had acceded to the Convention, ratification was still pending. She wished to know I. • • CEDAW/C/SR.157 English Page 3 (Ms. !lie) when ratification would actually take place, since that step was necessary before national legislation could be amended and reservations could be withdrawn. 9. While Thai women were to be commended for putting pressure on their Government to ratify the two human rights instruments directly concerning women, she hoped that they would also be able to persuade the Government to ratify other existing human rights instruments. Lastly, she would appreciate more information on the status of women refugees in Thailand. 10. Ms. CORTI commended the Government of Thailand for its honesty in describing the situation of women in that country. Although she had been shocked at reading the report, the statement made by the representative of Thailand had allayed some of her concerns and had left her feeling much more optimistic. She wished to associate herself with her colleagues' statements regarding the number of reservations to the Convention. 11. The National Commission on Women's Affairs was composed of representatives from the various ministries and two representatives from non-governmental organizations concerned with women's issues. She wondered why only two NGOs were represented and how those particular NGOs had been chosen. She wished to know what criteria the Prime Minister had used in appointing the other members of the Commission. She would also appreciate clarification as to whether women's organizations could be led by men. 12. Given that women still had limited influence over policy decisions concerning women, she wondered whether the Government was taking measures to rectify that situation. Furthermore, was the Government certain that it would be able to put into practice its plans to promulgate many new laws for the advancement of women? 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) by the Government of Thailand and its impact on women's rights and participation in policy decisions. The speaker also expresses concerns about the representation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the National Commission on Women's Affairs and the limited influence of women in policy decisions.

**Category**
Education, Humanitarian aid and relief