The United Nations has created several conventions that aim to protect the rights of women and girls around the world. These include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 1967, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which sets out an agenda for achieving gender equality and empowerment of women.
These conventions are often interpreted differently by different countries, and their impact on national policies can vary depending on local contexts and cultures. In this article, I will discuss how UN conventions influence national policies on gender identity and why it is important to pay attention to them.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is one of the most comprehensive international human rights treaties. It defines discrimination as "any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex," including "in education, employment, health care, political participation, and other areas." CEDAW requires governments to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discriminatory practices and promote gender equality. Many countries have ratified CEDAW, but its implementation varies widely. Some countries have implemented progressive laws and policies that recognize transgender people's right to self-identify, while others still do not recognize their existence.
National policies reflect the language used in the convention.
Some countries use terms such as 'man' and 'woman' instead of 'male' and 'female,' which implies that there are only two genders. This can exclude individuals who identify as non-binary or transgender, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination. Other countries may not explicitly mention gender identity in their laws, but they may include protections for LGBTQ+ people in general. The Beijing Declaration also recognizes the importance of addressing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, calling for a "society free of violence against women" and an end to "all forms of discrimination, exploitation, stereotyping, stigmatization, and marginalization."
UN conventions play a significant role in shaping national policies on gender identity. They provide a framework for understanding and addressing discrimination, and they encourage governments to take action towards achieving gender equality.
Their impact depends on how they are interpreted and implemented by different countries. It is important to continue advocating for the full recognition of gender identities and ensuring that everyone has access to the rights enshrined in these treaties.
How do UN conventions influence national policies on gender identity?
The United Nations (UN) has long been committed to promoting human rights, including the right of people to self-determination and freedom from discrimination based on their gender identities. This commitment is reflected in various international treaties and declarations that are designed to protect the rights of transgender individuals and promote social inclusion. These documents have influenced the development of national policies regarding gender identity in many countries around the world.