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The United States was isolated in its opposition to the adoption of “agreed conclusions” at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) on Tuesday, recording the only “no” vote at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday.
The US sought the removal of “controversial social issues” from the document, Devex reports. US objections included “ambiguous language promoting gender ideology”, “vague, unqualified commitments to sexual and reproductive health that can be interpreted as implying abortion rights”, and “censorship language on regulating artificial intelligence”, according to the UN media release.
Earlier, Nigeria and Egypt called for more time to reach consensus – the usual route for UN decision-making and the only route the CSW has taken in 70 years. Pakistan later proposed voting separately on each of the US’s eight amendments.
However, CSW chair Maritza Chan Valverde from Costa Rica said that “every effort has been made to listen to delegations and to reflect the diversity of views expressed”.
“We are convinced that the text represents the most balanced outcome achievable at this stage,” Valverde said, adding that her Bureau has decided to put the text to a vote.
The CSW, which was established in 1946, is the main global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, and the rights and the empowerment of women.
Source: Only US Votes Against Women’s Rights Document At UN Commission – Health Policy Watch