Click here for information on the 77th CEDAW Session
Notice on Disruption Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
We recognise that developments such as the closure of national borders, enforcement of strict travel restrictions and general uncertainty are likely to continue in the near future and will undoubtedly impede the access of women’s human rights defenders to the CEDAW Committee. We are hopeful that the UN human rights system, including the CEDAW Committee, will work together to find more creative ways that harness the potential of technology to proceed with their respective sessions within the upcoming months. We remain committed to sharing timely updates through our website, listserv and social media channels as we receive more information regarding this.
Information on the 79th CEDAW Pre-Sessional Working Group
IWRAW Asia Pacific is an NGO which supports the CEDAW Committee and OHCHR in facilitating participation of women’s groups/NGOs in the CEDAW review process.
The Pre-Sessional Working Group (PSWG) for the 79th CEDAW Session will be held as closed Committee meetings online from 9 November to 13 November 2020. The countries to be discussed are Brazil, Egypt, Greece, Jamaica, Morocco, Portugal, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. If you are participating in the PSWG, or are interested in doing so, please refer to the NGO Information Note, available in English, French and Spanish, for procedures, including details of informal remote private briefings by NGOs with the working group members. Reports should be submitted by 12 October, to cedaw@ohchr.org.
If you are new to CEDAW, we have many resources available to help you familiarise yourself with the convention and how to connect it with the key areas of concern for your constituency. Of particular note are our CEDAW Quick & Concise videos and our shadow report guidelines, both general and on various themes. A number of resources are available in a range of languages. We are also happy to answer any questions via email or through scheduling a call.
Spread the word!
Please circulate this information to women’s groups you know. If you are with an NGO or a coalition working on an NGO report to CEDAW, please contact us at iwraw-ap@iwraw-ap.org, with a copy to audrey@iwraw-ap.org.