United Nations: The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) today issued its findings on Afghanistan, Botswana, Chad, Fiji, Ireland, Mexico, San Marino, Solomon Islands, Thailand, and Tuvalu, after reviewing these States parties.
According to African Press Organization, the findings contain positive aspects of each country's implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, as well as the Committee's main concerns and recommendations.
On Afghanistan, the Committee expressed profound concern at the institutionalized torture and ill-treatment of women, particularly on accusations of adultery, and the continued exclusion of girls from formal education. It urged the de facto authorities to revoke the March 2024 decree allowing for women to be beaten or sentenced to death by stoning, abolish all corporal punishment, and lift all education bans.
Regarding Ireland, the Committee noted with regret that a proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine gender-neutral language about care within families was defeated in a referendum last year. It recommended that the State party undertake inclusive public consultations to find alternative wording, with a view to holding another referendum to eliminate stereotypical language on the role of women in the home from the constitution.
In the case of Mexico, the Committee hailed the elevation of the National Institute for Women to a ministerial-level secretariat. However, it expressed concern about the violence and discrimination faced by the "madres buscadoras" (searching mothers) and recommended effective investment in women's rights and gender equality programs, along with formal recognition of the "buscadoras" as a special category of human rights defenders.
For San Marino, the Committee noted with concern the limited awareness of the Convention among judges, lawyers, and the general public. It urged authorities to take measures to increase awareness and address the lack of disaggregated data in key areas, including gender-based violence against women.
In the Solomon Islands, the Committee acknowledged progress in implementing the affirmative action strategy but noted the absence of comprehensive temporary special measures to accelerate substantive equality. It urged the government to eradicate intra-family sexual abuse against women and girls and repeal the criminalization of victims of incest over the age of 15.
On Thailand, the Committee expressed concern over online gender-based violence against women and girls. It called on authorities to investigate and prosecute such acts, adopt policies to combat misogyny, and promote gender equality, particularly in the innovation economy.
For Tuvalu, the Committee acknowledged the existential threat posed by climate change and its disproportionate impact on women and girls. It urged the State party to prioritize constitutional protections for women and girls over traditional norms and customs.
The above findings, officially named Concluding Observations, are now available online on the session page.