“Discriminatory Laws and Policies against Palestinian Women and Girls under Israeli Occupation: Justice Demands Accountability”
Conference Room 6, UN Headquarters
10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, 18 March 2026
The situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, over the last two years, encapsulates a complex history of prolonged occupation, where Palestinian women have emerged as pillars of strength and resilience. They face the dire consequences of displacement and the systematic destruction of their homes and communities. Confronted with severe restrictions that impede their movement, access to essential services, and economic empowerment, these women nevertheless anchor the sustenance of their families and communities.
In this year’s session of CSW, the case of Palestinian women is unique as ways to access justice are intrinsically linked to the ending of Israel’s illegal occupation and obtaining accountability for Israeli crimes in the West Bank and Gaza under international human rights law. Access to justice for Palestinian women would entail the implementation by third states of measures to end Israel’s prolonged military occupation and Israel’s respect for its legal obligations as an occupying power under international human rights and humanitarian law and to end human rights abuses against women and girls in the OPT. Israel’s discriminatory policies and practices leading to property destruction, demolition, settler violence, forcible transfer of Palestinians as a form of collective punishment and residency revocation have continued to impact Palestinian women disproportionately, with profound economic, social and psychological impact on them and their families. In its several resolutions on Palestine, the General Assembly underscored the necessity of ensuring accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law to prevent impunity, ensure justice, deter future violations, and protect civilians including women and girls.
The panel will aim to highlight the binding obligations of the UN and the international community in protecting Palestinian women during Israel’s military assault on Gaza and in ensuring Israel’s accountability for these internationally documented crimes based on international law. Most importantly, experts will aim to formulate recommendations for the implementation on gender-sensitive measures by third states in the context of UN General Assembly resolution ES-10/24 on ending the illegal Israeli occupation and chart a path forward to end violations against Palestinian women in the upcoming political process characterized by Phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire.
The event will be open to all UN Member and Observer States, accredited civil society organizations, public and participants in this year’s CSW.
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Programme
10-10.30 a.m. OPENING SESSION
Statements by:
- H.E. Ms. Mona Al-Khalil [VTC] Minister of Women Affairs of the State of Palestine
- H.E. Mr. Pendapala Andreas Naanda Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People Permanent Representative of Namibia to the United Nations
10.30 a.m.-12 p.m. PRESENTATIONS & DISCUSSION
Gendered Impact of the Israeli War on Gaza: Ending Impunity for Violations of Palestinian Women’s Rights
- Ms. Amal Syam [VTC], General Director, Women Affairs Centre, Gaza City
Access to Justice and Accountability: Discussions on Reparations and Restitutions for the Displaced Women in the West Bank
- Ms. Sawsan Zaher, Palestinian Human Rights Lawyer, Haifa
- Ms. Lina Fattom, Palestinian Human Rights Lawyer, Ramallah
Incorporation of Gender into the Implementation of GA Res. ES-10/24: Prospects of current political initiatives
- Dr. Carol Daniel-Kasbari, Senior Associate Director, The Carter Center, Conflict Resolution, USA
12-12.30 p.m. CLOSING REMARKS
- H.E. Minister Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations
- H.E. Amb. Pendapala Andreas Naanda,Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Permanent Representative of Namibia to the United Nations