Interpretative Tools

There are two interpretative tools to understanding CEDAW namely: the General Recommendations; and the Concluding Comments.

General Recommendations are authoritative interpretations of the Convention and a means for the CEDAW Committee to address contemporary issues, develop standards and provide guidance to implementation.

Concluding Comments are the summary of the positive and negative aspects of the Initial or Periodic Report of a Country given to the CEDAW Committee. These are recommendations on how a country can improve in its compliance with its obligations under CEDAW and also used as a benchmark in evaluating a country’s treaty compliance in its next periodic report.