The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has expressed alarm over a deepening financial crisis at the United Nations, which it warns is jeopardizing global protections for women and girls. In a recent statement, CEDAW emphasized that the rights of women and girls are unequivocally human rights, a principle that is non-negotiable.
CEDAW, responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, noted that this unprecedented financial shortfall results from member states failing to fulfill their assessed contributions in a timely manner. This failure has severely impacted the committee’s ability to execute its mandate, leading to the cancellation of one of its three scheduled annual sessions in 2025 and the possibility of further cancellations in 2026.
The impact of these cancellations is significant as it limits the number of states that can be reviewed under the Convention, as well as restricting the consideration of individual communications and inquiries under the Optional Protocol. Consequently, this situation leads to ongoing violations of rights and hindered access to justice for women and girls worldwide.
The committee highlighted that the financial crisis undermines the obligations of member states to ensure women’s rights, violating Article 17 (2) of the UN Charter. It referenced a warning from Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a recent funding appeal, stressing that a human rights system in crisis is unsustainable amidst escalating global dilemmas.
Furthermore, the CEDAW Committee pointed out that this crisis occurs at a time when there is a growing backlash against women’s and girls’ rights, seen in rising gender-based violence and setbacks in sexual and reproductive health rights, civic freedoms, and political participation. They emphasized that advancing women’s rights is a matter of justice vital for global peace and development, as women remain underrepresented in critical areas like conflict resolution and political leadership.
The committee echoed calls from the UN Secretary-General urging member states to meet their financial commitments or to reform regulations that necessitate returning unreceived funds. CEDAW advocated for emergency measures to address the financial gap, ensuring that the committee can fulfill its essential duties.
“We cannot – and will not – succumb to the troubling backlash against the rights of women and girls. The world requires a robust and effective CEDAW Committee,” they stated, concluding with a resolute message that the world’s women and girls are relying on the commitment of member states to uphold their rights.
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