General Women, Peace and Security

Palestinian women are particularly vulnerable to the immediate effects of the Israeli occupation. The fact is that roadblocks, patrols, curfews, checkpoints and the construction of the wall all have a negative impact on the health, education and economic security of Palestinians in general, and women in particular. The restriction of movement created by such repressive measures has seriously impeded their access to health care, for example.

Need I recall here that resolution 1325 (2000) called on all parties to armed conflict to fully respect international law applicable to the rights and protection of women and girls, especially as civilians? And yet, when it comes to Palestinian women, the Council exhibits paralysis, and is unable to take any concrete action to redress their dire situation.

The Non-Aligned Movement expresses grave concern regarding the deteriorating situation and deplorable conditions of thousands of Palestinian prisoners and detainees unlawfully held in Israeli jails and detention centers, including at least 300 children as well as women and elected officials, and calls for their immediate release.

In the light of the very difficult conditions on the ground, the Non-Aligned Movement calls once again for specific measures to address, in particular, the grave impact of Israel's settlement policies on the Palestinian people and their land, including the violent actions by Israeli settlers against Palestinian property and Palestinian civilians, including women and children, as well as provocations and incitement, including against holy sites

“In addition to monitoring and reporting violations, we are offering a range of responses, including mine-risk education, psychosocial support, vocational training, assistance to survivors of sexual violence and help for children who are being reintegrated into society after their association with armed forces and groups.”

“The situation of children in Syria is dire. My staff and other United Nations colleagues have documented Government attacks on school, children being denied access to hospitals, girls and boys suffering and dying in bombardments of their neighborhoods and also being subject to torture, including sexual violence, sometimes for weeks.”

“ As a key part of this unique partnership, our multidimensional peacekeeping operations are of course uniquely placed to contribute to the actual protection of children affected by conflict. They provide a common platform that combines political, justice, human rights, gender, child protection and other civilian expertise with military, police and corrections experts and myriad logistical and operational capabilities.”

“Fourth, my delegation believes that continued attention needs to be paid to the issue of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children in situations of armed conflict. We have been strongly supportive of the listing of the parties responsible for the sexual crimes against children, as pursuant to Security Council resolution 1882, adopted in 2009.

War has always impacted men and women differently, but probably never more so than in modern armed conflicts. In recent armed conflicts, women and girls have been disproportionately targeted and constituted the majority of victims. They are also more vulnerable to all forms of violence, in particular sexual violence and exploitation.

Mr. President, Rape is increasingly used as a tactic of war and the Security Council should be united in condemnation of it and steadfast in support of the crucial work of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence.