Ch 9 Non-discrimination, equality and the rights of women

Question 1

State three features of non-discrimination clauses in human rights treaties.

Answer 1

1. They cover women (sex)
2. Allow some types of discrimination to be justifiable.
3. Permits positive discrimination in some exceptional cases but such discrimination is rarely if ever compulsory under human rights treaties.

Question 2

Is indirect discrimination ever justifiable?

Answer 2

Yes. Indirect discrimination can sometimes be justified but there are strict conditions on its acceptability.

Question 3

State an important feature of the Women’s Convention.

Answer 3

The Women’s Convention does not contain many additional substantive rights but allows focus on issues as they affect women – which differs from how they relate to men.