Archives for 16 October 2013

Advancement of Women

Statement by Mrs. Somaia Barghouti, Senior Adviser, before the Third Committee, on agenda item 28: Advancement of Women,

68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York, 16 October 2013

I am honored to address the Committee today for the first time on behalf of the State of Palestine, following the historic decision by the General-Assembly to accord Palestine nonmember observer State status in the United Nations. I would like to begin by congratulating you, and the other members of the Bureau on your election, wishing you all success.

The effect of armed or other kinds of conflict on women, including those living under foreign occupation, is one of the critical areas of concern of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. There are many recommendations for action in this important document, which if implemented, will significantly contribute to the realization of the objectives of the Declaration. One of these recommendations calls upon Governments, the international community and civil society to take strategic actions regarding all critical areas of concern, and to develop and implement mechanisms of accountability. We believe such action is necessary for the advancement of the goals of equality, development and peace for women worldwide, especially those still suffering from the detrimental consequences of the unjust and unstable situations of armed conflict, including foreign occupation. [Read more…]