U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

The purpose of this article is to highlight the need for ratification of the Convention by the United States, and to address arguments against ratification. Various concerns have been raised with respect to CEAFDAW, both specific to the United States and more international in scope. Some problems pertain to United States ratification generally, other issues concern potential conflicts between specific articles of the Convention and U.S. law, and broader problems have been raised with respect to international implementation. Most of these issues are not uncommon in international agreements, and may therefore be remedied through conventional mechanisms, including implementing legislation, reservations, clarifying statements, participation in the monitoring body created by the Convention, and active involvement within the United Nations system and other international organizations involved in the creation of international laws and principles.