TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Cabinet on Thursday wrote the international Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women into domestic law.

All levels of government will have to take active measures in favor of gender equality and present regular reports about the abolition of discrimination.

The convention, which the United Nations passed in 1979, emphasizes equal gender rights in the economic, social, cultural, civil and political fields. Convention signatories have to draw up legislation and take concrete measures to end discrimination against women in employment, education, politics, law, economics and other domains.

The convention is not limited to member countries of the United Nations, making it possible for Taiwan to sign. The procedure to adopt the document began during the administration of President Chen Shui-bian, reports said.

Each level of government will have to adhere to the convention’s stipulations and make sure it works away all forms of discrimination. Taiwan will also have to work with foreign and domestic non-governmental organizations, human rights groups and foreign governments to protect and advance gender rights.

The adoption of the convention also forces all levels of government to draw up budgets to implement the measures while leading to regular progress reports.

Existing regulations which clash with the convention have to be amended or removed within five years, reports said.

The refusal by China to recognize Taiwan as a sovereign and independent nation has prevented the country from joining the United Nations and other international bodies, but Taipei has adopted several U.N. documents related to human rights.

