OPBSI SUPPORTS CEDAW: UNITED NATIONS TREATY FOR THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN

Contact: Betty Diaz CommunityService@OmegaPhiBeta.org

Women’s Rights are Human Rights!

October 1, 2007 - New York, NY... The Sisters of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (OPBSI) joins forces with their international philanthropic partner, Amnesty International, in support of the ratification of the Treaty for Women in the United States (U.S.), which is a part of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). As one of the most complete international agreement on basic human rights for women, the Treaty for Women in the U.S. was co-drafted by the U.S. but has yet to be ratified by the U.S. government.

The Amnesty International’s Umbrella Petition works to mobilize efforts to ratify the Treaty, obligating the U.S. to bring its laws and practices into compliance with the CEDAW's provisions including the whole range of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights for women guaranteed by the CEDAW. Internationally, the Treaty can be used to help gain equal rights for women, reduce violence against women, and even ensure access to health care and education. As part of the Umbrella Petition, Amnesty International, OPBSI, and other partners will disseminate petitions, with pictures depicting people holding umbrellas and a sign supporting the Treaty, to urge the government to reconsider in joining all other countries to support the Treaty by ratifying it.

"With the number of growing victims of violence and discrimination, in the U.S., we feel it is time for this very important treaty to finally be ratified. We live in a world of innovative and traditional grassroots mobilization efforts. And, with over thirty OPBSI entities nationwide and a large, national membership support, we will be able to assist Amnesty International’s CEDAW Ratification Campaign through the Umbrella Petition and make a significant impact,” says Betty Diaz, OPBSI Director of Community Service.

For more information regarding the CEDAW Ratification Campaign and the Umbrella Petition, please contact Betty Diaz, OPBSI Director of Community Service, at CommunityService@OmegaPhiBeta.org.

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is a national, fully accredited Greek-lettered organization founded in 1989 at the University at Albany, State University of New York, by seventeen women of diverse cultural backgrounds. While continuously working towards the mission of cultural awareness and community service, the organization also focuses on addressing the needs of the undergraduate and local communities where chapters are located. For further information visit: OmegaPhiBeta.org

Founded in London in 1961, Amnesty International is a worldwide grassroots movement of 1.8 million members. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Amnesty International undertakes research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work overall to promote all human rights. Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) is the U.S. Section of Amnesty International. For further information visit: AIUSA.org

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