1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support U.S. ratification of three key international human rights treaties: the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).The United States has already signed all three instruments, yet formal ratification remains incomplete. Ratification would establish a comprehensive international legal framework committing the government to protect and advance the civil, economic, social, and cultural rights of its citizens. While the practical effect would depend on our existing domestic statutes—such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, which already sets a high standard in many areas—formal ratification would still introduce distinct legal protections, greater systemic accountability, and clearer pathways for policy alignment with widely accepted international norms.These treaties have been ratified by the overwhelming majority of UN member states. Completing the process would reinforce the United States’ longstanding leadership on human rights, strengthen our voice in international forums, and provide additional tools for monitoring and addressing gaps that domestic law alone may not fully cover. It would also signal a consistent commitment to the rights of women, persons with disabilities, and economic and social well-being for all Americans.I respectfully request that you support efforts to advance these treaties for Senate advice and consent (or, for House members, express clear support for their ratification). Thank you for your service and for considering this request