Tonga prepares to sign CEDAW despite differences
Tonga is preparing to finally ratify the United Nations convention on eliminating all forms of discrimination against women but with conditions.
Tonga is one of only seven nations which haven't signed CEDAW, including Iran, Sudan, Somalia and the USA.
The Chief Executive of Internal Affairs Lopeti Senituli says a submission to sign the convention will be presented to cabinet by next week.
Mr Senituli says it has taken two years to work on reservations that the country has to CEDAW.
"We can make reservations but on the understanding that the discussions will continue and I think it will be to the country's benefit as a whole for us to ratify now and continue the public discourse over the next few years."
Mr Senituli says Tonga's constitution and laws conflict in three main areas; male succession to the throne and estate as well as restrictions on women registering land, bans on abortion and same-sex marriages.
Source: Radio New Zealand International
