexico 3 September 1986 3 December 1987 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.10)
Mongolia 3 September 1986 17 March 1987 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.7)
Morocco 21 July 1998
Namibia 23 December 1997
Nepal 22 May 1996
Netherlands 22 August 1996 10 December 1998
(CEDAW/C/NET/2)
(CEDAW/C/NET/2/Add.1)
(CEDAW/C/NET/2/Add.2)
New Zealand 9 February 1990 3 November 1992 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/NZE/2)
27 October 1993
(CEDAW/C/NZE/2/Add.1)
Nicaragua 26 November 1986 16 March 1989 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.20)
Nigeria 13 July 1990 13 February 1997 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/NGA/2-3)
Norway 3 September 1986 23 June 1988 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.15)
Panama 28 November 1986 17 January 1997 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/PAN/2-3)

110
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Paraguay 6 May 1992 4 June 1992 Fifteenth (1996)

(CEDAW/C/PAR/1-2)
23 August 1995
(CEDAW/C/PAR/1-2/Add.1)
20 November 1995
(CEDAW/C/PAR/1-2/Add.2)
Peru 13 October 1987 13 February 1990 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.29)
Philippines 4 September 1986 12 December 1988 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.17)
Poland 3 September 1986 17 November 1988 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.16)
Portugal 3 September 1986 18 May 1989 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.22)
Republic of Korea 26 January 1990 19 December 1989 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.28 and
Corr.1)
Republic of Moldova 31 July 1999
Romania 6 February 1987 19 October 1992 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/ROM/2-3)
Russian Federation 3 September 1986 10 February 1987 Eighth (1989)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.4)
Rwanda 3 September 1986 7 March 1988 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.13)
Saint Kitts and Nevis 25 May 1990
Saint Lucia 7 November 1987
Saint Vincent and the 3 September 1986 27 September 1991 Sixteenth (1997)
Grenadines (CEDAW/C/STV/1-3)
28 July 1994
(CEDAW/C/STV/1-3/Add.1)
Samoa 25 October 1997
Senegal 7 March 1990 23 September 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/SEN/2 and Amend.1)
Seychelles 4 June 1997
Sierra Leone 11 December 1993
Slovakia 27 June 1998

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Slovenia 5 August 1997 26 April 1999

(CEDAW/C/SVN/2)
Spain 4 February 1989 9 February 1989 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.19)
Sri Lanka 4 November 1986 29 December 1988 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.18)
Suriname 31 March 1998
Sweden 3 September 1986 10 March 1987 Seventh (1988)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.6)
Tajikistan 25 October 1998
Thailand 8 September 1990 3 March 1997 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/THA/2-3)
The former Yugoslav 17 February 1999
Republic of Macedonia
Togo 26 October 1988
Trinidad and Tobago 11 February 1995
Tunisia 20 October 1990 17 September 1993 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/TUN/1-2)
Turkey 19 January 1991 7 February 1994 c Sixteenth (1997)
3 September 1996
(CEDAW/C/TUR/2-3)
Uganda 21 August 1990 1 June 1992 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/UGA/1-2)
Ukraine 3 September 1986 13 August 1987 Ninth (1990)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.8)
United Kingdom of 7 May 1991 11 May 1991 Twelfth (1993)
Great Britain and (CEDAW/C/UK/2 and Amend.1)
Northern Ireland
United Republic of 19 September 1990 25 September 1996 Nineteenth (1998)
Tanzania (CEDAW/C/TZA/2-3)
Uruguay 8 November 1986 3 February 1998
(CEDAW/C/URY/2-3)
Venezuela 1 June 1988 18 April 1989 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.21)

112
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Viet Nam 19 March 1987 2 November 1999

(CEDAW/C/VNM/2)
Yemen 29 June 1989 8 June 1989 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.24 and
Amend.1)
Yugoslavia 28 March 1987 31 May 1989 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/13/Add.23)
Zambia 21 July 1990 6 March 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/ZAM/1-2)
Zimbabwe 12 June 1996

C. Third periodic reports

Angola 17 October 1995

Antigua and Barbuda 31 August 1998 21 September 1994 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/ANT/1-3)
Argentina 14 August 1994 1 October 1996 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/ARG/3)
Australia 27 August 1992 1 March 1995 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/AUL/3)
Austria 30 April 1991 25 April 1997 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/AUT/3-4)
Bangladesh 6 December 1993 26 January 1993 c Seventeenth (1997)
27 March 1997
(CEDAW/C/BGD/3-4)
Barbados 3 September 1990 4 December 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/BAR/2-3)
Belarus 3 September 1990 1 July 1993 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/BLR/3)
Belgium 9 August 1994 29 September 1998
(CEDAW/C/BEL/3-4)
Belize 15 June 1999
Bhutan 30 September 1990
Bolivia 7 July 1999
Brazil 2 March 1993
Bulgaria 10 March 1991 6 September 1994 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/BGR/2-3)

113
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Burkina Faso 13 November 1996 11 December 1997 Twenty-second (2000)

(CEDAW/C/BFA/2-3)
Canada 9 January 1991 9 September 1992 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/CAN/3)
Cape Verde 3 September 1990
Central African 21 July 2000
Republic
Chile 6 January 1999 1 November 1999 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/CHI/3)
China 3 September 1990 29 May 1997 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/CHN/3-4)
Colombia 18 February 1991 14 January 1993
(CEDAW/C/COL/2-3)
2 September 1993 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/COL/2-3/Rev.1)
Congo 25 August 1991
Costa Rica 4 May 1995
Cuba 3 September 1990 13 March 1992 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/CUB/2-3)
30 November 1995
(CEDAW/C/CUB/2-3/Add.1)
Cyprus 22 August 1994
Democratic Republic 16 November 1995 2 July 1998 Twenty-second (2000)
of the Congo b (CEDAW/C/COD/1)
Denmark 21 May 1992 7 May 1993 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/DEN/3)
Dominica 3 September 1990
Dominican Republic 2 October 1991 26 April 1993 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/DOM/2-3)
Ecuador 9 December 1990 23 December 1991 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/ECU/3)
Egypt 18 October 1990 30 January 1996
(CEDAW/C/EGY/3)
El Salvador 18 September 1990
Equatorial Guinea 22 November 1993 6 January 1994
(CEDAW/C/GNQ/2-3)

114
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Ethiopia 10 October 1990 22 April 1993 Fifteenth (1996)

(CEDAW/C/ETH/1-3)
16 October 1995
(CEDAW/C/ETH/1-3/Add.1)
Finland 4 October 1995 28 January 1997
(CEDAW/C/FIN/3)
France 13 January 1993 5 October 1999
(CEDAW/C/FRA/3)
Gabon 20 February 1992
Germany 9 August 1994 8 October 1996 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/DEU/2-3)
Ghana 1 February 1995
Greece 7 July 1992 1 March 1996 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/GRC/2-3)
Grenada 2 September 1999
Guatemala 11 September 1991
Guinea 8 September 1991
Guinea-Bissau 22 September 1994
Guyana 3 September 1990
Haiti 3 September 1990
Honduras 2 April 1992 31 May 1991 Eleventh (1992)
(CEDAW/C/HON/3)
Hungary 3 September 1990 4 April 1991 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/HUN/3)
3 November 1995
(CEDAW/C/HUN/3/Add.1)
Iceland 3 July 1994 15 July 1998
(CEDAW/C/ICE/3-4)
Indonesia 13 October 1993 6 February 1997 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/IDN/2-3)
Iraq 12 September 1995 13 October 1998 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/IRQ/2-3)
Ireland 22 January 1995 7 August 1997 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/IRL/2-3)
Italy 10 July 1994 21 June 1997 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/ITA/3)

115
A/55/38

Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Jamaica 18 November 1993 17 February 1998

(CEDAW/C/JAM/2-4)
Japan 25 July 1994 28 October 1993 Thirteenth (1994)
(CEDAW/C/JPN/3)
Kenya 8 April 1993 5 January 2000
(CEDAW/KEN/3-4)
Lao People’s 13 September 1990
Democratic Republic
Liberia 16 August 1993
Libyan Arab 15 June 1998
Jamahiriya
Luxembourg 4 March 1998 12 March 1998 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/LUX/3)
17 June 1998
(CEDAW/C/LUX/3/Add.1)
Madagascar 16 April 1998
Malawi 11 April 1996
Mali 10 October 1994
Malta 7 April 2000
Mauritius 8 August 1993
Mexico 3 September 1990 1 December 1992 c
7 April 1997 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/MEX/3-4)
Mongolia 3 September 1990 8 December 1998
(CEDAW/C/MNG/3-4)
Nepal 22 May 2000
New Zealand 9 February 1994 2 March 1998 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/NZL/3-4)
15 April 1998
(CEDAW/C/NZL/3-4/Add.1)
Nicaragua 26 November 1990 15 October 1992 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/NIC/3)
Nigeria 13 July 1994 13 February 1997 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/NGA/2-3)
Norway 3 September 1990 25 January 1991 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/NOR/3)

116
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Panama 28 November 1990 17 January 1997 Nineteenth (1998)

(CEDAW/C/PAN/2-3)
Paraguay 6 May 1996
Peru 13 October 1991 25 November 1994 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/PER/3-4)
Philippines 4 September 1990 20 January 1993 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/PHI/3)
Poland 3 September 1990 22 November 1990 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/18/Add.2)
Portugal 3 September 1990 10 December 1990 Tenth (1991)
(CEDAW/C/18/Add.3)
Republic of Korea 26 January 1994 8 September 1994 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/KOR/3)
Romania 6 February 1991 19 October 1992 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/ROM/2-3)
Russian Federation 3 September 1990 24 July 1991 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/USR/3)
Rwanda 3 September 1990 18 January 1991 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/RWA/3)
Saint Kitts and Nevis 25 May 1994
Saint Lucia 7 November 1991
Saint Vincent and the 3 September 1990 27 September 1991 Sixteenth (1997)
Grenadines (CEDAW/C/STV/1-3)
28 July 1994
(CEDAW/C/STV/1-3/Add.1)
Senegal 7 March 1994
Sierra Leone 11 December 1997
Spain 4 February 1993 20 May 1996 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/ESP/3)
Sri Lanka 4 November 1990 7 October 1999
(CEDAW/LKA/3-4)
Sweden 3 September 1990 3 October 1990 Twelfth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/18/Add.1)
Thailand 8 September 1994 3 March 1997 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/THA/2-3)
Togo 26 October 1992

117
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Trinidad and Tobago 11 February 1999

Tunisia 20 October 1994 6 June 2000
(CEDAW/C/TUN/3-4)
Turkey 19 January 1995 3 September 1996 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/TUR/2-3)
Uganda 21 August 1994 22 May 2000
(CEDAW/C/UGA/3)
Ukraine 3 September 1990 31 May 1991 Fifteenth (1996)
(CEDAW/C/UKR/3)
21 November 1995
(CEDAW/C/UKR/3/Add.1)
United Kingdom of 7 May 1995 16 August 1995 Twenty-first (1999)
Great Britain and (CEDAW/C/UK/3)
Northern Ireland 8 August 1997
(CEDAW/C/UK/3/Add.1)
14 July 1998
(CEDAW/C/UK/3/Add.2)
United Republic of 19 September 1994 25 September 1996 Nineteenth (1998)
Tanzania (CEDAW/C/TZA/2-3)
Uruguay 8 November 1990 8 February 1999
(CEDAW/C/URY/2-3)
Venezuela 1 June 1992 8 February 1995 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/VEN/3)
Viet Nam 19 March 1991
Yemen 29 June 1993 13 November 1992 Twelfth (1993)
(CEDAW/C/YEM/3)
Yugoslavia 28 March 1991 14 October 1998
(CEDAW/C/YUG/3)
Zambia 21 July 1994 12 August 1999
(CEDAW/C/ZAM/3-4)

D. Fourth periodic reports

Angola 17 October 1999

Argentina 14 August 1998 18 January 2000
(CEDAW/C/ARG/4)
Australia 27 August 1996

118
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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Austria 30 April 1995 25 April 1997 Twenty-third (2000)

(CEDAW/C/AUT/3-4)
Bangladesh 6 December 1997 27 March 1997 Seventeenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/BGD/3-4)
Barbados 3 September 1995
Belarus 3 September 1994
Belgium 9 August 1998 29 October 1998
(CEDAW/C/BEL/3-4)
Bhutan 30 September 1994
Brazil 2 March 1997
Bulgaria 10 March 1995
Canada 9 January 1995 2 October 1995 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/CAN/4)
Cape Verde 3 September 1994
China 3 September 1994 29 May 1997 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/CHN/3-4)
Colombia 18 February 1995 8 July 1997 Twentieth (1999)
(CEDAW/C/COL/4)
Congo 25 August 1995
Costa Rica 4 May 1999
Cuba 3 September 1994 27 September 1999 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/CUB/4)
Cyprus 22 August 1998
Democratic Republic 16 November 1999
of the Congo b
Denmark 21 May 1996 9 January 1997
(CEDAW/C/DEN/4)
Dominica 3 September 1994
Dominican Republic 2 October 1995 29 October 1997 Eighteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/DOM/4)
Ecuador 9 December 1994
Egypt 18 October 1994 30 March 2000
(CEDAW/C/EGY/4-5)
El Salvador 18 October 1994

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Equatorial Guinea 22 November 1997

Ethiopia 10 October 1994
Finland 4 October 1999 23 November 1999
(CEDAW/C/FIN/4)
France 13 January 1997
Gabon 20 February 1996
Germany 9 August 1998 27 October 1998 Twenty-second (2000)
(CEDAW/C/DEU/4)
Ghana 1 February 1999
Greece 7 July 1996
Guatemala 11 September 1995
Guinea 8 September 1995
Guinea-Bissau 22 September 1998
Guyana 3 September 1994
Haiti 3 September 1994
Honduras 2 April 1996
Hungary 3 September 1994
Iceland 3 July 1998 15 July 1998
(CEDAW/C/ICE/3-4)
Indonesia 13 October 1997
Iraq 12 September 1999
Ireland 22 January 1999
Italy 10 July 1998
Jamaica 18 November 1997 17 February 1998
(CEDAW/C/JAM/2-4)
Japan 25 July 1998 24 July 1998
(CEDAW/C/JPN/4)
Kenya 8 April 1997 5 January 2000
(CEDAW/C/KEN/3-4)
Lao People’s 13 September 1994
Democratic Republic
Liberia 16 August 1997

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Malawi 11 April 2000

Mali 10 October 1998
Mauritius 8 August 1997
Mexico 3 September 1994 1 December 1992 c Eighteenth (1998)
7 March 1997
(CEDAW/C/MEX/3-4)
9 July 1997
(CEDAW/C/MEX/3-4/Add.1)
Mongolia 3 September 1994 8 December 1998
(CEDAW/C/MNG/3-4)
New Zealand 9 February 1998 2 March 1998 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/NZL/3-4)
15 April 1998
(CEDAW/C/NZL/3-4/Add.1)
Nicaragua 26 November 1994 16 June 1998
(CEDAW/C/NIC/4)
Nigeria 13 July 1998
Norway 3 September 1994 1 September 1994 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/NOR/4)
Panama 28 November 1994
Paraguay 6 May 2000
Peru 13 October 1995 25 November 1994 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/PER/3-4)
Philippines 4 September 1994 22 April 1996 Sixteenth (1997)
(CEDAW/C/PHI/4)
Poland 3 September 1994
Portugal 3 September 1994 23 November 1999
(CEDAW/C/PRT/4)
Republic of Korea 26 January 1998 27 March 1998 Nineteenth (1998)
(CEDAW/C/KOR/4)
Romania 6 February 1995 10 December 1998 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/ROM/4-5)
Russian Federation 3 September 1994 31 August 1994 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/USR/4)
Rwanda 3 September 1994
Saint Kitts and Nevis 25 May 1998

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Saint Lucia 7 November 1995

Saint Vincent and the 3 September 1994
Grenadines
Senegal 7 March 1998
Spain 4 February 1997 20 October 1998 Twenty-first (1999)
(CEDAW/C/ESP/4)
Sri Lanka 4 November 1994 7 October 1999
(CEDAW/C/LKA/3-4)
Sweden 3 September 1994 21 May 1996
(CEDAW/C/SWE/4)
Thailand 8 September 1998
Togo 26 October 1996
Tunisia 20 October 1998
Turkmenistan 31 May 2000
Turkey 19 January 1999
Uganda 21 August 1998
Ukraine 3 November 1994 2 August 1999
(CEDAW/C/UKR/4-5)
United Kingdom of 7 May 1999 19 January 1999 Twenty-first (1999)
Great Britain and (CEDAW/C/UK/4 and Add.1-4)
Northern Ireland
United Republic of 19 September 1998
Tanzania
Uruguay 8 November 1994
Venezuela 1 June 1996
Viet Nam 19 March 1995
Yemen 29 June 1997 8 March 2000
(CEDAW/C/YEM/4)
Yugoslavia 28 March 1995
Zambia 21 July 1998 12 August 1999
(CEDAW/C/ZAM/3-4)

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

E. Fifth periodic reports

Austria 30 April 1999 20 September 1999 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/AUT/5)
Barbados 3 September 1999
Belarus 3 September 1999
Bhutan 30 September 1998
Bulgaria 10 March 1999
Canada 9 January 1999
Cape Verde 3 September 1998
China 3 September 1998
Colombia 18 February 1999
Congo 25 August 1999
Cuba 3 September 1998
Denmark 21 May 2000 13 June 2000
(CEDAW/C/DEN/5)
Dominica 3 September 1998
Dominican Republic 2 September 1999
Ecuador 9 December 1998
Egypt 9 October 1998 30 March 2000
(CEDAW/C/EGY/4-5)
El Salvador 18 September 1998
Ethiopia 10 October 1998
Gabon 20 February 2000
Gambia 16 May 2000
Greece 7 July 2000
Guatemala 11 September 1999
Guinea 8 September 1999
Guyana 3 September 1998
Haiti 3 September 1998
Honduras 2 April 2000
Hungary 3 September 1998

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

Lao People’s 13 September 1998

Democratic Republic
Mexico 3 September 1998
Mongolia 3 September 1998
Nicaragua 26 November 1998 2 September 1999
(CEDAW/C/NIC/5)
Norway 3 September 1998 23 March 2000
(CEDAW/C/NOR/5)
Panama 28 November 1998
Peru 13 October 1999 21 July 2000
(CEDAW/C/PER/5)
Philippines 4 September 1998
Poland 3 September 1998
Portugal 3 September 1998
Romania 6 February 1999 10 December 1998 Twenty-third (2000)
(CEDAW/C/ROM/4-5)
Russian Federation 31 September 1998 3 March 1999
(CEDAW/C/USR/5)
Rwanda 3 September 1998
Saint Lucia 7 November 1999
Saint Vincent and the 3 September 1998
Grenadines
Sri Lanka 4 November 1998
Sweden 3 September 1998
Ukraine 3 September 1998 2 August 1999
(CEDAW/C/UKR/4-5)
Uruguay 8 November 1998
Venezuela 1 June 2000
Viet Nam 19 March 1999
Yugoslavia 28 March 1999

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Considered by Committee (session

States parties Date due a Date of submission (year))

F. Reports submitted on an exceptional basis

Democratic Republic 16 January 1997 (oral report; see Sixteenth (1997)
of the Congo b CEDAW/C/SR.317)
Croatia 15 September 1994 Fourteenth (1995)
(CEDAW/C/CRO/SP.1)
Rwanda 31 January 1996 (oral report; see Fifteenth (1996)
CEDAW/C/SR.306)
Federal Republic of 2 December 1993 Thirteenth (1994)
Yugoslavia (Serbia and (CEDAW/C/YUG/SP.1)
Montenegro) 2 February 1994 (oral report; see
CEDAW/C/SR.254)

a
One year prior to the due date, the Secretary-General invites the State party to submit its report.
b
Effective 17 May 1997, Zaire was renamed Democratic Republic of the Congo.
c
Report withdrawn.

125