The "Opt-Out" Clause

Unlike the CEDAW Convention, the OP-CEDAW does not allow for reservations to any of the articles in the text (see OP-CEDAW Article 17). It does however include a provision in Article 10 allowing States parties on ratification or accession to "opt-out" of the Inquiry procedure. This means that States parties can declare that they do not recognise the competence of the CEDAW Committee to conduct an Inquiry Procedure into grave or systematic violations of rights within the jurisdiction of the States party. Such a declaration may be subsequently withdrawn at any time by giving notice to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Reservations to the Communications Procedure - which allows the CEDAW Committee to formulate "views" and make recommendations based on information received in communications from individuals from within the jurisdiction of the States party who assert that their rights have been violated - are not permitted.

To see whether your government has opted out of the Inquiry Procedure, click here.