Status of Women

Commission on the Status of Women in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Commission on the Status of Women: The Commission on the Status of Women held its 57th session in 2013, focusing on violence against women and girls. Ambassador Susan Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN,* welcomed the adoption of the agreed conclusions at the 57th session on March 17, 2013. Ambassador Rice's statement appears below and is available at (link resource) usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/206341.htm.

Some Aspects of Commission on the Status of Women

I enthusiastically welcome the adoption of strong Agreed Conclusions at the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. This year's Commission focused on the global scourge of violence against women and girls, and the Agreed Conclusions represent vital international recognition that women and girls everywhere have a right to live free from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Importantly, the Conclusions call for robust measures to prevent violence against women and girls, accountability for gender-related violence and crimes, and comprehensive efforts to support women and girls at risk. They also acknowledge the central importance of sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights and reinforce that States have a duty—regardless of their political, economic, and cultural systems—to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls.

Developments

While we are very pleased with the outcome, the United States remains disappointed that the Conclusions did not explicitly recognize that women and girls should not suffer violence or discrimination based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Basic rights must apply to everyone, and the United States will continue to fight relentlessly to ensure equality for all people regardless of who they are or whom they love.

Details

The Agreed Conclusions mark a milestone in our fight for the safety and dignity of women and girls everywhere. The United States celebrates this progress as we pledge to redouble our efforts to protect and support the fundamental rights of all women and girls, both at home and around the world.

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* Editor's Note: Susan Rice left her post as U.S. Ambassador to the UN on June 25, 2013 to become National Security Adviser to President Obama. On August 5, 2013 Samantha Power was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

UN Commission on the Status of Women

In relation to the international law practice and UN Commission on the Status of Women in this world legal Encyclopedia, please see the following section:

International Human Rights

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Discrimination

Under this topic, in the Encyclopedia, find out information on Gender. Note: there is detailed information and resources, in relation with these topics during the year 2011, covered by the entry, in this law Encyclopedia, about UN Commission on the Status of Women

Resources

Notes

1. Commission on the Status of Women in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law