Political
Will
The internal
politics of a States party can strongly influence the domestic
implementation of the CEDAW Convention and any recommendations
of the CEDAW Committee. Politicians in government or in opposition,
in opting to either champion the cause of women's rights or
to highlight other areas within the State for the focus of political
debate, influence public awareness on certain issues. Where
the human rights of women is given priority within a States
party, a recommendation from the CEDAW Committee can achieve
maximum attention, and thereby impact, both from government
and civil society. Where consciously or otherwise, governments
or politicians do not identify women's human rights as an area
meriting attention, the likelihood is that the subject will
either be less topical in civil society or will be downplayed
or ignored by those in power.
The importance
governments allocate to their reputation on the international
stage is further likely to influence the impact of recommendations
made by the CEDAW Committee under the OP-CEDAW. Where some States
parties are conscious of the need to be seen by the international
community to uphold the provisions of international conventions
and/or to prioritise the promotion human rights nationally,
others will be less concerned. States that place importance
in international repute may be keen to be seen to take their
obligations seriously, and therefore more prepared to act on
the recommendations of the CEDAW Committee. Others may be less
concerned at the negative publicity generated by flouting of
international obligations and recommendations.
The economic
situation in a States party may also be a factor to consider.
Non-remunerative remedies or those which do not require the
allocation of State funds, particularly in the world's poorer
countries, may be more palatable to governments concerned about
the impact the recommendation might have on the exchequer. This
may be particularly pertinent where recognition of the remedy,
and thereby the violation of a right or rights, has the potential
to open the floodgates to other claims of a similar nature.
It is important
to note however that changes in government or political policy
do not affect the obligations of the States party under the
CEDAW Convention. A new government is not entitled to decide
that the convention, which was ratified by a previous government,
no longer applies. State obligations transcend changes in government
and remain unchanged.
