Assistance to Palestinian women – UNSCO/Human Rights Commissioner meeting – Press release

UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR

FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL TO THE PLO AND THE PA

PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWING THE VISIT OF MS MARY ROBINSON

TO THE MIDDLE EAST

5th November 2008

For Immediate Release

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Robert Serry, and members of the UN country team working in the occupied Palestinian territory, met with Ms Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who was in the region to promote efforts to include women’s voices and perspectives in efforts to build sustainable peace in the Middle East.

Mr. Serry and Ms. Robinson jointly called to action to implement SCR 1325. Mr. Serry 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.