The UN expert working to end rape during wartime remains gravely
concerned for the safety and well-being of hostages still being
held by Hamas militants, especially the 15 women
captives, 75 days after the extremist group’s brutal
incursion into southern Israel.
Pramila Patten, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on
Sexual Violence in Conflict, called for the immediate, safe, and
unconditional release of all those who remain in captivity.
Ms. Patten met this week with the mother of one of the young
women taken hostage who expressed the pain, despair and
helplessness that families are facing as they wait for the return
of their loved ones.
Sexual violence risk
“The toll of this war on innocent civilians, on both
sides, is too high and must end. We know that in
circumstances of abduction or detention, women especially are at
a heightened risk of different forms of violence, including
sexual violence,” she said.
"Therefore, I call upon Hamas to release the remaining hostages,
especially the 15 women, immediately and unconditionally. I urge
States, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders, and
women’s rights organizations to join me in that demand.”
Ms. Patten recalled that all forms of sexual violence and the
taking of hostages are strictly prohibited under international
humanitarian and human rights law.
Investigate alleged incidents
All horrific reports of sexual violence allegedly committed by
Hamas on 7 October must be promptly and rigorously investigated,
she said, underlining the UN’s readiness to
independently investigate any such violations.
She said a wide range of stakeholders in Israel, including first
responders and forensic experts, have already begun documenting
acts of sexual violence which will serve as an important basis
for both investigations and judicial accountability in the
future.
“Pending any such investigation, we cannot wait to raise
the alarm, and to declare unequivocally that sexual violence
should never, under any circumstances, be used as a tactic of war
or terror. The failure to acknowledge and investigate such crimes
is the surest sign that violations will continue unabated,” she
added.
Support for ceasefire
Ms. Patten reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for an
immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and further appeals for
urgent humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians there,
in line with international humanitarian and human rights law.
Separately, two organizations working to ensure children continue
to learn even during conflict have supported the call for a
humanitarian ceasefire to preserve lives and safeguard the future
and education of the Palestinian people.
© UNFPA Palestine/Bisan Ouda
UNRWA schools are now serving as shelters and places where people
can get medical care.
Action on education
Education Cannot Wait, the UN fund for education in emergencies
and protracted crises, and the Education Above All Foundation,
urged immediate action on Gaza.
“We welcome the ongoing efforts in securing a United
Nations Security
Council Resolution and stress the need to protect both
civilians and civilian infrastructure; principally students,
teachers and educational personnel, schools, universities and
vocational and training centres,” they said in a joint statement.
They noted that the ongoing war has killed many civilians and
demolished and partially destroyed educational and
training/vocational centres.
No safe place for children
More than 625,000 students and 22,000 teachers have been affected
by school closures and attacks on schools, universities and
education facilities for two months, resulting in a total
disruption of education which will have long-lasting effects on
children in Gaza.
Additionally, more than 8,000 children have been killed as of 18
December, “evidencing the absence of any safe place for children
in Gaza,” they added.
The partners jointly called for protecting all children from the
effects of the war through essential and immediate medical,
psycho-social and emotional rehabilitation and support.
They also highlighted their commitment to working to ensure that
the survivors, including vulnerable children and children with
disabilities, have access to safe and equitable education.
Supporting education under fire
Education Cannot Wait is a global billion-dollar fund that
supports “holistic learning outcomes” for refugee, internally
displaced and crisis-affected children.
Education Above All Foundation works towards ensuring inclusive
and equitable quality education for vulnerable and marginalized
people, especially in the developing world and in conflicts.
It was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the
former First Lady of the State of Qatar, who is a long-time
advocate for education.
