Canada today ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Its 30 articles cover measures to be taken by States parties to eliminate discrimination in various fields including political and public life, the right to nationality, education, employment, health and marriage, and the family. Rights or rural Women are given special attention , as are the elimination of stereotypes and the suppression of prostitution.
United Nations Ambassador Gerard Pelletier of Canada (right) depositing the instrument of ratification with UN Legal Counsel Erik Suy.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women which is meeting at the UN Headquarters began its consideration of the initial report of Nigeria. The Committee heard replies to follow-up questions asked of the Nigerian Representative on 2 March.
Group photo of the Members of the Committee.

The States parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women met for the first time today to elect members of a committee that will monitor the progress Governments are making in eliminating discrimination against women. The Convention, adopted by the General Assembly in 1979, contains internationally accepted principles and measures aimed at eliminating prejudice and improving the legal, economic and social condition of women.
Meeting Chairman Anatoly Sheldov (Byelorussia) speaking at the presiding table. Seen at left and right are respectively Chafika Sellami-Mesiem, Director of the United Nations Branch for the Advancement of Women, and meeting Secretary Sol Nahon.

The Philippines today ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Its 30 articles cover measures to be taken by States Parties to eliminate discrimination in various fields including political and public life, the right to nationality, education, employement, health, marriage and the family. Rights of rural women are given special attention, as are the elimination of the stereotypes and the suppression of prostitution.
Philippines UN Ambassador Alejandro D. Yango (left) deposits the instruments of ratification with UN Legal Counsel Mr. Erik Suy as Second Secretary of the Philippines UN Mission, Maria Lourdes Ramiro Lopez looks on.