Senator Trish Crossin has welcomed the announcement that the Australian Government has signed the Optional Protocol to the United Nationals Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Date: 25 November 2008
Senator Trish Crossin has welcomed the announcement that the Australian Government has signed the Optional Protocol to the United Nationals Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Despite being a party to CEDAW since 1983, the previous Government refused to sign the Optional Protocol when it was adopted in 2000. Even today, the Coalition, under Malcolm Turnbull, still oppose this important international human rights instrument, even though countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and a number of Asia-Pacific countries doing so.
This announcement comes as Australia today recognises International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day.
“The Rudd Government is demonstrating we are committed to overcoming the stereotypes and prejudices that can hold back women’s rights and weaken equality.
“By becoming party to the Optional Protocol shows our commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of women, both in Australia and abroad,” Senator Crossin said.
Under the Optional Protocol, women in Australia will be able to make a complaint to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women about alleged violation of Australia’s obligations under CEDAW. This can only occur after domestic legal options have been exhausted. The protocol also permits a UN investigation process.
“Acceding to the Optional Protocol will send a strong message that Australia is serious about promoting gender equality and that we are prepared to be judged by international human rights standards. It will also add credibility to our offers of support to women across our region,” said Senator Crossin.
Australia’s instrument of accession to the Optional Protocol will be lodged in New York shortly, which means it will enter into force for Australia before International Women’s Day on 8 March 2008.