Fiji to Host Historic CEDAW Session

The Fiji Government is pleased to announce that it will host the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the United Nations Committee of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

This momentous event, to be held in Suva in April 2025, marks the first time a CEDAW Committee Session will meet outside of Geneva and in the Pacific, underscoring the region's commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Hon. Lynda Tabuya expressed her gratitude and excitement for this historic occasion.

"We are deeply honoured to welcome the CEDAW Committee to Fiji. This technical cooperation session represents a significant milestone, not only for our nation but for the Pacific Islands and the world," the Minister said.

"It is a testament to the United Nations' dedication to making human rights implementation a reality for the people it serves, through a truly people-centred approach to treaty body review."

The Minister further highlighted the significance of this event, noting that the CEDAW Committee accepted the invitation extended by Fiji during the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023.

"I would also like to acknowledge PIFS and SPC, in particular PROJECT Governance, who have successfully advocated on behalf of Pacific Countries for our request for the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of CEDAW".

As Fiji prepares to host this ground-breaking event, the Government reaffirms its commitment to upholding the principles of CEDAW and advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls across the region.

"This gathering is a unique opportunity for the Pacific to showcase its progress and challenges in promoting gender equality, and we are committed to supporting the Committee's efforts in this regard," added Minister Tabuya.

"The technical cooperation session in Fiji will have a catalytic effect in accelerating progress towards gender equality and the full realisation, not only of women's human rights in the Pacific, but of all human rights for all people," she shared.

Ana Pelaez Nervaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee said the technical cooperation session in Fiji marked a historic moment for the Committee and the Pacific region.

"This event is a wonderful opportunity for the Committee to work directly with the Pacific, on your home territory, to advance gender equality and address unique challenges faced by women in the region," Ms Pelaez Narvaez said.

"We look forward to engaging with Pacific leaders and stakeholders to promote and protect women's rights, ensuring that every woman and girl can live free from discrimination."

The Pacific Technical Cooperation CEDAW session promises to be a pivotal moment for the Pacific and a beacon of progress in the global fight for gender equality.

It will bring together government representatives, civil society organisations, women, men, and children to discuss how gender equality can be achieved across the region.

The Committee will hold exchanges with three Pacific countries to review their progress of CEDAW implementation, leading to Concluding Observations at their 91st Session in June.

It will also involve a broad programme of side events and 'talanoa' sessions on thematic issues that will be open to public participation and bring in stakeholders from across the region.

Further details on how to get involved will be shared in the coming months.

- Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection