NCJW, Israel Women’s Network, and 140+ Women’s Organizations Call for Urgent Action – Response to UN Women’s Statement of October 13 – National Council of Jewish Women

Call for Urgent Action – Response of Israel’s Women’s Rights Organizations to UN WOMEN’s Statement of October 13

Introduction

This report is a response to the statement issued by UN WOMEN on 13 October, which fails to address the dire situation of more than 220 innocent hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and the brutal attacks against Israeli civilians. As organizations dedicated to women’s rights, we find it unacceptable that a UN agency responsible for women’s rights would ignore such atrocities.

The Situation

On October 7, Hamas launched an attack against Israel, resulting in the capture and murder of hundreds of innocent civilians. They entered homes, killed entire families, and kidnapped over 220 women, men, infants, children, and elderly individuals. The terrorists also targeted a music festival, where they gunned down and captured many attendees. The hostages, including babies, infants, and children, are being held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. The number of casualties continues to rise, and the extent of the atrocities is still unfolding.

Violence and Abuse

The terrorists documented their actions, capturing footage of their brutal acts. They raped women, physically and sexually abused hostages, and subjected them to inhumane treatment. Some of the victims require urgent medical attention for their injuries and chronic illnesses. Many hostages are separated from their families and are alone in captivity. The situation is deeply distressing, and the full extent of the sexual abuse suffered by the hostages must be thoroughly investigated according to international law.

International Law Violations

The actions of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law. The terrorists’ deliberate targeting of civilians, including women and children, is a violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions. These resolutions emphasize the need for special protection for women, children, and defenseless individuals in conflict situations. The abductions and sexual violence committed by the terrorists are clear violations of these resolutions.

Appeal for Action

We, as women’s rights organizations in Israel and around the world, cannot remain silent in the face of such suffering and the disregard shown by UNWomen. We urge UNWomen and other human rights agencies to condemn the brutal attacks and atrocities committed by Hamas, protect the humanitarian rights of women and children, and take immediate action to secure the release of all hostages.

Conclusion

It is essential that the international community, particularly organizations dedicated to women’s rights, prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their response to such crises. The SDGs aim to promote peace, justice, and equality for all. By addressing the plight of these hostages and holding the perpetrators accountable, we can contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

List of Organizations

1. Israel Women’s Network (IWN)
2. Dvora Institute for Gender and Sustainability
3. Rackman Center, Faculty of Law, Bar-Ilan University
4. The Sophie Davis Forum on Gender, Conflict Resolution and Peace, The Hebrew University
5. SID Israel
6. The Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel
7. Her Academy: A vocational school for women coming out of prostitution and abuse
8. International Women’s Forum (IWF) – Israel Chapter
9. Murder Victims Families Organization
10. NIVCHAROT
11. Female Lawyers Advocating for Change
12. Women’s Spirit- Financial Independence for Women Survivors of Violence
13. Kolech – Religious Women’s Forum
14. Ne’emanei Torah Va’avodah
15. medonna
16. CCW – Counseling Center for Women
17. Women and Bodies
18. Avoda Shava- promoting gender equality in workplaces
19. El HaLev
20. Directors Leading Change
21. Achoti (Sister) for Women in Israel
22. Wepower
23. The Israeli Association of Feminist Studies and Gender Research
24. The Woman’s Courtyard
25. The Israeli Society of Victimology
26. Naamat Israel women’s movement
27. NA’AMAT USA
28. Naamat Porto Alegre
29. Na’amat Brasil
30. Na’amat Canada
31. Na’amat Recife
32. WIPS – Center for the Advancement of Women in the Public Sphere
33. Mavoi Satum – Dead End
34. Forum Michal Sela
35. National Council of Jewish Women
36. FWMK law office
37. Hamiluimiyot
38. Mothers Against Violence
39. The NEHAMA Forum
40. 5050 Partnership for Gender Equality
41. Soroptimist Internacional Israel
42. Gender Studies Program, Ben Gurion University of the Negev
43. Bat Kol – queer Jewish women
44. Task Force on Human Trafficking & Prostitution
45. Women of the Wall
46. The Forum for Law, Gender and Policy
47. DSC
48. Wizo Brazil
49. Kiverstein Institute
50. WIZO Women’s International Zionist Organization
51. Council of Women’s Organizations in Israel
52. Politically Correct
53. MIXER Work & Lounge
54. Turning the Tables – for women exiting prostitution
55. Bonot Alternative
56. impact.51
57. Mothers with Meaning
58. Yazamiyot
59. Woman to Woman – Jerusalem Shelter for Battered Women
60. Yozmot Atid
61. We Cannot Stand Silent (NGO)
62. ProWoman
63. SSVAG – Survivors of Sexual Violence Advocacy Group

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses the brutal attack and atrocities committed by Hamas against women and girls, highlighting the need for protection of women’s rights.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article mentions war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international law committed by Hamas, emphasizing the importance of justice and accountability.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls – The article describes the brutal attacks, rape, sexual abuse, and kidnapping of women and girls by Hamas, highlighting the need to address gender-based violence.
• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere – The article discusses the killing, slaughtering, and abduction of innocent civilians by Hamas, emphasizing the need to reduce violence and protect civilians.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 5.2: Number of women and girls subjected to violence – The article provides specific examples of violence against women and girls, such as rape, sexual abuse, and kidnapping, which can be used as indicators to measure progress in addressing gender-based violence.
• Indicator for Target 16.1: Number of civilian deaths and abductions in conflict zones – The article mentions the killing, slaughtering, and abduction of innocent civilians, including women and children, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress in reducing violence and protecting civilians.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 5: Gender Equality	Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls	Number of women and girls subjected to violence
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions	Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere	Number of civilian deaths and abductions in conflict zones

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Source: ncjw.org

 



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