Welcome to the United Nations 
OHCHR 
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The CEDAW Committee consists of 23 experts on women’s rights from around the world.
The CEDAW treaty is a tool that helps women around the world to bring about change in their daily life. In countries that have ratified the treaty, CEDAW has proved invaluable in opposing the effects of discrimination, which include violence, poverty, and lack of legal protections, along with the denial of inheritance, property rights, and access to credit.
Key documents
States parties reporting
All States parties must report on the measures they have adopted relating to the rights described in the Convention, and on the progress the State has made in upholding the rights of women.
Reporting guidelines
Follow-up procedure
Calendar of country reviews & documentation deadlines
Country-specific information overview
View the database of progress reports by one or more of these criteria.
Events
Calls for input
Contact information
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Palais Wilson - 52, rue des Pâquis
CH-1201 Geneva (Switzerland)
Mailing address:
UNOG-OHCHR
8-14 Avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneve 10, Switzerland
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @UNTreatyBodies
Photo credit: Getty Images
Status of ratifications
To date, 189 States have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and 114 have ratified the Optional Protocol. The proposed amendment will enter into force once a two thirds majority of States parties has accepted it.
CEDAW ratification, including all declarations and reservations
Optional Protocol ratification
Acceptance of proposed amendment to article 20, paragraph 1 of the Convention
General comments
General recommendation No 40. on the equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems
General recommendation No.39 (2022) on the rights of Indigeneous women and Girls
General recommendation No.38 (2020) on trafficking in women and girls in the context of global migration