Experts Urge Rights Committee to Address Occupation, Reparations, and Accountability for Palestinian Women
Palestinian women’s rights are intrinsically linked to their fight for liberation from Israeli occupation, as emphasized during a recent meeting of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. The discussion, held on the sidelines of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters, addressed the challenges posed by discriminatory laws and the urgent need for accountability and reparations for war crimes. Participants, some speaking remotely from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, highlighted the dire situation faced by Palestinian women and girls under occupation.
Challenges Faced by Palestinian Women
The meeting shed light on the multifaceted challenges Palestinian women encounter due to the ongoing Israeli occupation. Amal Syam, Director of the Women Affairs Centre, spoke from the Gaza Strip, describing a landscape devoid of justice. She pointed out that access to justice is hindered by a lack of supportive legislative and social structures, leaving women vulnerable to violence and displacement. Syam highlighted the tragic loss of 33,000 women, including 9,000 mothers, due to the conflict, and criticized international laws for failing to protect these individuals. The dire conditions in overcrowded camps further exacerbate the plight of women, who often bear the brunt of the ongoing violence.
Syam also noted the disarray in legal systems across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where outdated laws fail to address the needs of women in 2026. Despite these obstacles, women’s organizations continue to provide essential services, such as legal consultations and documentation, even amid destruction. The judicial vacuum created by the conflict has led to increased reliance on mediation, emphasizing the need for legal guarantees to ensure justice for victims of Israeli violations.
Calls for Accountability and Reparations
The discussion also focused on the pressing need for accountability and reparations for Palestinian women. Human rights lawyers Sawsan Zaher and Lina Fattom addressed the systemic issues within the Israeli legal framework that perpetuate impunity for violations against Palestinians. Zaher criticized the Israeli legal system for its bias, asserting that it is designed to protect military operations rather than uphold justice for victims. She cited numerous cases where grave violations, including sexual violence and property destruction, have gone unpunished.
Fattom emphasized the importance of reparations as a means to restore justice, highlighting that international law recognizes various forms of restitution, compensation, and rehabilitation. She outlined specific reparations for violations of the right of return and stressed the necessity for gender-sensitive reparations, given the unique challenges faced by women and girls in the context of occupation. The need for third states to facilitate access to justice for Palestinians through international courts was also underscored.
Empowering Palestinian Women for a Resilient Future
Mona Al-Khalil, Minister for Women’s Affairs for the State of Palestine, emphasized the critical role of women in Palestinian society and their resilience amid adversity. She noted that the ongoing Israeli aggression has intensified the challenges faced by women, who now bear increased responsibilities within their families and communities. Al-Khalil highlighted the government’s commitment to economic empowerment as a key element in the recovery of Palestinian society, aiming to increase women’s participation in the labor market significantly by 2030.
The government is also pursuing legal reforms to enhance women’s rights and promote equality, including measures to address domestic violence. Carol Daniel-Kasbari from the Carter Center echoed the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into political initiatives for Gaza’s reconstruction. She stressed that women’s voices must be amplified in shaping the future, as their experiences and needs are often overlooked in the current political landscape.
The Path Forward: International Support and Solidarity
Pendapala Andreas Naanda, Vice-Chair of the Committee, reiterated that Palestinian women’s rights are contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Riyad H. Mansour, the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, expressed gratitude to participants for their solidarity and activism. He emphasized the significance of pursuing legal avenues, such as the International Court of Justice, to address the Palestinian question and hold perpetrators accountable.
Mansour also condemned the denial of visas to Palestinian women leaders, preventing their participation in crucial discussions. The call for third states to fulfill their obligations regarding reparations and support for Palestinian rights was echoed by various delegates, highlighting the need for a collective effort to address the injustices faced by Palestinian women and ensure their voices are heard in the quest for justice and liberation.
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