International Enforcement of Women's Rights

Abstract

In contrast to the substantial body of international human rights instruments developed through United Nations political organs and specialized agencies since the late 1940s, the lack of enforcement of international human rights standards has been a major obstacle to the wider enjoyment of human rights.' Despite the contribution of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women in defining an international norm prohibiting discrimination against women, the international enforcement of women's rights has been especially dismal, even though the U.N. Charter provides that the U.N. shall promote human rights and fundamental freedom for all without distinction as to... sex.2