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

According to recent news reports, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his commitment to doing his utmost to ensure that Israel recognizes the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees. Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition takes this opportunity to reiterate its absolute and unflinching adherence to the right of all Palestinian refugees to return to their original lands, towns and villages, to full restitution of all confiscated and destroyed property, and to compensation.

The Right of Return is the anchor of the Palestinian struggle and the principal pillar of the Palestinian national consensus. The Right of Return, along with the liberation from occupation of all Palestinian lands, including Jerusalem, represent fundamental inalienable rights and, as such, are redlines that should not be crossed.

Therefore, Al-Awda calls on Mr. Abbas to unequivocally declare his adherence to the full implementation of the right of all Palestinian refugees to return to their original towns and villages including those inside the so-called "Green Line". We also call on Abu Mazen to publicly repudiate the document he authored in 1995 with Yossie Beilin, and which outlined plans on how to solve the issue of the refugees by resettling them in other countries.

Long Live Palestine, all of Palestine Long Live the Palestinian People, all of the Palestinian People

With hearts full of sorrow, we, members of Al-Awda-- the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, express our deep sadness at the death of Yasser Arafat, President of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization. We hold the government of Ariel Sharon responsible for the suffering he endured especially in the last three years of his life, ultimately leading to his death.

President Arafat's pivotal role in advancing the cause of Palestine and its people defies words. Abu Ammar, along with other Palestinian leaders, were the primary architects of the modern Palestinian national movement. It was under their capable leadership that the PLO was transformed into a broad-based national framework, a front of national resistance groups who were driven by an irresistible desire to return to a free Palestine, and who were actively engaged in the struggle to recover Palestinian rights.

Under Arafat's leadership, the PLO succeeded in defining the Palestinian cause as one of a nation determined to take matters into its own hands; a people made up of refugees whose continued existence is organically, naturally and historically tied to the land of Palestine. In fact, the PLO, as the embodiment of Palestinian identity and hopes, went beyond the role played by traditional national liberation movements. The PLO fought to restore the national rights of the Palestinian people and to end the colonial occupation of Palestine. It also took it upon itself to reconstitute the shattered Palestinian identity, society and culture while, simultaneously, securing substantial international political and diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause.

Abu Ammar personified the Palestinian struggle to the extent that the two became inseparable in the eyes of many. The man who dedicated his entire life to Palestine simultaneously shaped and was shaped by the Palestinian struggle in all of its stages.

Most of all, Arafat embodied and personified the unmatched Palestinian will to resist oppression irrespective of the cost of such resistance. He personified the Palestinian revolt in the face of overwhelming odds. When Palestinian forces at the Jordanian village of Karama came under Israeli assault in April of 1968, Arafat and his comrades insisted on standing their ground. By doing so, they transformed the Battle of Karama into a turning point in the history of Palestinian and Arab resistance against Zionism and imperialism.

Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with his political tactics or leadership style, one thing is clear: Yasser Arafat never retreated on any of the core Palestinian objectives, namely independence, the right to return and a free Jerusalem. And for his steadfastness, Abu Ammar paid dearly.

In 1982, Arafat resisted military and political pressures to abandon the Palestinian struggle. Instead, he led an alliance of Palestinian-Lebanese-Syrian resistance to Israel's invasion of Lebanon. Rebuffing offers of safe passage out of the besieged city of Beirut, Abu Ammar insisted on staying with his people and fighters. In fact, after leading and personally participating in thwarting Israeli attempts to occupy Beirut during the fateful summer of 1982, Arafat was the last person to leave the city after ensuring the safe departure of his forces.

During the summer of 2000, Arafat came under intense pressure at Camp David to accept US-Israeli dictates with regards to Jerusalem and the Palestinian refugees' right to return. However, the Palestinian leader refused to sign or endorse any agreement that fell short of minimal Palestinian demands. Arafat paid a heavy price for his refusal to surrender his people's rights. A campaign of killing and terror was unleashed against the West Bank and Gaza, culminating in the reoccupation of major Palestinian cities and towns, and the imprisonment of Arafat in the few parts of his Ramallah headquarters which escaped Israeli destruction. Despite repeated offers by Israel to ensure his safe passage to another country, Arafat chose to remain in his destroyed headquarters and with his people, fully aware of the devastating effects the non-sanitary living conditions were having on his frail health.

This is a day of grief and sorrow. However, our grief for Abu Ammar should not be mistaken for resignation and despair. The Palestinian people have a long, existential struggle that transcends individuals. For, this is what Abu Ammar had always taught us.

This is also a day of unity for Palestinians and all people of conscience; unity in sadness, but also in determination to continue the struggle for which President Arafat has paid with his life.

We reiterate our determination to challenge any attempts by Israel or the US to impose a leadership on the Palestinian people that suit their interests and designs. The Palestinian people will not forgive those who may try to surrender their fundamental rights, first and foremost the rights to return and compensation.

We call on the Palestinian people to move forward with the establishment and implementation of a national unity program within the framework of a unified national leadership that encompasses all segments of the Palestinian people, including those living in the Diaspora.

As we bid him farewell, we will especially remember Abu Ammar for his refusal to abandon the Palestinian refugees' right to return to their original towns and villages. Throughout his life, President's insisted that only the Palestinian people had the right to define the objectives, strategies and tactics of their struggle, without any external interference. This is a message which many within the Palestinian movement in North America would like to see the Palestine solidarity groups adopt and adhere to.

Long Live Palestine, Long Live the Palestinian People

Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, condemns the assassination of Palestinian refugee and activist Izz-el-Deen al-Sheikh Khalil in Damascus, Syria by Zionist agents. Mr. Khalil, a native of Gaza who had been deported to Lebanon in 1992, is the latest in a long line of Palestinian intellectuals and activists who had been assassinated in a desperate attempt to weaken the Palestinian people's resolve to continue on the path of struggle until the realization of its national objectives, first and foremost the return of the Palestinian refugees to their towns and villages in Palestine. Ghassan Kanafani, Abu Jihad (Khalil al-Wazir), Naji al-Ali, Abu Ali Mustafa, and numerous other Palestinian leaders, activists and thinkers were murdered with the hope of weakening the Palestinian resistance.

The assassination of Mr. Khalil in the heart of Damascus illustrates in no uncertain terms the Zionists' disregard and outright contempt to the tenants of international law and the U.N. Charter. It also represents a cynical attempt to force the Syrian government to enact harsh measures against its Palestinian population and their leaders. Finally, the murder of Mr. Khalil is a tacit recognition on the part of the Zionist leadership of its failure to put an end to the heroic Aqsa Intifada, which entered its fifth year.

But, just as the assassination of countless Palestinian leaders in the past had failed to crush the Palestinian people's determination to stay the path until victory, so will this latest crime by the Butcher of Sabra and Shatila.

Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition in the United States and  Canada is calling upon the International Right to Return movement and its allies to participate in a coordinated 48-hour fast in solidarity with  hunger striking Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prison camps. Some 7500 political prisoners are currently held by Israel, 1000 of whom are  "administrative detainees" imprisoned without trial.

Since August 15, 2004 thousands of Palestinian prisoners have been participating in a hunger-strike, demanding that the systematic abuse they are suffering under the Israeli authorities be stopped including:

1. Arbitrary and indiscriminate beating of prisoners in their cells, in prison courtyards and during transportation to and from prisons. 

2. Arbitrary and indiscriminate firing of tear gas into prisoner's cells and prison courtyards and intimidation of prisoners by guards entering their cells with guns.

3. Humiliating strip searches of prisoners in full view of other prisoners and guards each time they enter or exit their cells. 

4. Subjecting prisoners to solitary confinement for excessive periods of time, for months and even years. 

5. Arbitrary imposition of financial penalties on prisoners for minor infractions, arbitrary revocation of visitation rights and extended confinement to cells as punishment for minor infractions such as singing or speaking too loudly.

6. Confining children with adult prisoners and political prisoners with criminals. 

7. Withholding or delaying medical treatment and the provision of medication to sick detainees. 

8. Severely restricting the category of family members entitled to visit prisoners thus denying visitation rights to other close family members.

9. Arbitrary denial of travel permits to family members of prisoners living in the West Bank or Gaza so that they cannot travel to prisons to see their relatives.

10. Imposing conditions on travel for family members and obstacles that result in travel of a few hours being prolonged to 16 or 17 hours for a 45-minute visit. 

11. Conducting humiliating strip searches of visiting family members even though they are usually separated from the prisoners by a full glass barrier as well as a wire mesh barrier. Providing such poor visitation facilities that prisoners find it difficult to see or hear their loved ones. 

12. Maintaining prisoners on near starvation diets that are insufficient to sustain health.

13. Applying rules concerning items that prisoners may receive from their families arbitrarily and inconsistently, on the whim of the guards, with each visit. 

14. Withdrawing studying privileges that in the past allowed prisoners to continue their high school or university studies through correspondence courses. 

When informed by the prisoners of their intended hunger strike, prison authorities responded with harsher treatment, including confiscation of water and salt. Reports in the Israeli media consistently undermine the prisoners' protest, while presenting it as motivated by secondary material improvements of their conditions. The barbaric and racist reaction of the Israeli authorities, can be summed up in Israeli Minister Hanegbi's statement "let them strike till death". Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, along with the entire international solidarity movement with the Palestinian people, join the Prisoners' families and the Palestinian people to express solidarity with the prisoners, in support of their demands to receive the fundamental rights they are entitled to under the Israeli and international laws and in demand for the release of all political prisoners.