General recommendation No. 28 on the core obligations of States parties under article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

This recommendation aims to clarify the scope and meaning of Article 2 of CEDAW, which identifies the nature of the general legal obligations of state parties. The recommendation clarifies that these obligations include States legal obligations to protect and fulfill womens rights to non-discrimination and enjoyment of equality, and explains the nature and scope of those obligations. States have an obligation to refrain from directly or indirectly denying women equal opportunities, to protect women from discrimination by private actors, and to take steps to eliminate sexist customary practices. The recommendation provides a list of appropriate means and measures for implementation and accountability and concludes that the Committee views reservations to article 2 as incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.