Women's Rights Around the World

In honor of National Women's History Month, I'm posting some government documents on women's rights around the world.

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 : recognizing women’s vital roles in achieving peace and security (2008)


Iraq, women’s empowerment, and public policy (2006)


Holding up half the sky : women’s rights in China’s changing economy (2003)



Recognizing the importance of inheritance rights of women in Africa (2002)


International efforts to end discrimination against women (2000)


Sonnet Erin Brown
Federal Documents Librarian
Subject Specialist: Political Science/Paralegal Studies

New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival

The 6th annual New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival kicks off on March 26th and ends April 5th. For more information, visit their site: http://www.nolahumanrights.org.


Sonnet Erin Brown
Federal Documents Librarian
Subject Specialist: Political Science/Paralegal Studies

Proposition 8 goes before the California Supreme Court

Some of you may or may not be aware of the notorious Proposition 8 that is now before the California Supreme Court. Proposition 8 is a piece of legislature that eliminates the rights of same-sex couples to marry. This is a big news, and everyone is waiting with bated breath to see if the court says yes or no to Prop. 8.



The Proposition was originally voted on by the public. Here is the description of it in the California voter's guide. It passed with only 52.3% of the vote on November 4, 2008. Immediately following the election, three lawsuits were filed, seeking to overturn Prop. 8. On November 19th, the California Supreme Court agreed to consider the lawsuits. Oral arguments were heard on March 5, 2009.



Now, we anxiously await the results.





For both sides of the argument, check out these sites:



No On 8





Protect Marriage - Yes on 8


Sonnet Erin Brown
Federal Documents Librarian
Subject Specialist: Political Science/Paralegal Studies

2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

The U.S. Department of State has posted reports on human rights in different countries on its web site. The countries are divided into 6 regions: Africa; East Asia and the Pacific; Europe and Eurasia; Near East and North Africa; South and Central Asia; and Western Hemisphere. The web site also includes a preface, an overview, an introduction, as well as appendices and "related material."


Sonnet Erin Brown
Federal Documents Librarian
Subject Specialist: Political Science/Paralegal Studies