YWCA of Palestine Celebrating the Launching of the National Action Plan UNSCR 1325 The Ministry of Women's Affairs together with the UNSCR 1325 Higher Commission, the UN Women and the EU launched the National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1325 in Palestine on Wednesday the 24 th of August in an official Press Release held at the Palestinian Ministry of Information and Communication.. The resolution was issued in the year 2000 by the United Nations Security Council calling for the protection of women in armed conflicts and conflict zones. The NAP advocates for the protection of Palestinian women from the Israeli Occupation and its violations and demands accountability for crimes committed. The resolution also calls for the participation of women in decision-making without discrimination. The Minister for Women s Affairs, Her Excellency Dr. Haifa Agha stated at the news conference that Palestine is the second Arab State to issue the operational plan for the implementation of the resolution, taking into consideration that the Palestinian women suffer more than others due to the different levels of violence ranging from domestic, cultural, economic, social as well as political, all sourcing from the Israeli occupation. Dr. Agha continued to point out that the lives of citizens in Palestine are not safe, especially Jerusalemite women and their families who are most vulnerable and are under attack by the occupation facing illegal expulsions and displacements, as well as unlawful seizures of homes and properties all the time. Mr. Mohamed Naciri the Regional Director for the Arab States in the UN Women stated that the daily life of the Palestinian people is subject to the denial of their basic human rights. The Palestinians face violence and destruction, and violent oppression exacerbated by the separation wall and barriers which isolate and fragment the areas. Naciri added that amid all this, the Palestinian women took an important role in the struggle and political action, stressing that the United Nations supports the NAP and its 1
implementation to ensure the achievements on the agenda of women's participation in decision-making, as well as peace building and institution of security. As for the Director of Cooperation in the European Union Ms. Alessandra Vizzier, she stated that the international community must strive to achieve international commitment towards women so there will be principles for implementation of equality in all areas. It is important that this plan, which is being launched today, does not remain dormant, but is implemented. She continued, Please rest assured that on behalf of the EU, we stand here committed to support in our modest capacity the Palestinian advocacy efforts and other efforts for the implementation of the plan. The YWCA of Palestine continues to be an active member in the UNSCR 1325 Higher Commission and in the civil society UNSCR 1325 Coalition secretariat. Since the launch of the Strategic Framework of the NAP at the YWCA of Palestine international Conference in Bethlehem Women s Freedom, Peace and Dignity in Palestine UNSCR 1325 for Accountability in 2014, the YWCA continued striving towards formally assuring the launching of the National Action Plan in Palestine and will continue with the same determination towards the successful implementation of the UNSCR 1325 NAP in Palestine. The General Secretary of the National YWCA of Palestine summarizes the launch and the role of the YWCA by stating: this is an important milestone for women in their struggle for justice and equality. We are proud that the Government has dedicated all its efforts to formulate the plan, and have gathered so many governmental and non-governmental parties around this plan, to see to it that it comes to life. We hope that all partners will continue to support women as they struggle to create safe spaces for themselves, their communities and their children, spaces free of violence and discrimination 2
3
4
5
6
7
Sources: http://maannews.net/content.aspx?id=863701 http://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/un-eu-help-palestinians-build-icc-suit-against-israel- 466140 8