Liberal and conservative countries have approved a United Nations document to promote equality for women and it reaffirms the sexual and reproductive rights of all women and endorses sex education for adolescents.

The document comes after two weeks of heated debate,

The 24-page final declaration approved early Saturday by the 45-member Commission on the Status of Women expresses deep concern that overall progress toward the U.N. goal of gender equality and empowerment of women remains "slow and uneven." It calls for equality, empowerment, and human rights for women to be included in new U.N. goals expected to be adopted next year.

For more progressive countries, there was relief that there was no back-peddling on international recognition of women's reproductive and sexual health services and rights. Conservatives kept sexual orientation and gender identity out.

Associated Press