Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Adopted and openedforsignature,ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 34/180 of 18 December 1979 entry into force 3 September 1981, in accordance with article 27(1) (accessed from: http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Professional/Interest/cedaw.pdf) TheStates Parties to the present Convention, Noting that the Charter of the United Nations reaffirms faith in fundamental humanrights, in the dignity and worth of the human personandin the equalrights of men and women, Noting that the Universal Declaration of Human Rightsaffirms the principle ofthe inadmissibility of discrimination and proclaims that all humanbeings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyoneis entitled to all the rights and freedomssetforth therein, without distinction of any kind, including distinction based on sex, Noting that the States Parties to the International Covenants on Human Rights have the obligation to ensure the equal rights of men and womentoenjoy all economic,social, cultural, civil andpolitical rights, Considering the international conventions concluded under the auspicesof the United Nations andthespecialized agencies promoting equality of rights of men and women, Noting also the resolutions, declarations and recommendations adopted bythe United Nations and the specialized agencies promoting equality of rights of men and women, Concerned, however, that despite these various instruments extensive discrimination against womencontinuestoexist, Recalling that discrimination against womenviolates the principles of equality of rights and respect for humandignity, is an obstacle to the participation of women,on equal terms with men,in the political, social, economic and culturallife of their countries, hampers the growth of the prosperity of society and the family and makes moredifficult the full developmentof the potentialities of womenin the service of their countries and of humanity, Concernedthatin situations of poverty, womenhavetheleastaccessto food, health, education, training and opportunities for employmentandother needs, Convincedthat the establishmentof the new international economic order based on equity andjustice will contribute significantly towards the promotion of equality between men and women, Emphasizing that the eradication of apartheid, all forms of racism, racial discrimination, colonialism, neo-colonialism, aggression, foreign occupation and domination and interference in the internal affairs of States is essential to the full enjoyment of the rights of men and women, Affirming that the strengthening of international peace and security, the relaxation of international tension, mutual co-operation among all States irrespective of their social and economic systems, general and complete disarmament, in particular nuclear disarmament under strict and effective international control, the affirmation of the principles of justice, equality and mutual benefit in relations among countries andthe realization of the right of peoples underalien and colonial domination and foreign occupationto self-determination and independence,as well as respect for national sovereignty andterritorial integrity, will promote social progress and development and as a consequencewill contribute to the attainmentof full equality between men and women,