Safety and Security – In Burj al-Barajneh Camp

7/12/2023

Burj al-Barajneh: On the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Women and Girls Protection Network organised an interactive seminar and open discussion under the title “Safety and Security for Women, Girls, and Children of Gaza to Implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325.” The event was attended by local institutions, NGOs, women’s committees, and activists from the community.

Ms. Fatima Al-Ashwah, coordinator of the Association Najdeh  Women’s and Girls’ Rights Programme in Burj al-Barajneh, welcomed the attendees and emphasised the important role of women in society and the workforce. She delivered a statement on behalf of the network:

“While the global women’s movement commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women from 25 November to 10 December, we witness the ongoing complicity of most Western countries and the division within international institutions regarding the massacres, genocide, and ethnic cleansing faced by women, girls, children, and the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. The prevalence of double standards and the contradictory handling of human rights, women’s rights, and international conventions related to these rights are evident. This is not only in the context of Palestinian women’s right to life but also the right of the entire Palestinian population to exist. It seems the right to life and protection from genocide has become a subject of debate and interpretation, marked by double standards.”

Lawyer Ghada Nicola from the Lebanese Democratic Women’s Gathering discussed international conventions related to rights and UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Dr. Aziza Al-Khalidi, an advisor on gender issues, highlighted the national milestones in the history of refugees and Palestinian women, shedding light on the “catastrophic” conditions experienced by women during the war on Gaza.

There were several contributions and discussions on the importance of developing a plan to implement women’s rights at political and public levels and to address challenges. The event also included national, heritage, and folkloric activities.

#16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderViolence #SafetyAndSecurity #16Days #NoExcuse #StandTogether #StopGenocideAgainstWomenGirlsAndChildrenInGaza