Situation of Palestinian women under Israeli occupation/Palestine statement – GA Third Cttee debate – Press release (excerpts)

Third Committee

13^th & 14^th Meetings (AM & PM)

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Background

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this morning to conclude its general discussion on the advancement of women.  For background information see Press Release (GA/SHC/4069).  It was also expected to begin its consideration of the promotion and protection of the rights of children.

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Statements

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SOMAIA BARGHOUTI, an observer of the State of Palestine, said that she was addressing the Committee for the first time following the historic decision by the General Assembly to accord Palestine non-member observer State status in the United Nations.  Despite many significant achievements in the advancement and empowerment of women, many challenges remained.  Such challenges were even more formidable for Palestinian women, who had been living too long under the most unbearable, tragic situation as a result of the continued Israeli military occupation, for more than 46 years.  Their status had been greatly impacted by the overall deterioration of the political, economic and social conditions of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, the territory constituting the State of Palestine.  The fact that Israel had never been held accountable for its crimes had surely fostered the continuation and escalation of its oppressive policies and measures against the whole Palestinian population, including women and children.  The international community, in particular the United Nations, must take concrete measures in accordance with the Organization’s Charter, international law and relevant resolutions.

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Right of Reply

The representative of Israel, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, rebutted a statement by an observer for the State of Palestine, citing a Human Rights Watch report that documented violations by Palestinian authorities.  Palestinians should address the issues revealed in that report if they were genuinely interested in improving the situation of women.  No country was perfect, she pointed out.

An observer for the State of Palestine said that, no matter how many reports Israel’s representative cited, they had been taken out of context.  The main obstacle to the advancement of Palestinian women was Israel’s occupation.

The Committee then began its consideration of the promotion and protection of the rights of children.

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For information media • not an official record