Palestine’s Accession to CEDAW: One Step of the Thousand-mile Journey

Abstract

The State of Palestine acceded to Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on April 1, 2014. By reviewing the list of state parties to CEDAW on the United Nations Treaty System, one finds that Palestine is the only Arab state that joined this treaty without reservation. This chapter explores the legal reform challenges and prospects in Palestine, and focuses on applicable legislative instruments related to women, including family law, as well other selected legislation. It addresses key legislation that act to promulgate discrimination against women. The chapter also examines legislative texts that should be amended in order for Palestine to meet its commitments under CEDAW. It also focuses on evaluating selected substantive issues related to the application of family laws in relation to CEDAW’s provisions. The chapter considers other legislation: penal law, labor law, social security, travel, citizenship, and residence in relation to CEDAW’s provisions.