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Oman salutes Palestinian women’s resilience

13 Mar 2024 Oman salutes Palestinian women’s resilience

Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman has reiterated its commitment to supporting women’s roles, both socially and economically, and to bolstering their involvement in decision-making positions.

This affirmation came during its participation in the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The session, under the theme “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”, is currently underway in New York, USA, and will conclude on March 22.

Led by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, the Omani delegation highlighted the nation’s dedication to enhancing gender equality. Additionally, Oman paid homage to the resilience of Palestinian women amidst ongoing occupation for over 75 years, echoing the sentiments expressed by the Arab Regional Preparatory Meeting at the session.

In her address, H E Dr Laila emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the cessation of forced displacement, and the importance of unhindered humanitarian aid.

She called on the Israeli forces to adhere to United Nations resolutions and decisions by the International Court of Justice to prevent genocide and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The minister expressed grave concerns over campaigns against the World Health Organization and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which have led to a suspension of financial contributions by some countries. This, she warned, threatens the dissolution of the refugee issue and the destruction of infrastructure within the camps.

H E Dr Laila also urged for an end to Israeli military aggression in southern Lebanon and the occupied Golan, highlighting the devastating impact on civilian populations, including women, children, and journalists. She condemned all forms of violence against women and girls in conflict zones, labeling it a crime against humanity that demands international intervention to cease.

Furthermore, she underscored the efforts of Arab nations towards securing a dignified life for women and girls, aiming to close the gender income gap through strategic plans to combat poverty and empower women economically. Achieving gender equality in financial policies, she noted, is pivotal for addressing broader development challenges, including poverty alleviation, food security, and social protection.

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