[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF QUEEN NOOR'S ADVOCACY OF ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION 
                             AGAINST WOMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2002

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the organizers of today's 
event for bringing congressional Members together to emphasize the role 
that United States adherence, and for that matter universal adherence, 
to the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination 
Against Women could play in ameliorating the situation of women around 
the world.
  Her Majesty, Queen Noor, has graced us with her presence and we so 
much appreciate her continuing leadership on this issue and on so many 
other humanitarian efforts.
  It is high time that the United States took its rightful place among 
the nations adhering to this convention. It is not just the example we 
would set for those not adhering to it, but also the opportunity to 
play a role, as a state party to the convention, in the process of 
upholding the convention itself around the world in places where it is 
on the books but not really being enforced.
  We have all heard the expression ``women's rights are human rights.'' 
Because women have received short shrift around the world, we have long 
recognized the need for a special measure to address the empowerment of 
women. The United States should play its proper leadership role. I 
appreciate all the efforts of those present here today and urge support 
for their goals.

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