NGOs and CEDAW
A 5-STEP PLAN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- 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.
- 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.
- 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”.
- 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.
- 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.