Women Minister takes Semenya matter to the United Nations (UN)
The Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Noluthando Manyende-Sibiya has requested the United Nations' Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) to investigate the manner in which Caster Semenya has been treated in line with UN protocols on gender equality.
DAW is responsible for implementation of various international agreements and declarations relating to the status of women which the Minister believes have been violated. It advocates for the improvement of the status of women of the world and the achievement of gender equality and human rights.
In a letter to DAW Director Carolyn Hannan, Minister Mayende-Sibiya argues that there have been a blatant disregard for Semenya's human dignity and the incident will limit the efforts to increase participation of women in sports.
Minister Mayende-Sibiya argues that the Semenya incident violates at least three international commitments governed by the UN on protection and promotion of rights of women.
The incident undermines article 13 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. This article requires that measures be put in place to eliminate discrimination and promote the rights of women to participate in sports.