International Human Rights Instruments : Prnciple of Equal Rights of Men and Women.

The principle of equal rights for men and women is a cornerstone of international human rights law. It has evolved from a general statement of intent in the UN Charter to specific, legally binding obligations that require states to eliminate discrimination in both public and private life.

1. The UN Charter (1945)

The UN Charter was the first international instrument to explicitly mention the equal rights of men and women.

• The Preamble: Reaffirms faith in the "equal rights of men and women."

• Article 1(3): Sets the goal of achieving international cooperation by promoting respect for human rights for all "without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion."

2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)

The UDHR moved the principle from a corporate goal of the UN to an individual entitlement.

• Article 2: Entitles everyone to all rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, including sex.

• Article 16: Specifically addresses equality in marriage, stating that men and women of full age have "equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution."

3. The ICCPR and ICESCR Covenants (1966)

Both the ICCPR (Civil and Political) and the ICESCR (Economic and Social) contain a common Article 3. This article requires States to "undertake to ensure the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all rights" set forth in the Covenants.

• ICCPR Focus: Equality in voting, participation in public life, and equality before the courts.

• ICESCR Focus: Equal pay for equal work, equal access to education, and equal inheritance rights.

4. CEDAW: The "Women's Bill of Rights" (1979)

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the most comprehensive instrument on this subject. It defines discrimination and sets up an agenda for national action.

Key Provisions of CEDAW:

• Article 1 (Definition): Defines discrimination as any distinction or restriction made on the basis of sex which impairs the enjoyment of human rights.

• Article 2 (Legal Measures): States must embody the principle of equality in their national constitutions and abolish all discriminatory laws.

• Article 5 (Cultural Patterns): This is a unique provision requiring states to work toward changing social and cultural patterns that perpetuate stereotypes or the idea of the inferiority of women.

• Article 7 & 8 (Political Life): Ensures women can vote, hold public office, and represent their governments at the international level.

• Article 10 & 11 (Education and Employment): Guarantees equal access to curricula and prohibits dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy or maternity leave.