CEDAW State Party Commitments Implementation:

Insights on the UN comparative advantages

Khadija MoallaSahar Shawa Stein Hansen

 

An Experience From KuwaitUNDP’s added value and

comparative advantage can be easily demonstrated

Support to the implementation of the CEDAW Committee recommendations

1.The Why: Technical Reporting Challenges Governments often overwhelmed by too

many ratified international instruments. Regular reports required (2 per year on

average). The State party government staff members:1. Might lack the capacity to write the jargon

laden reports.2. Getting the right data, checking facts…3. Thorough knowledge of international law

and human rights principles.

I. The Why: Challenges in front of Governments

Government Task Force created for the purpose.

TF already burdened by many hindrances and limitations.

No proper coordination between the Executive and the Legislative powers

Focal points from different ministries under the leadership of different Ministries.

Most of the recommendations would call for modifying the legislation.

I. The Why: Doubts about CEDAW Task Force members have Lack of

understanding of CEDAW Committee recommendations

Conversation going on in the back of their mind:

1. CEDAW is foreign to their culture2. Undermine their native moral

values, beliefs and even religion.

II. The What: Equipped Focal Points:Governments seek the support of UNDP/UNGFP lacks a proper understanding:1. International law2. CEDAW convention itself 3. Human Rights approach at large. Bringing in an international consultant:

Missing out on the national sensitivities and intricacies.

A well equipped GFP is a MUST.

II. The What: New Project Documents and/or Mainstreaming:CEDAW lists of recommendations

1. Mainstreaming CEDAW aspects into:a. Ongoing project documents b. UNDPs governance or gender portfolios.2. New project documents (or new initiatives)c. Capacity building for CSOs, Media, RLs…d. Capacity building for Government staff…Governments may well be interested in funding

III. The How: Build TrustBe genuine in our will to support countries we

serve Host conversations with respect, empathy and

willingness to achieve transformation Tackle and transform the negative publicity:

Media, Religious & Government Leaders

III. The How: Continuous capacity building:

A valuable chance to have minds and hearts open up to new perceptions and even allow for an evolvement of a new world view in the minds of all partners.

III. The How: Be the Convener of a conversation between Government and Civil Society

Facilitate a true partnership between Government and CSOs.

Team creation & leadership methodologies.The need to shadow reports will not go away

but this approach will help build a synthesis between CSOs reporting and government’s one.

Media as allies in the advocacy.Technical assistance for the UNCT to jointly

support the three State powers.

III. The How: One UNA unique opportunity to the Gender Theme Group

and the UNCT to work together to implement CEDAW Recommendations:

e.g.: UNCT, UNGTG, bi and multilateral partnerships…

e.g. Addressing the needs of women refugees or implementing ILOs work place related conventions such as UNWomen, UNHCR, OHCHR…

Conclusion: a unique opportunityTo open the community conversation for more

social accountabilityTo provide a practical assessment of the true

needs To provide a much needed technical assistance

to the government To manifest the UN real added value