CEDAW Optional Protocol

Extra complaint routes for equality

If local help has failed or is unsafe, a girl or woman can, with support, use an extra complaint or inquiry process and ask for protection from retaliation.

How you can use it

1. 1Ask a lawyer or women’s or child-rights organisation whether local options have been tried.
2. 2Collect a timeline and the remedy you want. Submit only safe information.
3. 3Ask for confidentiality and keep a copy and receipt.

What a violation looks like

Officials block the extra complaint, retaliate, or destroy evidence.

Words you can use

“I need help using a safe extra complaint route, with protection from retaliation.”

If speaking is hard, write it, draw it, send a message, or ask a trusted adult to say it with you.