UN Human Rights Treaties

UNITED NATIONS
Distr.
ECONOMIC LIMITED
E/CN.6/L.709
A N D 10 December 1976
SOCIAL COUNCIL Original: ENGLISH
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN. Resumed twenty-sixth session Geneva, 6-17 December 1976 Item 3(a) of the provisional agenda
INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS RELATING TO THE STATUS OP WOMEN
DRAFT CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION
AGAINST WOMEN
Text of articles adopted by the Commission from 6 to 9 December
Note by the Secretariat
PREAMBLE
The States Parties to this Convention.
Noting that the Charter of the United Nations reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women.
Noting that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the principle of the inadmissibility of discrimination and proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone . entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, including distinction based on sex,
Noting that under the International Covenants on Human Rights States have the obligation to secure the equal right of men and women to enjoy all economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights,
Considering the Conventions concluded under the auspices of the United Nations and its specialized agencies and the resolutions, declarations and recommendations adopted by them promoting equality of rights of women and men,
Concerned, however, that despite those various instruments, extensive discrimination against women continues to exist,
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Recalling that discrimination against women violates the principles of equality of rights and respect for human dignity, is an obstacle to the participation of women, on equal terms with man, in the political, social, economic and. cultural life of their countries and hampers the growth of the prosperity of society and the family, and makes more difficult the full development of the potentialities of women in the service of their countries and humanity,
Concerned particularly that scientific and technological progress has in general improved the potential for employment and the development of new skills but without benefiting women to the same extent as men,
Affirming that the strengthening of international peace and security, friendly co-operation among States irrespective of their social and economic systems, general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control, the elimination of colonialism and racism in all their forms including apartheid, elimination of the between developing and developed countries, and the right to self-determination are vital in promoting the fundamental rights of women in the achievement of which they should play their full part,
Convinced that the full and complete development of a country, the welfare of the world and the cause of peace require the maximum participation of women on equal terms with pen in all fields,
Bearing in mind the great contribution of women to the development of society, so far not fully recognised, the social significance of maternity and of the role of parents in the family and in the rearing of children,
Determined to implement the principles set forth in the Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and, for that purpose, to adopt the measures required for the elimination of such discrimination de facto or de jure,
Have agreed upon the following: Article 4
1« Adoption by States of temporary special measures aimed at accelerating de facto equality shall not be considered discriminatory but shall in no way entail, as a consequence, the maintenance of unequal or separate standards and should be discontinued when the objectives of equality of opportunity and treatment have been achieved. 2. Adoption by States of special messures, including those Messures contained in tola Convention, aimed at protecting Maternity, shall not be considered discriminatory.

E/CN.6/L.709
final Provisions Article 16
1«. Nothing in this Convention shall affect the provisions of domestic legislation in force in a State Party if they are more favourable to women.
2. Similarly, nothing in this Contention should affect existing conventions adopted under the auspices of the United Nations or its specialized agencies and having as their object the regulation of various aspects of the status of women if they provide for worm extensive rights for women, Article 17
1. The present Convention shall be open for signature by ail States.
2. The present Convention is subject to ratification, instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
3. The present Convention shall be open to accession by any State. Accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument of accession with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Article 18
1. A request for the revision of this Convention may be made at any time by any State Party by means of a notification in writing addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
2. The General Assembly of the United Nations shall decide upon the steps, if any, to be taken in respect of such a request.
Article 20

1. The present Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date of deposit with the Secretary-General of the United Nations of the twentieth instrument of ratification or secession.
2. For each State ratifying this Convention or acceding to it after the deposit ©£ the twentier instrument of ratification or accession, the present Convention shall ante?* into force on the thirtieth day after the date of the deposit of its own instrument of ratification or accession.
Article 21
The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall inform States of the following
(a) SIGNATURES, RATIFICATIONS AND ACCESSIONS UNDER ARTICLE 17:
(b) The date of entry into force of the present Convention under article 20.

Article 22
This Convention, the Russian, Chinese, English, French and Spanish texts of which are equally authentic, shall be deposited in the archives of the United Nations. Duly certified copies of this Convention shall be transmitted to the Governments of the signatory and acceding States.
In witness whereof the undersigned, duly authorized, have signed this Convention.