Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs and Human Services, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 67 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to support International Women's Day and request the United States Senate to ratify the United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Hawaii Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, and one individual submitted testimony in support of this measure.

The United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women is the most comprehensive treaty ensuring the fundamental human rights and equality of women. One hundred and seventy nations have endorsed this treaty. The United States is the only industrialized country that has not ratified it, placing this nation in the company of countries like Iran, Sudan, and Somalia. Your Committees find that the United States should ratify the Convention and commit to eliminating all forms of discrimination against women worldwide.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 67, and recommend its adoption.