Originally published on the CGS blog on December 8, 2009.
Human Rights Day 2009 is this Thursday! The focus this year will be on non-discrimination. Specifically, the main objection will be the promotion of discrimination-free societies throughout the world. Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated the following, “Discrimination lies at the roots of many of the world’s most pressing human rights problems. No country is immune from the scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest order.”
On past Human Rights Day, the Secretary of State gave a speech highlighting the ideals of the day. A similar speech this year would be the perfect occasion to promote American support of the United Nations’ Treaty CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women). As the title suggests, this treaty focuses on eliminating discrimination against women on an international level. This fits perfectly with this year’s Human Rights Day theme of non-discrimination. Additionally, CEDAW’s 30th anniversary is next week, making the topic even more timely for the Secretary of State’s speech.
CEDAW was passed by the UN General Assembly in 1970 and was signed by President Carter in 1980. However, the US has failed to ratify CEDAW and is keeping company with known human rights violators such as Sudan, Somalia, and Iran. The speech on Human Rights Day is the perfect opportunity for the US to express our support for CEDAW and that we are willing to work towards ratification.
For more information on Human Rights Day, click here.
For more information on CEDAW, click here.
