1_March 2019, Ramallah – On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (8 March), a week-long joint campaign “My Rights, Our Power” was launched today in Palestine to raise awareness on women’s fundamental human rights. The joint effort, with participation from over 30 national and international partners from civil society organizations, media outlets, and international development agencies, targets youth, women, and men in various geographic areas in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza to promote women’s human rights in Palestine.

The campaign comes at a crucial moment when the anticipated adoption of the Family Protection Bill is at a standstill, raising concerns among national and international stakeholders about the consequences of such delay on safeguarding women’s fundamental human rights in Palestine. According to the Palestine report of the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES), nearly one in five Palestinian men (17 percent) surveyed said they had perpetrated act of physical intimate partner violence against female partners, while 21 per cent of women surveyed reported having experienced such violence.

“Family violence, usually committed by a family member who has social or economic power over others in the family, causes enormous pain and suffering to all members of the family, especially the women and children,” said a spokesperson from civil society, which has vigorously initiated the development of the Family Protection Bill (FPB), and has strongly pushed its adoption since 2004.

“The violation of women’s human rights manifests in various levels and should be also understood from economic, cultural, and social aspects,” the spokesperson added, highlighting the lack of opportunities and freedom of choice, as well as limited access to justice and services that women in Palestine still experience.

The joint campaign aims to raise awareness of the general public, especially youth, women, and men on women’s fundamental rights in line with international standards and embedded in the Family Protection Bill draft endorsed by the previous Cabinet at the end of December 2018. Five key messages, addressing women’s right to a life free of violence, right to achieve justice and seek help in case of violation of such life, as well as the right to equal opportunities and right to make one’s own choices, will be distributed through various channels such as radio, social media, helpline (121), outreach activities, and on-site events. The closing event of the joint campaign will take place on 8 March in Jerusalem and will celebrate women’s achievements using TED-style talks, followed by art performances.

“My Rights, Our Power” joint campaign is part of the global International Women’s Day 2019 campaign under the theme of “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”. The theme focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure, echoing the theme of the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 63) taking place in New York on 11-22 March 2019.

The participating organizations of the “My Rights, Our Power” are (in alphabetical order): 17 Palestinian women’s organizations represented by Al-Muntada (coalition), British Consulate-General, Business Women Forum, CARE International, Consulate General of Sweden, Consulate General of Belgium, EUPOL COPPS, EU Representative Office, FAO, General Union of Palestinian Women, Government of Japan, CowaterSogema/GROW Project, International Labour Organization, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Ma’an TV, MIFTAH, Netherlands Representative Office, Nisaa FM, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development, Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association, Representative Office of Canada, Representative Office of Denmark, SAWA, Sawasya II, Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Sports for Life, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Representative Office of Norway, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS, UN Women, Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counseling, Women’s Studies Center.

For more information, please contact Eunjin Jeong at UN Women via eunjin.jeong@unwomen.org or 059 2321 308, Majd Beltaji at UNESCO via m.beltaji@unesco.org or 059 4501 506.

Mr. President,

We thank France for organizing this important meeting and extend our appreciation to the Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary General, the Executive Director of UN Women, the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security and the Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie for their efforts and important briefings.

The issue before us is of relevance not only for half the planet, but to all, given the role and contribution of women in the fields of peace and security and the untapped potential that could be unleashed by mainstreaming their participation. Since the adoption by consensus of resolution 1325 by this Council, a lot has happened, and yet we are still far from the goal of full and equal participation, including in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building, and from ensuring the protection and empowerment of women. Gender equality and non-discrimination remain prerequisites for the fulfilment of the purposes and principles of this organization and all of our lofty, collective commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The State of Palestine welcomes the Secretary General’s report and his commitment to implementing the women and peace and security agenda, including by placing gender at the centre of his prevention platform and surge in diplomacy. We appreciate all efforts by the UN in this regard, including by UN Women, OHCHR and UNDP, notably in the field of human rights, capacity building, employment and rule of law. We urge UN bodies, notably those operating in Palestine, including the Special Representative, to intensify their engagement and collaboration with women organizations.

Mr. President,

I wish to highlight some of Palestine’s own important efforts in this regard. The Palestinian women’s movement is one of the oldest and strongest in the region and beyond, with institutional and representative structures established as early as the 19th century. Within the PLO, the General Union of Palestinian Women was among the first unions to be established. A coordination of women frameworks within PLO political parties and other organizations has also been established as the “Women’s Affairs Technical Committee” in the aftermath of the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference.

There have been many achievements thereafter. Among them: In 2012, Palestine inaugurated a High-Level National Committee for the implementation of resolution 1325, led by the Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with relevant Ministries and NGOs. In 2016, the State of Palestine was among the 68 countries and areas that adopted a National Action Plan on women, peace and security.

This Action Plan (2017-2019), adopted by both the Government and civil society organizations, identifies three primary objectives: 1. ensuring protection for women and girls both domestically and in the face of the Israeli occupation; 2. ensuring accountability through national and international mechanisms, with a particular focus on crimes and violations committed by the occupation; and 3. furthering women’s political participation in decision making at the national and international level. The State of Palestine also joined core IHL and human rights instruments, including CEDAW, without reservations. Women’s participation and empowerment are also important and cross-cutting objectives in the context of the National Policy Agenda (2017-2022).

We are, however, conscious that, despite all these efforts, much more work remains to be done. Only in 2009 was a women elected to the highest executive body of the PLO. Quotas are still decisive in allowing women’s election to Parliament and local councils. And while women organizations were among the strongest advocates of national reconciliation, they have been unfairly absent from reconciliation talks. The relevant legislative framework applicable in Palestine is also outdated and must be revised to ensure consistency with Palestine’s international commitments and obligations and avail women the protection and rights they are entitled to and the opportunities they deserve.

Mr. President,

The Palestinian women’s movement since its establishment over a century ago pursued the struggle on two fronts – the struggle for the independence of Palestine and the struggle for women’s rights and empowerment – a dual struggle the movement continues to pursue to this day. The Israeli occupation remains the main source of the violations of our women’s rights and their vulnerability and violence against their person. We have repeatedly called for protection of the Palestinian people, especially women and children. We have also called for accountability, a key element of resolution 1325, the first resolution to address the disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women, as the only way to put an end to violations and crimes.

While Palestine stands ready to do its part to advance women rights and the role of women in the fields of peace and security, it is clear that the enjoyment of these rights in our country necessitates ending the Israeli occupation. We will thus continue to work for an end of the occupation and true progress on the path to independence, justice and peace, with the equal and full involvement of women, leading to an independent State of Palestine ensuring human rights for all its citizens without discrimination.

On the occasion of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office to Palestine, the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325, which consists of twelve different Palestinian women’s organisations, is urging the Prosecutor’s Office to take concrete actions towards investigating war crimes committed against Palestinians. The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom remains deeply concerned with the complete impunity of Israeli war crimes and firmly supports the Coalition’s call for a just accountability mechanism for Palestinian victims. WILPF also calls on the international community to recognise and fully support Palestinian women’s organisations substantial role in paving the paths to justice, accountability and peace. Read the statement of the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325 below.

We, the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325,welcome the visit of the delegation of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office as a step in the right direction. But we are deeply disappointed that the purpose of this visit was restricted to preliminary examination, while Palestinian victims of Israeli war crimes, including women, continue to suffer and urgently await justice and an end to Israel impunity.

We do not understand the decision to exclude the Gaza Strip from this visit, when Gaza has been the site of the most war crimes and where women have been most systematically impacted by Israeli collective punishment policies; a prolonged imposed siege and a severe humanitarian deterioration resulting from Israeli military aggressions .

We are further disappointed that women who have been systematically impacted, and their women’s organisations, have been excluded from the delegation’s agenda.

We call upon all future delegations of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office to include on their agenda meetings with women’s organisations and women who have experienced direct and indirect impacts of Israeli crimes.

We, the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325, have seen in UNSCR 1325, 2242, and other UN Resolutions a commitment to hold the Israeli perpetrators accountable for their war crimes.

We look to the ICC as the most important mechanism to end impunity for all war crimes committed, finally bringing justice for the Palestinian people. Yet, we are very concerned that the preliminary examinations will be an endless process.

Therefore, we urge, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, the Prosecutor of the ICC, to conclude the preliminary examination and move to investigations into Israeli war crimes, bringing justice to Palestinians.

We have paid the price of non-accountability and impunity of Israeli war crimes for too long. “Delaying justice is justice denied.”

Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325: The General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW), the Women’s Affairs Technical Committee (WATC), Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD), MIFTAH, Filastinyat, Women Media and Development (TAM), Women Stu Dies Center, Women’s Center for Legal Aid and Counseling (WACLAC), the National, YWCA of Palestine, Center for Women’s Legal Research and Consulting (CWLRC), the Culture and Free thought Association(CWLRC) and Women’s Affairs Center (GWAC).

Occupied Palestine

October 11, 2016

The European Union welcomes initiatives from the Israeli and Palestinian civil societies aiming at promoting rapprochement, confidence building and the establishment of a lasting peace.

The Geneva initiative by Yossi Beilin and Yasser Abed Rabbo confirms the willingness which exists within the two civil societies to achieve peaceful coexistence in two independent, viable and prosperous states, living side by side in security, to the benefit of all Israelis and Palestinians as well as of all countries in the region. It is also helpful to increase the awareness of the public opinions of both sides on the need to identify the necessary efforts and reciprocal concessions in order to achieve a negotiated settlement of the conflict.

In this regard, the EU considers the document presented on 1st December in Geneva as a valuable contribution by the civil society in support of the Quartet's Roadmap which remains the basis for the immediate resumption of the peace process as endorsed by the entire international community through UNSC resolution 1515.

The EU reiterates its willingness to further assist in all efforts towards a peaceful solution to the conflict, while condemning violence and terrorism in all its forms.

The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

In the presence of Vice President Gianfranco Fini, Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Council Gianni Letta and Minister for Productive Activities Antonion Marzano representing the Italian Presidency, Israeli Minister for National Infrastructures Joseph I. Paritzky, President of the Energy and Natural Resources Authority of the Palestinian National Authority, Minister Azzam Shawwa, and Vice President of the European Commission Loyola De Palacio signed a declaration today at Palazzo Chigi that lays the foundation for an important three-way EU-Israel-PNA cooperation in the Energy sector.

The agreement will favour the interconnection of Israeli and Palestinian electrical networks. The document, significantly entitled "Declaration of Rome", is the first agreement signed by an Israeli and a Palestinian Minister in three years, since the beginning of the second intafada in other words. It is important that this initiative takes place as a result of the action of the European Union and in the context of a broad-based three-way action (EU-Israel-Palestine), but which involves the entire Euro-Mediterranean basin. This demonstrates the role of the Italian Presidency of the EU in confronting the problems that afflict the populations daily in that region.

In this regard the energy sector is certainly a crucial one, and key to the economic development to which Italy attaches particular importance, as demonstrated in its plan for the reconstruction of the Palestinian economy approved by the G8. Energy may indeed be a factor in integration capable of creating common interests between those two populations.

Today's declaration foresees the institution of a joint Israeli-Palestinian Energy Office and is also an indispensable element in the completion of the so-called "Euro-Mediterranean electrical loop" from Morocco to Tunisia. This loop, once completed, will interconnect the electrical systems of the southern shores of the Mediterranean with those of the European Union. A prospect that will lead, among other things, to greater security in the energy supply of the countries involved and a future area of free trade throughout the region.

FIFTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PLENARY

The Question of Palestine
Item 35
Statement by
H.E. Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Lّj
Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN on behalf of the European Union

NEW YORK
November 29, 2002
Check against delivery

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Associated Countries - Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as the EFTA country of the European Economic Area - Iceland - align themselves with this statement.

Mr. President,

The Middle East has been through yet another year of violence and tragedy. The appalling events the last weeks exemplify this all too well. Bloodshed, confrontations and provocations have been accompanied by violence, terrorism and military measures. And sadly, once again it has been the ordinary Palestinians and Israelis who have been taken hostage to the conflict and paid the price in terms of human suffering, disillusion and mistrust.

The European Union is gravely concerned about the continued clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. We strongly condemn violent attacks targeted at innocent civilians on either side, including the recent acts of terror and violence. Force cannot defeat force. It only serves to undermine efforts to promote dialogue on security, reforms and a final settlement. The continuing cycle of violence must stop to avoid the almost daily loss of lives among the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations.

The European Union calls on the Palestinian Authority to do all humanly possible to fight terrorist acts against Israel and bring the perpetrators, instigators and sponsors of terrorist acts to justice. Likewise, it calls on Israel to stop the use of excessive force, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detentions, deportations, demolition of houses and infrastructure, confiscation of property and to bring to justice the guilty under due process of law.

Mr. President,

The Israeli reoccupation of areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority, its intensified occupation of Palestinian cities as well as the severe restrictions imposed on the freedom of movement of persons and goods only serve to aggravate the extremely tense situation. Furthermore, it places severe constraints on the ability of the Palestinian Authority to implement the necessary reforms called for by the international community as well as Israel, prepare for elections and work to ensure the rule of law. We call on Israel to lift the blockade on the occupied territories and withdraw its forces from Palestinian cities to the positions held prior to September 2000. Moreover, Israel should ensure the full, safe and unfettered access to the Occupied territories by humanitarian personnel and assistance.

Israeli settlement activities in the occupied territories must stop. Such unilateral actions are illegal under international law and are prejudging a final settlement. It is imperative that they be ended immediately. The European Union fully supports the vision of two states living side by side in peace and security and reconfirms in this regard that the Palestinians have an unqualified right to self-determination and to create an independent state. Likewise, Israel has the right to live in peace and security within internationally recognised borders. We reaffirm, in this regard, the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative endorsed at the Arab League Summit.

Mr. President,

More than ever, a clear political perspective is needed in order to ease tensions and rekindle the hopes and aspiration of the peoples in the region for a peaceful solution to the conflict. At the international level serious efforts have been undertaken to restart political talks on the basis of a concrete road map outlining the steps towards Palestinian statehood. Within the Middle East Quartet the major international players have shown their commitment to - once again - try to broker a final settlement between the parties. The European Union remains committed to continue the work within the Middle East Quartet on a concrete, three-phased road map towards a final Israeli-Palestinian settlement within three years. We call on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to work actively with the Quartet on the road map.

A just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine must be based on UN Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 1397, the Madrid terms of reference, in particular the principle of land for peace, and the implementation of all existing agreements between the parties.

Above all, it is up to the parties themselves to seek peace through a process of negotiations. And for such a process to be successful it requires that both parties recognise and accept the elements that I have just outlined as the basis and the goals for a final settlement. For its part, the European Union remains ready - in close cooperation with the other members of the Quartet and all parties concerned - to assist in the efforts at finding a final and just settlement to the Middle East conflict.

Thank you Mr. President.

EU demarche on 14 November 2002 to Israeli Prime Minister's Office on settler harassment and violence against Palestinian civilians, in particular violations of Palestinian olive growers' safety, livelihood and property

The European Union has expressed to the Israeli government its deep concerns over the increased level of settler violence against the Palestinian population in the Occupied Territories.

The harassment by individual settlers and the violent prevention of Palestinian olive farmers from harvesting their crops and the destruction of their olive trees is not acceptable. It comes at a time where thousands of Palestinian families are already hard hit by the economic consequences of conflict and occupation.

The Israeli government has been requested to step up its efforts to immediately and effectively protect Palestinian farmers, their families and their property. Palestinian civilians must be allowed to work and live free from threats against their livelihood and safety. Israeli police and security must continue and intensify measures to enforce law and order in the territories under its control.

The EU has also called for the attention of the Israeli authorities to the reportedly forced departure - due to settler shootings - of a hundred or more villagers from the village of Yanun. Their safe return and rehabilitation should be facilitated urgently.

The EU supports the declared policies of the Israeli government not to harm the civilian Palestinian population, to apply the rule of law and to prosecute individual or organized perpetrators of crimes and violence. Liability towards damage reparation and compensation must follow the rules of law.