Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW Committee

Event Dates: April 7–11, 2025​

The Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW Committee is taking place from April 7 to 11, 2025, in Suva, Fiji. This landmark event signifies the first occasion where the full CEDAW Committee will review country reports within the Pacific region, focusing on the reports from Fiji, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands. ​

Hosting the CEDAW Committee's session in the Pacific underscores the region's dedication to advancing women's rights and achieving gender equality. This session provides an invaluable platform for Pacific nations to engage directly with the Committee, facilitating tailored discussions that address the unique challenges and contexts of the region. Such engagement is pivotal in promoting the implementation of policies and practices that uphold the rights of women and contribute to sustainable development.​

The Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW Committee is hosted by the Government of Fiji and jointly organised by the CEDAW Committee, the Pacific Community (SPC), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Women, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and The University of the South Pacific (USP). The SPC’s component and support to this event is funded by the Australian Government through the Pacific Women Lead at SPC.

About CEDAW: The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), often referred to as the international bill of rights for women, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 and entered into force in 1981. It defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. The Convention is the only human rights treaty which affirms the reproductive rights of women and targets culture and tradition as influential forces shaping gender roles and family relations. ​

Partners briefing to the media:

For the full programme: https://www.ohchr.org/en/events/events/2025/pacific-technical-cooperation-session-committee-elimination-discrimination

For More Information about the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW Committee, please visit the Pacific Community's official event page:

For State Reports: https://www.ohchr.org/en/events/events/2025/pacific-technical-cooperation-session-committee-elimination-discrimination

Stories/Media Releases: TBC

This event represents a significant milestone for the Pacific region in its ongoing efforts to promote and protect the rights of women.

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Pacific governments strengthen preparedness through CEDAW mock sessions

The Pacific Technical Cooperation Session, taking place in Suva, Fiji from 7–11 April 2025, brings together delegates from Pacific governments, civil society organisations, and women’s rights advocates to engage directly with members of the CEDAW Committee.

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