As the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policies we are deeply honored to host this 30 th Anniversary Event of the CEDAW Committee, in Istanbul on 1-3 November 2012.
Respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and equality of women and men are today the core common values of the international community thanks to the experience we have all gained throughout history. All contemporary human rights instruments are based on the principles that ensure equality and eliminate discrimination. All democratic societies aim to ensure women’s full enjoyment of their fundamental rights and freedoms as individuals as well as their effective participation in decision-making mechanisms as essential components of equality, sustainable development, establishment and maintenance of peace.

In this context, I would like to stress that hosting this 30 th Anniversary Event of the CEDAW Committee, which is one of the key global actors in ensuring equality of women and men and combating discrimination against woman around the world, is indication of Turkey’s commitment to women’s rights.

It is hoped that senior UN authorities, the members of the CEDAW Committee, members of the CEDAW Secretariat as well as members of the relevant governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations of our country will participate in this event. On the first day, two panels, open to the public, in which CEDAW members will participate and elaborate on the developments in respect to the Convention and its implementation around the world are organized, In the second and third day of the event closed informal meetings of the Committee will be held where members of the Committee will be addressing issues relevant to the Strengthening of the Treaty Body System of the United Nations.

I believe that all the meetings to be held as part of this event shall contribute to empowerment of the women of the world, especially the women living in Turkey.

Fatma ŞAHİN

Minister of Family and Social Policies
Turkish Republic