The international review of the third national report on the implementation of the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) kicked off July 16 in Taipei City, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to enacting and refining measures safeguarding women’s rights.
A panel of foreign academics and advocates who have served on the U.N. Committee on CEDAW are scheduled to hold discussions with officials and local nongovernmental organization representatives about women’s rights policies and legislation introduced between 2013 and 2016. Comments and recommendations for strengthening related measures will be announced at the conclusion of the five-day process.
Speaking at the opening of the review, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said that although Taiwan is not a member of the U.N., the nation is committed to codifying conventions into domestic law and developing review mechanisms so as to ensure effective implementation of human rights protections.
While Taiwan is a leader in promoting women’s rights in Asia, the nation recognizes there is room for improvement, the vice president said. Recommendations from the international review will play a major role in shaping policy adjustments and future directions, and help bolster progress in fostering gender equality, he added.
Heisoo Shin, a South Korean gender equality scholar and chairperson of the international review committee, lauded Taiwan’s evaluation process, noting that it allocates more time for dialogue with local NGOs as compared to the U.N. model. Taiwan has a vibrant civil society and an active women’s movement, so the review provides a good opportunity for advocates to raise concerns and push for further development, she said.
Taiwan ratified CEDAW in 2007 and produced its first national report on the implementation of the convention two years later. The Enforcement Act of CEDAW was adopted by the Legislative Yuan in 2011 and took effect the following year.
Under the law, the government must deliver a report on the promotion of gender equality every four years and revise all relevant laws and administrative measures contravening CEDAW within three years. The third national report was released by the Cabinet in December 2017. (KWS-E)
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