NationTalk: Geneva, Switzerland – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to announce its participation in key United Nations (UN) sessions taking place throughout October in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland: the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee’s 89th Session; the second Human Rights Council (HRC) intersessional meeting on enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples; and the regional 30 year review process of the Beijing Declaration and Action Plan. These meetings mark significant steps toward advancing Indigenous women’s rights and enhancing our voices on the global stage.
CEDAW, often referred to as the international bill of rights for women, was ratified by 189 countries, including Canada, in 1981. As a State Party, Canada is legally obligated to implement CEDAW and report on its progress. ONWA is dedicated to ensuring that the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women and our solutions are recognized and addressed within this framework. Key areas of advocacy and our recommendations are outlined in ONWA’s report to the CEDAW Committee to inform their review of Canada during the 89th Session.
“Attending the 89th CEDAW session is a vital opportunity for us to advocate for the specific needs of Indigenous women and girls. We must ensure that the voices of Indigenous women are heard and that our rights are protected.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA.
Additionally, ONWA is actively participating in the second HRC intersessional meeting aimed at fostering dialogue on enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in the Council’s work. This meeting builds on the first held in July 2024, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and representation of Indigenous Peoples in global human rights discussions.
“Indigenous women have been advocating for our rightful place in international discussions for decades. Our participation in the HRC is crucial for elevating our perspectives and influencing policy decisions that affect our lives. It is critical that Indigenous women have access to the HRC and speak on own behalf.” – Ingrid Green, Research and Evaluation Director, ONWA.
ONWA is also engaged in the 30-year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30), which outlines critical areas for achieving gender equality. This review is intended to highlight progress and identify gaps in the implementation of commitments made in 1995. Ensuring that Indigenous women’s rights and voices are included in the review are integral to the conversation.
“We stand firmly committed to addressing the critical issues of poverty, violence against women, health, and human rights as they relate to Indigenous women’s experiences. Beijing+30 is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to equality and justice.” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA
To follow ONWA’s journey at these United Nations sessions, please visit:
- ONWA at CEDAW 2024 – onwa.ca/cedaw2024
- ONWA at HRC 2024 – onwa.ca/hrc2024
- ONWA at Beijing 2024 – onwa.ca/beijing2024
For more information about ONWA and its initiatives, please visit: https://www.onwa.ca/
To learn more about the key United Nations (UN) sessions, please visit:
- The CEDAW Committee’s 89th Session – https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=2715&Lang=en
- The second HRC intersessional meeting on enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples – https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/2nd-intersessional-meeting-participation-indigenous-peoples
- The 30 year review process of the Beijing Declaration and Action Plan – https://unece.org/gender/events/beijing30-regional-review-meeting or https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-womenc/csw69-2025
For more information and media inquiries, contact::
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca