Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights,52 and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women,53 Noting that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights prohibits discrimination and proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, including distinction based on sex, Noting also that the States parties to the International Covenants on Human Rights have the obligation to ensure the equal right of men and women to enjoy all economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, and concerned, however, that despite these various instruments extensive discrimination against women continues to exist, Gravely concerned that in many countries the treatment accorded to women, whether in terms of property rights, land rights, rights of inheritance, laws related to marriage and divorce or the rights to acquire nationality, manage property or seek employment, reflects the inequality between women and men, Concerned that in situations of poverty, women are disproportionately affected and have the least access to productive resources, food, health, education, training and opportunities for employment and other needs, Recognizing that land is a valuable resource, and that secure land rights are key rights for the economic empowerment of women, Recognizing also that the full and equal participation of women in all spheres of life is essential for the full and complete development of a country, Reaffirming the equal rights of women and men, as enshrined, inter alia, in the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1. Stresses the need for full and urgent implementation of the rights of women, as guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; 2. Urges all States to take all necessary measures, including legislation, to ensure the full development and advancement of women for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on a basis of equality with men, and to take effective action against violations of those rights and freedoms; 3. Calls upon States: (a) To set goals and develop and implement gender-sensitive strategies for addressing the rights and needs of women; 52 A/CONF.157/24 (Part I), chap. III. 53 Report of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, 4-15 September 1995 (United Nations publication, Sales No. 96.IV.13), chap. I, resolution 1, annexes I and II. -34-