Melanne Verveer: “This is not the time for the United States to be absent from such an important forum.”

The committee's power only has the power that we cede to it. It merely is in the position to make suggestions and recommendations.

Women's equality has rightly been called the 'moral imperative of the 21st century.'

It will be a demonstration to our own women and girls that the United States officially stands behind their advancement at home.

These values are strongly supported by the American public, and U.S. law, as I believe all have said, is consistent with the principles set out in CEDAW.