The Inter-African Committee enjoys consultative status with the United Nations (UN/ECOSOC) and holds an observer status with the African Union. It works in partnership with UNFPA, WHO and UNICEF and is a member of the NGO network affiliated to the International Organisation of Francophone countries. The IAC collaborates with several international organisations active in the field of the protection of women’s and children’s human rights. Working within the framework of the 1979 United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and with a number of partners, IAC has made a major contribution in raising awareness at all levels of policy on harmful practices, particularly female genital mutilation, and in advocating for their recognition and/or integration in various United Nations and regional human rights treaties, statements and declarations of major UN conferences on women.