REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES SENATE TO RATIFY THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN.

WHEREAS, the united nations convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women was adopted by the united nations general assembly on December 18, 1979, became an international treaty on September 3, 1981 and, as of December 1997, one hundred sixty-one nations have ratified or acceded to the convention's provisions; and

WHEREAS, the United States is considered a world leader in human rights, supports and has a position of leadership in the united nations, was an active participant in the drafting of and is a signatory of the convention and yet is one of the few nations that has not ratified the treaty; and

WHEREAS, the spirit of the convention is rooted in the goals of the united nations and the United States that seek to affirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women; and

WHEREAS, the convention provides a comprehensive framework for challenging the various forces that have created and sustained discrimination based on sex against half of the world's population, and the ratifying nations have agreed to follow the convention's prescriptions; and

WHEREAS, women have made significant gains in the struggle for equality in social, business, political, legal and educational fields, but much more remains to be accomplished, and through its support, leadership and prestige, the United States can help create a world where women are no longer discriminated against and can achieve the most fundamental of human rights, equality;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States senate be requested to ratify the united nations convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and to support the convention's continuing goals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to United States Senators Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman.