[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF 
  REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE SENATE SHOULD RATIFY THE CONVENTION ON THE 
    ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2015

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
introduce the sense of the House of Representatives that the Senate 
should ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of 
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). I am proud to be joined in this 
effort by my friend and colleague Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.
  This year we also recognize the 20th Anniversary of the Fourth World 
Conference on Women, where the United States along with over 189 
governments, adopted the ``Beijing Declaration and Platform for 
Action.'' Since 1995, those commitments have ushered in enormous 
improvements in the lives of women across the world. It is in the 
spirit of this inspirational anniversary that we urge the United States 
to ratify the most comprehensive international agreement on women's 
rights, CEDAW.
  CEDAW is a landmark international agreement that calls on governments 
to take appropriate measures to end discrimination against women in all 
areas of life. The Convention seeks to develop women's equality in 
legal status, human rights, political participation, employment, 
education and healthcare, while committing countries to change or 
eradicate discriminatory laws, customs, and practices.
  Despite 187 countries ratifying CEDAW, the United States is the only 
industrialized country in the world that has not ratified the treaty, 
even though its fundamental principles of equality and 
nondiscrimination are paramount to the ideals of our nation. Other 
nations that have not ratified CEDAW include Somalia and Iran.
  Most importantly, CEDAW is not self-executing, meaning that any 
legislation the United States might adopt to comply with the treaty 
would have to go through the normal Congressional process.
  Ratification of CEDAW would continue our nation's proud bipartisan 
tradition of promoting and protecting human rights. The Senate's 
ratification of CEDAW would strengthen our standing as a global leader 
for the rights of women and girls. As we recognize International 
Women's Day next week, I hope my colleagues will cosponsor this 
important resolution that will benefit women around the world.

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