Tashkent, 24 March 2011 — UN Population Fund (UNFPA) supported organization of a roundtable discussion on establishing cooperation between national partners and international organizations on implementation of the recently adopted National Action Plan on CEDAW (UN Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Violence and Discrimination Against Women).
In 1995 Uzbekistan has fully ratified the CEDAW — key international document for promotion of equality of men’s and women’s rights. The Convention adds up to more than 60 international treaties and agreements safeguarding human rights to which the country has acceded, in addition to a number of national policies and strategies in this area. However, some challenges still remain in removing barriers to equality for women in many aspects of their life.
To tackle the barriers, the government of Uzbekistan has undergone four periodic reviews of the progress towards implementation of CEDAW since it has been ratified. To address and incorporate comments received from CEDAW Committee to the fourth review report, the government has set up a National Action Plan in August 2010.
In 1995 Uzbekistan has fully ratified the CEDAW — key international document for promotion of equality of men’s and women’s rights. The Convention adds up to more than 60 international treaties and agreements safeguarding human rights to which the country has acceded, in addition to a number of national policies and strategies in this area. However, some challenges still remain in removing barriers to equality for women in many aspects of their life.
To tackle the barriers, the government of Uzbekistan has undergone four periodic reviews of the progress towards implementation of CEDAW since it has been ratified. To address and incorporate comments received from CEDAW Committee to the fourth review report, the government has set up a National Action Plan in August 2010.
UNFPA has taken the lead in consolidating the efforts of national partners, international organizations, including UN Agencies and other stakeholders towards implementation of the Action Plan. Thus, the roundtable discussion was aimed at reviewing the Action Plan, as well as reinforcing the partners’ commitment to continuous efforts in promotion of gender equality in the country, and timely addressing of comments received from CEDAW Committee. Participants, among them Women’s Committee, Civic Initiatives Support Centre, UNFPA and other UN Agencies, also presented their plans and strategies in implementation of CEDAW and promotion of gender equality.
During the meeting partners discussed possibilities and mechanisms for cooperation in the area of women’s empowerment and achievement of CEDAW regulations. Recommendations for setting up cooperation and follow up mechanisms on implementation of National Action Plan on CEDAW were carefully reviewed.
As a result, it was agreed to set up a Coordination Mechanism, to ensure orchestrated efforts and effective cooperation in implementation of National CEDAW Action Plan.
UNFPA has been supporting national efforts in promotion of gender equality in Uzbekistan for more than a decade. Within its current Country Programme for 2010–2015, UNFPA focuses on women’s empowerment through educational programmes and raising awareness of women on their basic rights, including reproductive rights.
Supporting the improvements of national legislation, UNFPA promotes and lobbies two major
UNFPA remains ready to support Uzbekistan in its efforts towards achieving equality of rights and opportunities for men and women in all aspects of life. We are particularly committed to supporting coordinated efforts to help the country meet its obligations under CEDAW and address comments received from its Committee in timely and comprehensive manner
