ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the efforts of the United Nations for the advancement of women. It focuses on some of those areas of concern where the intervention of the United Nations contributes to the alleviation of women's suffering, in particular violence against women. The United Nations, over the years, has highlighted various areas and issues which most commonly cause extreme distress and suffering to women. The victimization and abuse of women, as well as the emotional consequences which result from particularly difficult circumstances is one such area and has been the subject of policy recommendations addressed primarily to governments. The Women's Convention is the first international instrument which focuses on the general prohibition of discrimination against women. As such, it establishes the general norm of non-discrimination and a comprehensive obligation to eliminate discrimination against women in all its forms.
