Ref: 13/2013

Today, 10 March 2013, the Palestinian Center
for Human Rights’ (PCHR) Women’s Rights Unit and the Office of High
Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) organized a panel discussion titled
“Women’s Right to Life” in cooperation with the United Nations
International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Entity
for Women.  This activity was held on the
occasion of the International Women’s Day which falls on 08 March.

The penal discussion was opened by lawyer Raji
Sourani, Director of PCHR, Mr. Saul Takahashi, Deputy Head of OHCHR-oPt, Mr.
Diane Araki, Chief of Gaza Field Office of UNICEF-oPt, and Heba al-Zayyan,
Coordinator of the UN entity for Women.

Sourani stressed that women’s rights are one of
the prominent issues addressed by PCHR as part of its strategy and agenda.  He highlighted the need to support women’s
rights continuously not occasionally.

Takahashi pointed out that discussion on the
concepts of human rights is still ongoing, highlighting the importance to apply
the minimal standards of the international human rights instruments, including
those related to women’s rights.

Araki explained that violence is a learnt
behavior in communities. She underscored the women’s right to life whether in
childhood, youth or old age.

Al-Zayan explained that the elimination of all
forms of violence against women is part and parcel of the women’s rights.  She mentioned the main factors that
contribute to the prevalence of violence against women in the Palestinian
society. Of the factors she mentioned are: the Palestinian split, the Israeli
occupation and practices and misunderstanding of the Islamic teachings.

Three main working papers were presented in the
panel discussion. The first was presented by Mr. Saber al-Nerab, Human Rights
Officer in OHCHR-Gaza, who talked about “Women’s Right to Life under
International Laws and Conventions.” 
He displayed the human rights conventions that were drafted to protect
the most vulnerable groups in societies. 
Among those rights is women’s right to life according to the
international standards and conventions.

Mr. Samir Hassaniya, a lawyer in PCHR’s Women’s
Rights Unit, presented a paper titled “Women’s Right to Life under
Palestinian Laws: Between Theory and Practice.” He stressed the right to
life is not isolated from other rights, but it is the foundation on which other
rights are established.  Mr. Hassaniya
added that if women’s right to life is ensured, it will be insignificant in
case she does not enjoy her other rights. 
Moreover, he tackled the situation of women under laws, including Family
Law, Labor Law and Penal Code.

Judge Sa’eed Abu al-Jabeen, member of the
Supreme Shari’a Court, presented the third paper on “Women’s Right
to Life and Personal Security under the Islamic Shari’a.”  He explained that there is no discrimination
between men and women; both of them equally enjoy the same inalienable
rights.  Abu al-Jabaeen also said that
women enjoy their status and political and economic role since ever and
forever.  He drew attention that the
Islam is fair with women issues and prohibits addressing her indecently.

The panel discussion was concluded by a number
of recommendations, including:

1. Promoting
and developing activities to raise women’s awareness of their rights;

2. Introducing
women’s defense organizations and centers to women;

3. Organizing
literacy courses;

4. Promote
cooperation and partnership between international organizations and the civil
society in order to put an end to violence against women; and

5. Encouraging
official bodies to prosecute the perpetrators on the grounds of “Family
honor” and to apply the maximum penalty to them.