Issued 23 April 2024
Our thoughts are with all of those who have endured violence and the death of loved ones during this harrowing conflict. We are encouraged by the positive development of the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, the release of hostages to date, and the call for the release of hostages still being held. Equality Now stands in solidarity with those advocating for a bi-lateral ceasefire. This is of paramount importance, and women must play a pivotal role in steering the process towards this goal and rebuilding peace.
We stand for the recognition and protection of women and girls’ human rights in accordance with international law. We stand in support of the ICJ rulings and the Security Council Resolution calling for immediate humanitarian assistance to and protection of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The rise in starvation, maternal deaths, miscarriages, lack of medical care and premature births among women in Gaza paints a grim picture for future generations.
As an organization dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the human rights of all women and girls, we denounce all forms of violence. As reports of grave sexual violence such as rape and sexual torture in both Israel and Palestine have been shared by UN expert bodies, we uphold that sexual violence against women and girls, particularly as a weapon of war, is a grave violation of human rights. It is essential to ensure that accountability and justice prevail for those who have been impacted by these atrocities and that the international community does all that it can to ensure our global commitments to treat each other with equality and respect are sustained as core values of humanity.
Equality Now will continue to work with and support women in the region to highlight abuses in international human rights forums as a route to holding perpetrators, regardless of their affiliation, to account for violations of law and ensure that victims and their families are entitled to full redress and justice.
Issued 11th December 2023
Our thoughts are with all of those who have endured pain and loss during this harrowing time. We applaud the positive development of the release of hostages to date, and call for the release of those still being held. Equality Now stands in solidarity with those advocating for a bi-lateral ceasefire. This is of paramount importance, and women must play a pivotal role in steering the process towards this goal.
As an organization dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the human rights of all women and girls, we denounce all forms of violence. Since the beginning of this conflict we have condemned all acts of gender based and sexual violence against women and girls, particularly as a weapon of war, and we have highlighted this as a grave violation of human rights.
Our work is anchored in the principles of international human rights law. We, therefore, advocate for thorough due diligence and investigation into all allegations of human rights violations or breaches of international law. This is essential to ensure that justice prevails for those who have been impacted by these atrocities and that the international community does all that it can to ensure our global commitments to treat each other with equality and respect are sustained as core values of humanity.
Equality Now will continue to work with and support women in the region to highlight abuses in international human rights forums as a route to holding perpetrators, regardless of their affiliation, to account for violations of international humanitarian law.
We remain steadfast in our unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and eradicating violence against all women and girls. We will continue to harness our expertise and position to steadfastly protect and promote their rights.
Issued 6th December 2023
As an organization dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the human rights of all women and girls, we denounce any form of violence. Since the beginning of this conflict we have condemned the use of sexual violence against women and girls, particularly as a weapon of war, and we have highlighted this as a grave violation of human rights.
We condemn the incidences of sexual violence committed against Israeli women and girls on October 7th.
Equality Now will continue to support women in the region to highlight abuses in international human rights forums as a route to holding perpetrators, regardless of their affiliation, to account for violations of international humanitarian law. We also call for all survivors of sexual violence to receive access to justice and comprehensive support.
Issued 30th October 2023
Equality Now acknowledges the immense pain and suffering experienced by all people throughout the current crisis. We do not condone violence in any form and send our condolences to all who have suffered harm and lost loved ones.
As an organization that supports the rights of women and girls, we work on how the law can contribute to ending discrimination and violence, for all. As we have done in times of conflict, we will identify violations of international and humanitarian law, drawing attention to the specific impact on all women and children, and provide analysis, insights and recommendations for action to governments and international human rights bodies to hold perpetrators of violence to account.
We underscore the importance and urgency of a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law. We strongly recommend that women must be substantively and meaningfully included at the center of these discussions.
Issued 9th October 2023
As we witness the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we condemn any use of sexual and gender based violence as a weapon of war, which is a grave violation of international human rights. All perpetrators must be held to account within the context of the rule of law.
The specific needs and vulnerabilities of women and children on all sides should be prioritized.
We highlight the importance of working towards lasting and sustainable peace through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East peace process in accordance with international law, with women involved at every stage.