This norm is necessitated due to the prevalence of violations of women's basic human rights. Unlike other international human rights documents which prohibit active denial of human rights, these obligations require positive action to redress historic inequalities between the sexes, as well as, guaranteeing enforcement of antidiscrimination policies. Corrective action is required in countless areas of life-the treaty outlines actions necessary to eliminate the root causes of violence and discrimination. It's mandates include recommendations for housing and employment policy, religious practices, as well as economic, social, and political reform. As expected, this ambitious proposal has generated a great deal of domestic and international controversy.
Opposition groups cite numerous bases for witholding U.S. ratification.
As frequently is the case with international human rights law, enforcement is viewed as impossible. Opponents of the treaty claim that this is merely a pipe dream. Without the threat of punishment from a higher authority, i.e. diplomatic sanction, asset seizure, trade embargo or worse, countries who choose to violate the treaty will simply ignore the impassioned pleas of human rights groups.