The 44th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women opened in New York on Monday last, July 20th, 2009

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the body of independent experts http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/membership.htm     that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/cedaw.htm  

The CEDAW Committee consists of 23 experts on women’s rights from around the world. http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/membership.htm

During its sessions the Committee considers each State party report and addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in the form of concluding observations.

During the 44th session the following countries where Good Shepherd has a presence are being considered: Japan, Spain and Switzerland.  If you visit this site you can read the Government report, questions posed by the experts, written responses by the Government and the NGO Statements. http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/cedaws44.htm

The committee members are very busy while in session.  Full days are provided for each country being considered.  There are informal meetings for Non Government Organizations (NGO).

At this current session a general recommendation on older women is being proposed and a second on the economic consequences of divorce.  What is a general recommendation?  Visit this web site: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/comments.htm

Procedures for NGO participation in CEDAW can be read here.   http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/docs/NGO_Participation.final.pdf

The 45th session will be held in Geneva in January 2010 and the following countries where Good Shepherd is present will be presented:  Egypt, Netherlands and Central America – Panama http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/cedaws45.htm   Already the government reports have been submitted and the CEDAW experts have formulated their questions.  NGO have also presented their statements.

The 46th session will be in July 2010 when Albania, Argentina and Australia will be considered.  Here is an opportunity for the new community going to Albania to follow proceedings.  The country reports are already available http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/cedaws46.htm

The countries for a future session are already listed and reports recived in June /July 2009 are available in their original language.  http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/cedaws_future.htm

Countries include the Czech Republic, Kenya, Malta and Singapore.