Comments on: Whose Rights? Everybody’s.

By: Sharv in MD

Sharv in MD — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:16:17 +0000

A day late…

Nevertheless, it is important to recognize the anniversary of the momentous events 60 years ago, and the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt’s trailblazing role.

While the United States has robust laws and practices protective of women’s rights in effect domestically, ratification of the CEDAW treaty would send an important signal to the international community of our ongoing commitment to women’s rights worldwide.

Perhaps the welcome change in the U.S. administration will bring about a change on this front as well.

By: Carrie in KS

Carrie in KS — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:37:22 +0000

A co-worker has these words posted on their wall:

“All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming.” – Helen Keller

May we someday overcome inequality, injustice, fear, and hatred. Happy Anniversary UDHR!

By: Amanda Petersen

Amanda Petersen — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:15:10 +0000

I remember when I first learned that the United States was one of the only nations left that had not ratified CEDAW. I remember exactly where I was in the library stacks, kneeling on the floor, flipping through the pages of a book. I remember it so clearly because of the intense mixture of emotions I experienced in that moment – outrage, disappointment, surprise. At the time it was symbol to me of how my country has failed women and has failed to live up to our lofty ideals.

The United States boasts itself to be a leader amongst nations in human rights. Yet we cannot ratify a treaty that esteems the rights of women? I hope that Obama’s term will be one in which we see marked improvement of the rights of women. We shouldn’t settle for anything less.