UN RIGHTS OFFICIAL WELCOMES NEW PROVISIONS TO STRENGTHEN WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN
AFRICA
New York, Jul 14 2003 4:00PM

The Acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights today welcomed
the decision taken at the recently concluded African Union Summit in
Mozambique to strengthen women's rights by adding gender specific
provisions to an existing charter.

"The adoption by the African Union of a specific treaty on the rights of
women reinforces the message that women's rights require priority attention
in the protection of universal and inalienable rights," Bertrand Ramcharan
said in a statement from Geneva.

The adoption Saturday of the new protocol to the African Charter on Human
and Peoples Rights reflects the growing commitment to address the
widespread discrimination and rights violations suffered by women, Mr.
Ramcharan said, speaking upon his return from the Summit of African leaders
held last week. It recognizes the key role women play in sustainable
development and conflict prevention, he added.

"The women of Africa have demonstrated their strength and resilience; they
deserve and are entitled to full recognition as equal partners - both in
private and family life and in their participation in economic, social and
political activities," he said.

Mr. Ramcharan urged the early ratification of the Protocol to the African
Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, so
it could enter into force as speedily as possible.

UN News Service