The Fijian government has announced that it will host the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in April 2025. This significant event, to take place in Suva, represents the first time a CEDAW session will be held outside of Geneva and within the Pacific region. This highlights the dedication to enhancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality throughout the area.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, expressed her enthusiasm for this historic milestone. She stated, “We are deeply honoured to welcome the CEDAW Committee to Fiji,” emphasizing the importance of this occasion not only for Fiji but also for the broader Pacific Islands and the global community. She noted that this session demonstrates the United Nations’ commitment to making human rights a reality through a people-centered approach.
The invitation for the CEDAW Committee to convene in Fiji was accepted during the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023. Minister Tabuya acknowledged the contributions of organizations like PIFS and SPC, particularly the PROJECT Governance initiative, in advocating for this session.
As Fiji prepares for this landmark event, the government remains committed to advancing the principles of CEDAW and enhancing the rights and well-being of women and girls throughout the region. Minister Tabuya highlighted that this session is a unique opportunity for Pacific nations to demonstrate their achievements and challenges in promoting gender equality and emphasized the potential of the session to catalyze progress towards comprehensive human rights for all individuals.
Ana Pelaez Narvaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, referred to the technical cooperation session as a historic moment for both the Committee and the Pacific region. She voiced her eagerness to engage with Pacific leaders and stakeholders on women’s rights, ensuring that every woman and girl can live free from discrimination.
The Pacific Technical Cooperation CEDAW session is anticipated to be a crucial turning point for the region and a powerful symbol of progress in the international effort for gender equality. The event will gather government representatives, civil society organizations, and community members to discuss strategies for achieving gender equality. The Committee will engage with three Pacific nations to review their CEDAW implementation progress, culminating in Concluding Observations at their 91st Session in June.
This session promises to include a variety of side events and ‘talanoa’ discussions on thematic issues, inviting public participation from local stakeholders. More details on how to participate will be shared in the coming months.
This gathering underscores a hopeful trajectory for women’s rights in the Pacific, serving as a beacon for future initiatives aimed at achieving equality and fostering supportive environments for all individuals.
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