CONFIDENTIAL # B 機密
United Nations Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Line to take
The Government
subscribes to the principle of
equality between men and women but we do not believe that CEDAW is the best means to achieve the objective of equality.
2.
CEDAW is a blunt instrument.
Where it has been
applied elsewhere, it has not (for example, in the UK) proved
unmitigated success. Must balance whatever benefits that
an
extension of CEDAW might have against its wide-ranging
obligations, including the legislation.
Must also
enactment of anti-discrimination
look beyond CEDAW to consider
carefully where action to achieve equality might be most
needed, and what action might be most effective. Any measures
we introduce could affect many different aspects of society.
That is why we consider that the community should be consulted
widely in the form of a Green Paper.
3.
The Green Paper exercise will be launched by the
Secretary for Home Affairs in the latter part of this year.
It is a serious consultation exercise, not a delaying tactic.
Hope all those concerned with women's rights will respond constructively to this exercise.
Background
4.
a Green
The Executive Council decided on 8 December 1992 that
Paper on whether there is a need for action to ensure equal opportunities for men and women in society should be public consultation in 1993. On 16 December 1992,
issued for
CONFIDENTIAL #
機密