OTTAWA – Canada has been elected to be part of the governing body that sets priorities for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW). By gaining a seat, Canada will be at the table to shape the Commission’s work to advance the rights of women and girls around the world.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, announced at the sixtieth UNCSW that Canada would seek a seat as a key part of its commitment to advance gender equality, both at home and abroad.
“Serving as a member of the Commission of the UNCSW will allow Canada to play a more vigorous role protecting and promoting the human rights of women and girls around the world. Our participation in the Commission is an important part of our renewed commitment to advance gender equality, both at home and abroad. I look forward to working with other nations to empower women and girls everywhere to reach their full potential,” stated Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P. Minister of Status of Women
“Canada embraces this opportunity to reengage with the UN by taking a seat on this important body for the first time since 2007. We look forward to working with member states to promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and advance their human rights,” added Stéphane Dion, P.C., M.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick Facts
- Canada will serve as a member of the Commission of the UNCSW from 2017 to 2021.
- Canada announced its intention to seek a seat on the Commission during the sixtieth session of the UNCSW, which took place in New York City from March 14 to 24, 2016.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau actively participated in the sixtieth session of the UNCSW, including being designated a ‘champion’ of UN Women’s HeForShe campaign, a solidarity movement that calls upon men and boys to stand up against the persistent inequalities faced by women and girls globally.
- Established in 1946, the UNCSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It plays an instrumental role promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.