UN Convention On Discrimination Against Women

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

You will recall sometime ago we wrote to the Manx government asking about its contributions to CEDAW, the UN Convention on the Elimination and Discrimination against Women, reporting sessions (see link):

We received the reply below from Mr Greenhow the Chief Secretary together with some linked attachments which can be accessed on the OHCHR (CEDAW) website.

I will reserve comment other than to say that the Manx government is still not fully compliant with CEDAW. Additionally note the final paragraph which says:

?No NGOs were consulted during the preparation of the Island?s last CEDAW update.?

It speaks volumes about the Manx government?s attitude to interaction with groups in Civil Society.

The Celtic League, as an accredited (ECOSOC) UN NGO, has a right to seek representation at the reporting stage sessions at the UN. However there may be groups e.g. women?s support groups or Trade Unions in Mann who would possibly welcome the opportunity to be consulted.

Mr Greenhow?s reply (which was received on the 11th of December) is below:

?Dear Mr Moffatt

Thank you for your enquiry.

You are quite correct that the Isle of Man Government contributes to the periodic reports submitted by the UK Government to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women which monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). This is because the UK?s ratification of CEDAW on 7 April 1986 included the Isle of Man. The UN Treaty website includes the following note under the information on CEDAW:

?61.The instrument of ratification specifies that the said Convention is ratified in respect of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands