Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

Accelerating the pace of full CEDAW implementation is key to achieving substantive equality between women and men in all spheres of sustainable development. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is the most important international human rights treaty for women. Ratified by all Ibero-American countries, it is binding on the States Parties. Moreover, the Optional Protocol adopted in 1999 allows the CEDAW Committee to monitor their obligations under the Convention, establishing complaint and investigation mechanisms.