At the Kelowna Peace Group peace rally November 5th, 2023, at city hall, followed by a march to join the University students organized rally in downtown Kelowna.
Article written by Hannah Hadikin (VOW Co-Chair)
Every woman has the right to the protection of all human rights. Human rights were enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—a treaty adopted in 1966 by the UN General Assembly. Every single aspect of Palestinian women’s human rights have been violated under the brunt of Israel’s genocidal onslaught in Gaza. The United Nations estimates that women and children make up 70% of those killed. The majority of human rights embodied in international human rights conventions and instruments have been totally violated with regards to women’s rights. Included are reproductive and personal bodily integrity. Women in Palestine have been forced to give birth in, ”…inhumane, degrading and dangerous conditions.” With Israeli bombing having destroyed the majority of hospitals and medical clinics, expectant mothers have no facilities for safe birthing. The majority of women and girls have very limited access to hygiene products. UNFPA has estimated there are 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, with 15% expected to encounter complications giving birth. Many of the women will be forced to deliver their babies in vehicles, in the street, in overcrowded shelters, with higher risks of infections. Levels of early labor and miscarriages are expected to increase with the trauma and conditions being faced. Several intergovernmental bodies, NGO’s, and civil society members work with national government to implement policies for the protection of women’s human rights. The indiscriminate bombing is a Human Right to Life violation. “The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) established the Commission on the Status of Women, a policymaking body composed of forty-five UN Member States. Each year, the Commission produces agreed conclusions on priority themes, which include concrete recommendations to be implemented by governments, intergovernmental bodies and all other relevant stakeholders.” The Canadian Voice of Women for Peace have ECOSOC status, and have been actively participating in the CSW conferences for many decades.
Women’s human rights have been violated under all of the Conventions, including:
- The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW);
- the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
- Convention on the Rights of the Child;
- Geneva Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
The Fourth Geneva Convention The Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of August 12, 1949 Civilians in areas of armed conflict and occupied territories are protected by the 159 articles of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Specific provisions include: Arts. 13, 32 Civilians are to be protected from murder, torture or brutality, and from discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, religion or political opinion. Art. 14 Hospital and safety zones may be established for the wounded, sick, and aged, children under 15, expectant mothers and mothers of children under seven. Art. 18 Civilian hospitals and their staff are to be protected. Arts. 24, 25 This Convention provides for the care of children who are orphaned or separated from their families. The ICRC’s Central Tracing and Protection Agency is also authorized to transmit family news and assist with family reunifications, with the help of Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies.
Additional Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions also prohibits, “…outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, rape, enforced prostitution and any form of indecent assault.” Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 were adopted by all nations in the world. Further Protocols and Agreements were added in subsequent years with specific rules, humanitarian principles, and the rights to impose legal sanctions against those who violate them.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) works to promote women’s rights and equality through its partnerships with governments, other agencies, and civil society. The UNFPA’s diverse efforts include support of national legislation, and the protection of women’s rights during conflict.
The CEDAW Committee identified States parties’ obligations to address gender discrimination that arises in conflict situations, and recognized that women’s rights are protected by both international humanitarian law and international human rights law. CEDAW Committee, General Recommendation No. 30 on women in conflict prevention, conflict and post-conflict situations, UN Doc. CEDAW/C/GC/30, 2013, paras. 6, 19, 21.
STOP THE ATTACKS AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN! RISE FOR FREEDOM FROM VIOLENCE AND WARS OF AGGRESSION!
Call to Action: Sign on Statement
Read the article below to learn more:
With the forced closure of hospitals, midwives are a lifeline for pregnant women in Gaza | IPPF