As U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Susan Rice released a statement today in commemoration of the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Rice said that “notable progress” has been made in the 30 years since the introduction of CEDAW, which is informally known as the Treaty for the Rights of Women. Ambassador Rice called for action to “close remaining gender gaps, both at home and abroad.” Speaking on the commitment of the United States, one of the only remaining nations that has yet to ratify CEDAW, Rice said:

“The Obama Administration strongly supports this landmark treaty, and is committed to United States ratification.”

The Ambassador went on to note U.S. support of the creation of a UN agency that will be dedicated solely to women and gender issues. Rice further added: “The battle to eliminate discrimination and enshrine women’s equal rights is not yet won. The U.S. will not rest until, with others, we make this shared goal a reality.”

Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice- U.S. Mission to the United Nations