Madam President,

The EU and its Member States would like to thank the Working Group for the presentation of their latest report. We appreciate all opportunities that can contribute to furthering implementation of human rights commitments on the ground – this time to women’s rights in the changing world of work.

The European Union recognizes the social and economic value of unpaid care and domestic work, and the need to reduce the time burden and redistribute it more equally within and between households, and society. This can be achieved through public investments in infrastructure and services as well as by removing sociocultural barriers that are critical for the achievement of substantive equality.

Furthermore, we see the importance in ensuring all workers have access to a comprehensive system of paid maternity, paternity and parental leave, in line with international standards. We take note of a good practice of more equal parental policies in order to  redistribute caring responsibilities.  We stress the importance of providing accessible, affordable and quality care services, once parents return to work. We also stress the importance of combatting all forms of discrimination against pregnant workers and women returning from maternity leave.

The EU remains a strong advocate for elimination of the gender pay gap. Can the Working Group identify best practices for achieving an enabling environment that would contribute to this end, and eliminate the gender pay gap?

Thank you.