Published on: 2026-04-21
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Womenconfirmed that states are obliged to protect girls from all forms of exploitation, violence and harmful practices, emphasizing that this task remains key in its mandate.
The statement was published after the insertion of amendments into the concluding remarks following the consideration of the report on the status of women in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Committee clarified that the mentions of “sex work” in this document reflected the national legal context and did not signify a change in its position on issues of prostitution and sexual exploitation.
In this regard, the Committee issued the following statement: “The Committee reaffirms its unequivocal position on the protection of girls’ rights. States parties are obligated to protect girls from all forms of exploitation, violence, and harmful practices. The Committee once again emphasizes that its categorical requirement to protect people who have survived exploitation, especially girls, remains a central element of its mandate.”
In continuation of this position, the Committee noted that, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, any forms of exploitation and prostitution are incompatible with the rights of women and girls, and called on states to strengthen measures to protect against human trafficking.
The Committee also emphasized that the use of the term “sex worker” should not be considered as an endorsement of the respective industry. The discussion concerns a human rights approach aimed at ensuring protection, dignity, and access to justice for all women. They also noted that the Convention, like other international human rights treaties, is a “living document” and should be applied taking into account contemporary conditions.
Committee on Women’s Rights
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) consists of independent experts who monitor the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The committee comprises 23 experts on women’s rights from various countries around the world.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women is a tool that helps women around the world change their everyday lives. In countries that have ratified the Convention, it plays an important role in combating the consequences of discrimination, including violence, poverty, lack of legal protection, denial of inheritance rights, property rights, and access to credit.
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