Delegates to the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) have adopted a set of conclusions aimed at strengthening access to justice for all women and girls and advancing gender equality worldwide. The Agreed Conclusions offer “a roadmap to build more inclusive governance, support peace and social cohesion, and prevent future violations.”

This is according to a UN Women press release, which highlights access to justice as “a transformative force for women and girls,” promoting equality and non-discrimination, protecting against violence and abuse, and strengthening trust in institutions.

The Conclusions call on governments to review and amend discriminatory laws, including those pertaining to child marriage, family law, and property rights. They also call for stronger measures to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including online violence, and to ensure accountability for perpetrators and timely access to justice for survivors.

The Conclusions urge governments to strengthen access to justice for all women and girls by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers, among other actions. They call for advancing transformative legal reform, expanding access to legal aid and legal empowerment, stronger coordination across justice institutions, the responsible use of technology and digital innovation, and increased efforts to prevent violence against women.

Of note are the formal recognition of community justice workers and paralegals within national legal frameworks, and new commitments on digital justice and artificial intelligence (AI) governance seeking to improve women’s access to justice.

The Agreed Conclusions draw on a recent report of the UN Secretary-General, which finds that globally, full legal equality between women and men remains elusive.

Traditionally adopted by consensus, this year’s Agreed Conclusions were adopted by a recorded vote of 37 in favor, one against (the US), and six abstaining.

Prior to the Conclusions’ adoption, the US proposed that their consideration be deferred, then that the text be withdrawn, and then made eight amendments to the text. The US opposed “ambiguous language promoting gender ideology,” commitments to sexual and reproductive health that he said could be interpreted as implying abortion rights, and “censorship language” on regulating AI. He referenced a recent announcement, by which the US withdrew from UN-Women “because it recklessly promoted gender ideology and abortion.” [UN Meetings Coverage: 9 March 2026] [UN Women Press Release]