Inequality Before the Law: Holding States Accountable for Sex Discriminatory Laws Under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and Through the Beijing Platform for Action

This article first outlines international standards preventing discrimination on the basis of sex and provides examples of laws in force around the world that are either facially or de facto discriminatory. Then the author highlights how the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) committee has dealt with evasion of obligations under CEDAW, highlighting Algeria and Nepal. Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action is discussed in light of its impact on CEDAW, namely spurring state objections to others states' reservations to CEDAW. The author concludes that the creation of a Special Rapporteur would help to close the gap between the rhetoric and reality of women's equality rights. [CEDAW Convention - International]