UN secretary general paints grim picture of Palestinian women plight

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan deplored that "many women were killed or wounded and/or lost their husbands, children or other family members" during the conflict.

On the economic and social front, poverty rates are rising while access to basic services, such as education and health, has been "severely curtailed" for women and girls. "Since the status and living conditions of Palestinian women are linked to the achievement of a peaceful resolution of the conflict, new efforts need to be made by the international community in order to end the violent confrontations in the occupied Palestinian territory," writes the Secretary General.

He stresses the importance of involving women fully in "any conflict-resolution or peace-building initiatives" for the region. "It is also important that efforts be made to increase women's full participation in decision-making processes at all levels." The report also calls for bolstering UN relief activities in the area. "In view of the current crisis," Annan underscores, "it is essential that United Nations entities continue to operate in the occupied territory and the refugee camps and that the focus on the advancement of women, particularly in areas such as education, health, social welfare, human rights, employment and economic empowerment, is strengthened."

In particular, he urges greater support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).