8/3/2017
A statement for immediate release issued by
Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “SHAMS”
On the occasion of International Women’s Day
SHAMS center strongly condemns the inhuman immoral excesses and violations practiced by the Israeli soldiers and settlers against Palestinian women. The center also calls the UN for assuming its responsibility to stop the occupation’s measures which have caused deterioration in the status of human rights in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In addition to unemployment, poverty and health problems. Palestinian women have suffered the most due to such conditions, while their suffering has been neglected by international foundations. It is worth noting that the nonstop Israeli violations have resulted in severe consequences on the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. And the effect was much negatives especially upon the Palestinian women causing additional pressure and restrictions against them.
Israel should abide the by the International Human Rights Law, particularly human rights conventions in which “Israel” is a member within it. With emphasis on “CEDAW” as well as International Convenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and International Convenant on Political and Civil Rights to end all form of ethnic discrimination. In fact, Israel denies applying UN human rights conventions which have been ratified in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and refused to apply Geneva Fourth Convention.
SHAMS center emphasizes that not getting involved in political life is linked with not being involved in the community as a whole by the Palestinian woman. Due to the worsening political atmosphere characterized by disappointment, carelessness, which have resulted in the negative viewpoint in regard to making public policies. This is approved by the backtracking of factions’ popularity and incapacity to renew the members, caused by incapacity to develop new policies or solve citizens’ long-term and short – term impediments. Therefore, it is significant to put the spotlight on political participation of Palestinian woman and the duality of addressing woman’s political rights, and revealing impediments against woman’s getting involved within political life and its impact on eliminating her.
Moreover, it is necessary to form a vision on the status quo of political participation for Palestinian woman, to tackle implements against practicing her political rights and to identify measures taken for enhancing political participation within national legislations. In addition to come up with findings and recommendations to fill the gaps between prevailing laws and the aspired ones. In this regard, the center requests implementing a wide-range campaign to support female and young candidates in the local authorities elections to be conducted in May 13th this year.
“SHAMS” center stresses that it is no longer acceptable or justified to get involved in traditional and outdated dialogue about is it allowing political participation for woman. Or questioning whether women are able to manage the public affair or not. In some communities, woman assumes advanced positions, while we are still participating in worthless debates on woman’s eligibility to drive a car or to travel alone. Also, whether is it allowed to work in stores of women’s underwear? Or is it permitted for a Shiite girl to marry a Sunni man? Is requesting woman’s rights regarded as a western novelty and idea? In light of the continuous issuing of Fatwas pertaining to woman’s rehabilitation, literacy, and resolving daily problems of the Arabic citizens. Hence, the question that arises what is the cause of political failure in regard to solving national issues? Do males are the only decision-maker in this area which is filled with subjugation