In another sign of the John Howard years finally being behind us, the Australian Government has ratified the United Nations optional protocol on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
The protocol gives women international legal protection for their human rights.
The minister for women, Tanya Plibersek, stated
I think it's a very important thing for men and women that Australia says internationally, that equality between men and women is important in this country and that we're prepared to be judged by international standards.
We live in a region where a number of countries have very high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault and as we campaign in Australia to reduce domestic violence and sexual assault, as we try and help our neighbouring countries, it's very important to say that we are prepared to be judged by the same standards.
Why John Howard did not ratify this optional protocol in 2000, I have no idea. Nevertheless, it is good to see that women in Australia will have the right, to take their human rights case straight to the United Nations, if all avenues in Australia have been exhausted.
- Beju -
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