Ramallah (UNA/WAFA) – Palestinian Minister of Women’s Affairs Mona Al-Khalili participated in the open day on women, peace and security, entitled “Breaking the Silence – Palestinian Women Leading the Way to Justice,” with the support of the Norwegian government and under the auspices of UN Women, the General Union of Palestinian Women and the NGO Coalition for the Implementation of Resolution 1325..
Al-Khalili stressed that the Israeli occupation is the main obstacle to the progress and empowerment of Palestinian women, as it not only violates their right to security and protection, but also obstructs every path to development and equality. She pointed out that national and international reports have documented serious violations against Palestinian women, including psychological, physical and sexual violence, deprivation of shelter and health care, arbitrary arrest and humiliation at military checkpoints and in occupation prisons.
Regarding international efforts, Al-Khalili noted that the Ministry had submitted an official request to the United Nations for the Special Rapporteur on Sexual Violence in Conflict to visit, but the Israeli occupation authorities refused to allow her entry for the second time, which confirms the policy of impunity and covering up the crimes committed. She stressed the continuation of following up on this file internationally, and demanding the dispatch of a special investigation committee to hold the occupation accountable for crimes of sexual violence against women and girls, considering them war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Al-Khalili stressed the importance of accelerating the recovery of Palestinian women from the effects of the aggression through three main pillars: economic empowerment to enhance women's resilience and independence; transitional justice to provide redress for victims, document violations, and ensure accountability; and the necessity of enacting a unified Palestinian personal status law to harmonize legislation between the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem, as it is a fundamental pillar in state-building, enshrining the rule of law, and achieving gender equality.. She also welcomed the decision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council calling for international protection for Palestinian women, and demanded that this decision be translated into immediate practical steps to put an end to the ongoing violations..
She noted that the pillars of Resolution 1325 constitute a comprehensive national roadmap that is being implemented. On the eve of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, she emphasized that digital violence has become one of the fastest-spreading forms of violence in our modern era. She pointed to the unique situation of Palestinian women, who face a double dose of digital violence: general digital violations, in addition to the surveillance and restrictions imposed by the occupying authorities on social media, and the arrest of women and girls for their opinions and posts. She called for the importance of raising digital awareness, providing digital protection and security tools, and developing national policies and legislation that ensure accountability and combat digital violence as part of a comprehensive protection system..
Al-Khalili emphasized that Palestinian women are not merely victims of aggression, but partners in the national struggle and architects of just peace and sustainable development. Protecting, empowering, and accelerating the recovery of women from all forms of violence, including sexual and digital violence, is a national, humanitarian, and moral responsibility.
(is over)
