UN Secretary General speaks about women’s rights

UN Secretary General speaks at Duksung Women's University on Aug 13.

Today the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon spoke about women’s rights at Duksung Women’s University.

Women need international co-operation in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.

The landmark Declaration, adopted by the U.N. General Assembly on 10 December 1948, reaffirms that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and that “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, … birth or other status.” (Global Issues, 2012)

In 1979, the General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).  The Convention explicitly defines discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. It is the first human rights treaty to affirm the reproductive rights of women.

Doria J. Garms-Sotelo Intern Reporter news@theasian.asia