The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is a body of independent experts tasked with monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Based on available information, the following individuals are members of the CEDAW Committee:
Prominent Members of the CEDAW Committee
The Committee comprises experts from various countries, contributing their knowledge and experience to advance women's rights globally. Here are some of the individuals who have served on the committee, along with their countries and noted roles:
| Name | Country | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ms. Ferdous Ara Begum | Bangladesh | Member |
| Mr. Cornelis Flinterman | Netherlands | Member |
| Ms. Naela Mohamed Gabr | Egypt | Vice-Chairperson |
| Ms. Françoise Gaspard | France | Vice-Chairperson |
| Ms. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari | Israel | Member |
Understanding the CEDAW Committee
CEDAW is often described as the international bill of rights for women. Its committee members play a crucial role in overseeing the progress made by countries that have ratified the Convention.
Composition and Selection
- Independent Experts: The Committee is composed of 23 independent experts of high moral standing and recognized competence in the field of human rights. These experts serve in their personal capacity, not as representatives of their governments.
- Geographical Representation: Members are elected by States Parties to the Convention, with due consideration given to equitable geographical distribution and to the representation of different forms of civilization and principal legal systems.
- Regular Elections: Members are elected for a term of four years and are eligible for re-election. This ensures a regular rotation and renewal of expertise within the Committee.
Role and Functions
The CEDAW Committee's primary functions include:
- Reviewing State Reports: States Parties are required to submit regular reports on how they are implementing the Convention. The Committee examines these reports and engages in constructive dialogue with government representatives.
- Issuing Concluding Observations: Following the review of each report, the Committee issues "concluding observations," which highlight positive aspects, main areas of concern, and recommendations for further action.
- General Recommendations: The Committee also adopts "general recommendations" which are authoritative interpretations of the provisions of the Convention, providing guidance to States Parties on specific articles or themes related to women's rights.
- Inquiry Procedures: In some cases, the Committee can conduct inquiries into grave or systematic violations of women's rights in a State Party.
- Individual Communications: Under the Optional Protocol to the Convention, the Committee can receive and consider complaints from individuals or groups alleging violations of their rights under the Convention.
For more comprehensive information about CEDAW and its work, you can visit the official UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner CEDAW page.
