The CEDAW Committee and Gender-Based Violence against Women

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW Committee) updated General recommendation No.19 on violence against women by adopting General Recommendation No.35 on gender-based violence against women. This article identifies the differences between the two recommendations, namely a more detailed account of the responsibilities of state parties through the concept of due diligence. However, this development is deemed positive but insufficient. Gender-based violence continues to be an international issue and Recommendation No.35 is not legally binding on states. A comprehensive UN treaty on violence against women is cited as the next logical step following Recommendation No. 35.