Legal Framework and Institutional Mechanisms

Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Ratification in 1981. Main reference document for equality between men and women. Through its ratification or accession to it the States are legally bound to adopt all necessary measures, including special temporary measures and laws, in order for women to fully enjoy all their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). The signatory countries take responsibility for the implementation of the Platform for Action, in which 12 critical areas of concern for the advancement of women are defined.
Constitution and reforms (1987). Constitution aimed at establishing a government regime based on fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights, social peace, economic equality, gender equality, and concerted action and participation of the population as a whole in major decisions affecting national life, through effective decentralization.
Ministry on the Condition of Women and Women's Rights (1995). It designs and implements public policies in order to act on women's condition and their rights in Haiti. It also provides guidance for the definition and implementation of public policy at a national level, based on the transversal nature of gender relations.