Around 287,000 Unemployed persons during the 1st quarter 2004 This report is based on the Labour Force quarterly Survey. Data was collected for the 32 nd round from 3/1/2004 to 1/4/2004, representing the 1st quarter of 2004. The survey sample of this round is based on the 1997 census, 7,563 households were selected to represent the Palestinian society of which 6,201 questionnaires were completed. Read More...
By: UN Women
Date: 09/03/2019
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My Rights, Our Power: A Joint Campaign Launched in Palestine to Raise Awareness on Women’s Fundamental Human Rights
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.
By: Dr. Riyad Mansour
Date: 08/11/2017
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Statement of Ambassador Dr. Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, before the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, 27 October 2017
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.
By: Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325
Date: 20/10/2016
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Seeking Justice: Statement by the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325 on the visit of the delegation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor’s Office on 9-10 October 2016 to Palestine
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
By the Same Author
Date: 10/03/2008
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Press Release on Labour Force Survey Results
• Labour force Participation rate declined by 2% in the West Bank and 6% in Gaza Strip during 4th quarter 2007 • Hebron governorate registered the highest unemployment rate among the West Bank governorates ( 30.5%), while in Gaza Strip, Khan Younis governorate registered the highest percentage of unemployment (34.2%) This report is based on the Labour Force quarterly Survey. Data was collected during 7/10/2007 to 4/1/2008, representing the 4th quarter 2007. The survey sample of this round is based on the 1997 census (Updated on 2003), 7,546 households were selected to represent the Palestinian society of which 5,903 questionnaires were completed. Economically Active: • According to the ILO standards, the percentage of participants in labour force decreased by 3.0% between the 3rd quarter 2007 and the 4th quarter 2007, where it decreased from 42.7% in the 3rd quarter 2007 to 41.4% in the 4th quarter 2007, compared with 43.0% in the 4th quarter 2006. The participation rate of women decreased from 15.7% in the 3rd quarter 2007 to 15.5% in the 4th quarter 2007, the change rate is 1.3%. Unemployed Persons: • According to the relaxed definition of unemployment, The percentage of persons who don't work nevertheless seeking or not seeking job, decreased from 29.1% in the 3rd quarter 2007 to 28.8% in the 4th quarter 2007, compared with 28.4% in the 4th quarter 2006. • According to the ILO standards, The percentage of persons who don't work, but seeking job decreased from 23.2% in the 3rd quarter 2007 to 22.2% in the 4th quarter 2007, compared with 22.0% in the 4th quarter 2006. The results showed that unemployment rate in the West Bank increased from 18.6% in the 3rd quarter 2007 to 19.2% in the 4th quarter 2007, while it decreased in Gaza Strip from 32.9% in the 3rd quarter 2007 to 29.0% in the 4th quarter 2007, despite of that unemployment rate in Gaza Strip still high. • Hebron governorate registered the highest unemployment rate among the West Bank governorates the percentage reached 30.5% followed by Tulkarem 21.4% then Jenin Governorates 19.2%, while in Gaza Strip, Khan Younis governorate registered the highest percentage of unemployment (34.2%) followed by Gaza North governorate 32.0%). • The results showed that the highest percentage of unemployment concentrated among the youth at different stages, the highest percentage registered for the age group 15-19 it reached 38.6%, thereof 33.5% in the West Bank and 52.4% in Gaza Strip, followed by 20-24 age group it reached 36.2%, thereof 29.6% in the West Bank and 48.4% in Gaza Strip, then 25-29 group, it reached 22.4%, thereof 21.4% in the West Bank and 24.4% in Gaza Strip. • The results showed that the lowest percentage of unemployment appeared among females who not complete any years of schooling. Whereas the percentage reached 28.8% for those whom finished 13 years of schooling and above. While the lowest percentage among males registered for whom finished 13 years of schooling and above it reached 13.5% whereas the highest percentage registered for those who finished 7-9 years of schooling it reached 26.7%. Employed Persons: • At economic activity1 level the results showed that the percentage of those who are working in Agriculture sector in the West Bank decreased from 17.4% to 17.0% between 3rd quarter and 4th quarter 2007, While in the Gaza strip the results showed that there was a decrease of those who are working in construction sector from 3.7% in 3rd quarter to 1.5% in the 4th quarter 2007. and a decrease of those who worked at manufacturing sector the percentage decreased from 5.8% to 5.5% at the same period. • On the other hand the results showed that the percentage of employed persons at services and other branches sector reached 33.6% in the West Bank and 52.2% in Gaza Strip in the 4th quarter 2007. • On the other hand, the results in the West Bank showed increase of the percentage of wage employees, it increased from 57.6% in the 3rd quarter to 59.7% in the 4th quarter 2007, while the percentage of unpaid family members decreased (from 13.0% in the 3rd quarter to 11.8% in the 4th quarter 2007), While in Gaza Strip the percentage of wage employees decreased from 64.8% in the 3rd quarter to 62.5% in the 4th quarter 2007, and increase in the percentage of unpaid family members from 11.7% to 12.4% in the 4th quarter 2007. • The employment from the West Bank in Israel and Israeli settlements increased from 12.9% in the 3rd quarter to 14.0% in the 4th quarter 2007, whereas in Gaza Strip there was no access the workers to enter Israeli settlements. • The results showed that the public sector employed one fifth (22.5%) of total employment, 15.0% in the West Bank and 41.1% in Gaza Strip. Wages and Work Hours: • The average value of the nominal daily net wage of the employees in the West Bank increased from 77.1 NIS in 3rd quarter to 80.3 NIS in the 4th quarter 2007, compared with 79.3 NIS in the 4th quarter 2006. while in Gaza Strip the nominal daily net wage of the employees remains at the same level 64.1 NIS between 3rd quarter and 4th quarter 2007, compared with 67.0 NIS in the 4th quarter 2006. Also the nominal daily net wage for those working in Israel and Israeli settlements increased from 131.9 NIS in the 3rd quarter to 133.1 NIS in the 4th quarter 2007, compared with 138.6 NIS in the 4th quarter 2006. • The average weekly work hours in the West Bank decreased from 42.5 work hour in 3rd quarter to 39.6 work hour in the 4th quarter 2007, and it decreased in Gaza Strip from 39.7 work hour in the 3rd quarter to 38.2 work hour in the 4th quarter 2007, also it decreased for those working in Israel and Israeli settlements from 43.9 work hour in the 3rd quarter to 40.3 work hour in the 4th quarter 2007.
Date: 09/08/2005
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Labour Force Survey Results
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics Press Release on Labour Force Survey Results (April-June, 2005) Round Decreased of Unemployed Persons by 14.9% between 1st quarter and 2nd quarter 2005 This report is based on the Labour Force quarterly Survey. Data was collected during 2/04/2005 to 01/07/2005, representing the 2nd quarter 2005. The survey sample of this round is based on the 1997 census, 7,563 households were selected to represent the Palestinian society of which 6,621 questionnaires were completed.
Economically Active:
Unemployed Persons:
Employed Persons:
Wages:
Dependency Ratio and Poverty:
Comments on the results of the 2nd quarter 2005: Several factors contributed in these changes such as:
Date: 02/10/2004
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Main Findings of the Survey on the Impact of Israeli Measures on the Economic Conditions of the Palestinian Households
226,000 Palestinian households lost more than 50% of their usual income and about 22.6% of Households in Gaza Strip Suffered from Highly Critical Living Conditions The PCBS (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics) conducted the 9th round of the survey on the impact of Israeli measures on the economic conditions of the Palestinian households. Data collection was conducted during the Second Quarter 2004. The main objective of the survey is to continue monitoring the economic conditions of the Palestinian households and their standards of living as the Israeli measures continued against the PNA and the Palestinian people. This round of the survey is based on a random sample of 3,908 households, of which 3,398 households completed the interview. The completed interviews are distributed by region as 2,228 in the West Bank and 1,170 in the Gaza Strip. Household’s income - Results indicate that the median monthly income in the Palestinian Territory has decreased from NIS 2,500 (620 USD/706 EURO) before Al Aqsa Intifada to NIS 1,600 (355 USD/289 EURO) during the 2nd Quarter 2004. This decrease varies by region. The median monthly income decreased in the West Bank from NIS 3,000 (744 USD/847 EURO) to NIS 2,000 (444 USD/361 EURO) while in the Gaza Strip it decreased from NIS 1,500 (372 USD/423 EURO) to NIS 1,200 (266 USD/216 EURO). Results of the survey indicate that 59.7% (362,000 households) of the Palestinian households decreased their income during Al-Aqsa Intifada, of which 62.5% (226,000 households) lost more than 50% of their usual income during Al-Aqsa Intifada, while 63.3% (159,000 households) of the households decreased their income in the West Bank compared with 52.3% (67,000 households) in Gaza Strip. The Income Sources - Results of the survey indicate that the main income source of the Palestinian households during 2nd Quarter 2004 was wages and salaries from the private sector, (30.7%), followed by wages and salaries from public sector employment (19.9%) and from households projects (14.2%). Coping Strategies - The results indicated that during year 2003, 58.2% of the households (353,000 households) in the Palestinian Territory reduced there expenditure on basic needs, 59.5% in the West Bank and 55.4% in Gaza Strip. The results indicate also that 78.0% of the households took various coping measures during year 2003 depending on the monthly family income. This was manifested in delaying payment of bills by 69.4% and reduced expenditure by 58.7%. The survey indicates that 31.2% of the households in the West Bank can cope with the situation for more than one year, comparing with 26.8% in Gaza Strip. 22.6% of the households in Gaza Strip, and 11.7% in the West Bank suffered from highly critical living conditions. Humanitarian aid - Results show that 21.2% of interviewed households (128,000 households) reported that they received humanitarian assistance during the 2nd Quarter 2004, of which 18.2% in the West Bank and 27.2% in Gaza Strip. On the other hand, 71.8% of the households (435,000 households) reported that they need assistance, of which 71.7% in the West Bank and 71.9% in Gaza Strip. About 13.1% of the households receiving humanitarian aid reported that the total amount of assistance received is less than NIS 100, while 39.5% of them have received less than NIS 200, 58.2% have received less than NIS 300. However, the frequency of providing the assistance for households, PNA institutions (including Ministry of Social Affairs) are rated at the highest rank at 28.8%, then comes UNRWA by 25.6%, while relatives by 14.3%, and labor unions by 10.0%. The results reveal also that 52.8% of the total assistance is provided in the form of food supplies, and 28.6% in cash. Priority Needs of Households - The results reveal that 38.4% of households reported the need for food as top priority during 2nd Quarter 2004, while 19.9 of households reported the need for work, and 18.9% of households expressed the need for money, and 9.0% of households expressed the need for education as their first priority, and 6.4% of households expressed the need for medicine as their first priority. Access to Health Services - The results indicate that 45.3% of the households have access problem to health services because of the high cost of medical treatment, 40.1% due to the Israeli closure, 38.3% of households because of military checkpoint, and 8.9% of households because of the expansion and annexation wall. As a social/pastoral organization of the Catholic Church working in the Holy Land since 1967, Caritas Jerusalem wishes to reiterate the need for immediate humanitarian interventions in the Palestinian territories. These should include job creation programs, micro-lending, short and long term medical assistance, humanitarian social assistance, assistance to secure needed medicines and tuition assistance. Date: 02/08/2004
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On the Main Findings of the Survey on the Impact of the Expansion and Annexation Wall on the Palestinian Localities that the Wall Passed Through, March 2004
H.E Dr. Nabil Qassis, Minister of Planning, and Mr. Piers Cazalet, Acting Consul General of the UK to the Palestinian Authority, and Mr. Andrea Tamagnini, Special Representative a.i, UNDP, will approve a generous grant of £950,000 in support of the Ministry of Planning's commitment to mainstreaming the issue of poverty reduction in its humanitarian and developmental planning instruments. The signing ceremony will take place in the Ministry of planning in Ramallah, at noon. The grant, funded by The Department of International Development, of the Government of the United Kingdom will kick-start the Palestinian Pro-poor Participatory Planning (PPP) project to be implemented by the Ministry of Planning (MOP) in joint partnership with the United Nations Development Programme/Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People. "This initiative will complement and deepen the Palestinian Authority's commitment to making sure scarce resources are better allocated in line with people's priorities on the ground despite the difficult challenges due to the Occupation and worsening human security". Said H.E. Dr. Qassis. The Consul General of the UK reaffirmed the commitment of his Government to supporting the Palestinian development process by saying "The initiative will promote coordination with line Ministries and civil society for inclusion of the voices of the poor in ministry and donor decisions". The UNDP Special Representative spoke of UNDPs mission and experience of forging ahead to improve the lives of the Palestinian people through the joint partnership that has spanned over 25 years. "This initiative will support UNDPs global mission to engender a culture of participation and dialogue in development planning in all the countries and programmes that it operates in." said Mr. Tamagnini. The main goals of the PPP project are to strengthen the capacity for the Ministry of Planning (MOP) to deliver a poverty- focused and broadly owned Medium Term Development Plan; Institutional arrangements at district level for partnership and advocacy for poverty reduction are established and capacity strengthened; At the national level, sector planning units/departments are formally linked to the MOP and the PPP is able to influence key national polices and programmes; The National Commission for Poverty Eradication is expanded and effective; Capacity for participatory planning for poverty reduction is strengthened in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; and, an effective donor mechanism supports the PPP. The PPP initiative is the second phase of the joint Ministry of Planning and UNDPs Palestinian Participatory Poverty Assessment Project completed in August 2002, also funded by DFID. Results of the project are available online on www.pppap.org. Contact us
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