In June and July 2025, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) met for its 91st session, where some United Nations (UN) Member States advocated for a new optional protocol on gender-based violence. In response to this proposal, CEDAW expressed its concern with the intentions of the protocol, due to the widespread regression of women's rights globally, especially as one in every four countries has rolled back on its commitment to women’s rights. CEDAW also warned that this proposed protocol could create a parallel process that could potentially allow states to undermine international protections and guarantees.
Compiled From: Heather Barr, “Standing Firm on Women’s Right to Live Free of Violence: Un Women’s Rights Body Asserts Existing International Law Amid Backlash,” Human Rights Watch, July 14, 2025.