NGO’s & CEDAW: A 5-Step Plan to Make a Difference

NGOs and CEDAW

A 5-STEP PLAN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE


  1. Open CEDAW Web Site: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/index.htm. Become familiar with goals, procedures.  Especially note reference to NGO “Shadow Reports”: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/docs/NGO_Participation.final.pdf.
  2. Look at the list of sessions and find information re: your country (known as “States Party” if it has ratified the Convention), the date of the last Government Report & when the next Government Report is due. Remember Government reports are submitted a year ahead of the examination, so shadow reports must also be in well before the hearing.
  3. Compose a list of issues & areas of concern covered/noted, as well as those uncovered and not noted. The CEDAW Experts often request States Parties for additional information and clarity in the “list of issues”.
  4.  Note reference by Government to any activity &/or attempts to be in contact with individuals/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working with/on behalf of Older Women.
  5.  Connect with organizations/individuals and work together developing a “Shadow Report ” to be  presented, noting “the issues of concern”. Contact IWRAW Asia Pacific to find out which NGOs are working on a shadow report iwraw-ap@iwraw-ap.org.
NGO Committee on Ageing • PO Box 1854 • New York, NY • 10163-1854