The CEDAW Committee monitors progress for women made in countries that are States Parties to CEDAW. The CEDAW Committee reviews periodic reports of CEDAW States Parties on national implementation of CEDAW obligations, and issues General Recommendations, which elaborate the CEDAW Committee's view of the treaty's obligations.

The CEDAW Committee is made up of twenty three experts on women's rights. The members are nominated and elected by CEDAW States Parties. They serve four-year terms and can be re-elected. Although nominated by governments, members of the CEDAW Committee serve in their individual capacities, not as government representatives.

At its meetings held twice annually, the Committee reviews national reports submitted by the States Parties within one year of ratification or accession, and thereafter every four years. These reports, which cover national action taken to improve the situation of women, are presented to the Committee by Government representatives. In discussions with these officials, the CEDAW experts can comment on the report and obtain additional information.

The Committee also makes recommendations on any issue affecting women to which it believes the States Parties should devote more attention. For example, at the 1989 session, the Committee discussed the high incidence of violence against women, requesting information on this problem from all countries. In 1992, the Committee adopted General Recommendation 19, which requires national reports to the Committee to include statistical data on the incidence of violence against women, information on the provision of services for victims, and legislative and other measures taken to protect women against violence in their everyday lives, such as harassment at the workplace, abuse in the family and sexual violence. As of February 2005, the Committee has made 25 General Recommendations.

Click here for Country Reports submitted by CEDAW SEAP countries
Click here for a list of Concluding Comments on CEDAW SEAP countries
Click here for a list of General Recommendations
Click here for a list of CEDAW Committee Members

(Source: UN DAW website, Human Rights Watch website)

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