Status of women in private law: customs, ancient laws and practices affecting the human dignity of women

UN General Assembly, Status of women in private law: customs, ancient laws and practices affecting the human dignity of women, A/RES/843, UN General Assembly, 17 December 1954, https://www.refworld.org/legal/resolution/unga/1954/en/5839 [accessed 24 March 2025]
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IX. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE
843. Status of women in private law: customs, ancient laws and practices affecting the human dignity of women

The General Assembly, Recalling the principles set forth in the United Nations Charter and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Considering that, in certain areas of the world, women are subject to customs, ancient laws and practices relating to marriage and the family which are inconsistent with these principles, Believing that the elimination of such customs, ancient laws and practices would tend to the recognition of the human dignity of women and contribute to the benefit of the family as an institution, Having considered Economic and Social Council resolution 547 H (XVIII) of 12 July 1954,

1. Urges all States, including States which have or assume responsibility for the administration of Non-Self -Governing and Trust Territories, to take all appropriate measures in the countries and Territories under their jurisdiction with a view to abolishing such customs, ancient laws and practices by ensuring complete freedom in the choice of a spouse; abolishing the practice of the bride-price; guaranteeing the right of widows to the custody of their children and their freedom as to remarriage; eliminating completely child marriages and the betrothal of young girls before the age of puberty and establishing appropriate penalties where necessary; establishing a civil or other register in which all marriages and divorces will be recorded; ensuring that all cases involving personal rights be tried before a competent judicial body; ensuring also that family allowances, where these are provided, be administered in such a way as to benefit directly the mother and child;

2. Recommends that special efforts be made through fundamental education, in both private and public schools, and through various media of communication, to inform public opinion in all areas mentioned in the second paragraph of the preamble above concerning the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and existing decrees and legislation which affect the status of women.

514th plenary meeting,
17 December 1954.
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