3 September 2014 - South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly today ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

The convention, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979, defines what constitutes discrimination against women, and commits member states to setting up an agenda for action to end such discrimination.

“The ratification of CEDAW is a demonstration of a positive measure of political will towards gender equality and ending discrimination against women and girls,” said UNMISS acting Gender Unit Chief Ruth Kibiti, welcoming the development.

She noted that the ratification provides a legal framework for a long-sought review of family laws including but not limited to age of marriage and combating sexual and gender-based violence.

“It is anticipated that women’s organizations and civil society groups will gain more confidence to critique government and private actions with regard to gender equality,” said Ms. Kibiti.

A summary explanation of the Convention notes that it “provides the basis for realizing equality between women and men through ensuring women's equal access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public life.

“States parties agree to take all appropriate measures, including legislation and temporary special measures, so that women can enjoy all their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the summary says.

The Convention is also the only human rights treaty which affirms reproductive rights of women and targets culture and tradition as influential forces shaping gender roles and family relations.

Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention are legally bound to put its provisions into practice. They are also committed to submit national reports, at least every four years, on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations.

“The ratification of CEDAW comes with additional responsibilities,” said Ms. Kibiti. “UNMISS and UN agencies will provide technical and logistical support to civil society and women organizations to facilitate its dissemination so that its provisions are understood clearly by South Sudanese citizens including those in senior leadership positions.”

She noted, however, that there are still several challenges in the country including limited knowledge about CEDAW among Rule of Law practitioners and policymakers.

“Discrimination against women still exists in South Sudan and ratification of CEDAW will obviously not take that away at the strike of a pen,” said Ms. Kibiti. “It remains to be seen how the convention will be directly applied in courts and other legal systems, especially given that customary law is widely practiced in South Sudan.”