Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (1993)

VIENNA DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION (1993) (VDPA) reiterates and expands upon principles outlined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the United Nations Charter, and it represents a landmark in the recognition of women’s rights as being indivisible from human rights. Adopted by consensus at the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993, the VDPA marks a renewed commitment to “remove the current obstacles and meet challenges to the full realization of all human rights and to prevent the continuation of human rights violations resulting thereof throughout the world.” Moreover, this declaration is unique in the sense that it set a new international norm, namely that human rights ought to be considered indivisible, independent, and interrelated. Prior to the VDPA, issues affecting women disproportionately, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and female genital mutilation, was rarely addressed by human rights treaties. By acknowledging women’s rights, the rights of the “girl-child,” and the prevalence of gender-based violence, the VDPA successfully widened the scope of ‘human rights.’ States were urged to withdraw any reservations from the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the VDPA strengthened mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of women’s rights worldwide. Furthermore, proceedings at the World Conference on Human Rights ended with a resolution to integrate women’s rights into more UN activities. This, in turn, has resulted in the subject of women’s rights becoming part of the mainstream discourse on human rights.

The preamble of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action emphasizes that every human person is the central subject of human rights, and upholds the notion of human rights for all without distinction based on sex.

“ Recognizing and affirming that all human rights derive from the dignity and worth inherent in the human person, and that the human person is the central subject of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and consequently should be the principal beneficiary and should participate actively in the realization of these rights and freedoms,
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Emphasizing the responsibilities of all States, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, to develop and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion, Recalling the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the determination to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small,”

Moreover, the VDPA highlights the issue of discrimination and violence against women.

“Deeply concerned by various forms of discrimination and violence, to which women continue to be exposed all over the world,”

Article 18 declares human rights for women as being indivisible with universal human rights, and stated that the international community should prioritize the eradication of all forms of discrimination based on sex. The declaration also points out that gender-based violence resulting from cultural prejudice harms human dignity, and should be eliminated through legal measures and national action. Article 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 reaffirms the equal status and human rights of women. For international community to implement elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, Article 83 urges Government to take national action, and integrate standards into domestic legislation and social system.

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