JERUSALEM, 4 November, 2008 - In honor of the eighth anniversary of the first UN Security Council resolution ever passed that specifically addresses the impact of conflict on women, and women's contributions to conflict resolution and sustainable peace, Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for strengthened efforts to include Palestinian women’s voices and perspectives in efforts to build sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Mary Robinson visited Jordan, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Israel this week to listen to the voices of women, highlight the impact of conflict on their lives, and explore how SCR 1325 can be a tool for women's participation in peace and security. Her visit was sponsored by the Women Leaders Intercultural Forum, a project of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, which Robinson founded after completing her term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in October 2002. President Robinson is also a member of the Elders.
In Jordan, President Robinson met with women leaders from civil society, government, the military and the United Nations who are joining together to develop a National Action Plan on Security Council resolution 1325 which will be the first such plan in the region. The Jordanian women expressed their hope that a similar initiative could be initiated in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Robinson and her delegation also visited the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to meet with a range of women and human rights organizations to listen and share experiences of women in other countries. President Robinson noted a startling deterioration in humanitarian conditions since her last visit in 2000 when she was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “I am deeply saddened to see that the oppression and injustice suffered by Palestinians is worsening. Restricted access and limited movement of persons and goods severely impacts the enjoyment of human rights such as health, education, decent work, and the right to live free from violence. Women, who are effectively excluded from decision-making, are bearing the greater burden of both the Israeli occupation and the political divisions within the OPT.”
Robinson highlighted the eagerness for change amongst Palestinian women, noting “I was struck by the strength and creativity of the women I met as we discussed actions that can be taken in the face of this crisis. They asked me to bring their ideas and perspectives to the attention of their leaders and the international community, who have failed to ensure their protection and have escaped accountability.”
Robinson stressed that “Palestinian women want to seize this moment and develop a national action plan on women, peace and security. This plan would draw from their experiences of sustaining their families and communities in the face of daily indignities. SCR1325 can be a tool for this, facilitating women coming together across divides, mapping ongoing work, and creating new international linkages.”
During her meetings with Mr. Robert Serry, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, and members of the UN country team working in the occupied Palestinian territory, the UN Special Coordinator voiced strong support for President Robinson’s call to action to implement SCR 1325, including efforts of Palestinian women in developing a national action plan. He stressed that SCR 1325 calls for women’s right to participate as agents in matters of peace and security at both the community and the national level; for women’s presence in peace negotiations; and for protection of women and their families from the impacts of violent conflict. UN agencies also reaffirmed that they stand ready to support the efforts of all Palestinian women in developing a national action plan.
|
