Australia lodges latest report with the United Nations on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
The Australian Government has lodged the sixth and seventh reports on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) with the United Nations.
Tanya Plibersek said the lodging of the report demonstrates Australia’s commitment, across all levels of government, to end discrimination against women.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of Australia’s accession of CEDAW and this month the Australian Government took a step forward for women in Australia by acceding to the CEDAW Optional Protocol,” Ms Plibersek said.
“Acceding to the Protocol is a powerful statement that discrimination against women in any form is unacceptable and that Australia is committed to promoting and progressing gender equality.
“Australia submits reports on CEDAW implementation every four years and this combined sixth and seventh report brings us up to date with our obligations under the Convention.”
The report highlights the wide range of measures to advance the status of women, which the Australian Government introduced in partnership with State, Territory and Local Governments, the private sector and the community. The report can be found at the Office of Women
To complement the report, Ms Plibersek today launched an education pack on Women’s Human Rights, which is designed as a simple guide to human rights treaties and will serve as an invaluable source of information about CEDAW.
“The Australian Government is also supporting the community sector to produce their own Shadow Report to the Government’s CEDAW report,” Ms Plibersek said.
“The shadow reporting process gives the sector an opportunity to outline achievements and comment on where they think Government should focus its efforts in the future.
“Despite advancements, there is still much more work to be done in reducing violence against women, improving women’s economic security and ensuring women have an equal place in society.”
ABS statistics show that one in three women has experienced physical violence and one in five women has experienced sexual violence.
“The Government recognises that Australians want action on this issue and is responding. That’s why we have appointed a National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children, which is currently developing a National Plan,” Ms Plibersek said.
The Government’s National Plan will enable the community to support victims of violence and ensure the cycle of violence is reduced for future generations.