Women main victims of current crisis in Middle East: UN envoy

Addressing the May 16 Security Council Open Debate on Women and Peace and Security: Sexual Violence in Conflict, Khoshroo said that the spread of violent extremism, inspired by takfiri ideology, that has no respect for women, threatens in an unprecedented way the lives and rights of women and girls.

The full text of his address follows:

Women are a key resource for promoting peace and stability. Security Council Resolution 1325 on “women, peace and security” is focusing on the specific impact of armed conflict on women, the positive role they can play in conflict prevention and strengthening peace and security in local, regional and international levels.

Mr. President,

Unfortunately, current crisis, especially in the Middle East, has taken abhorrent forms and constitutes unprecedented challenges to the stability in our region. Women are among the main victims, grappling with the scourge of violent extremism and terrorism. The spread of violent extremism, inspired by takfiri ideology, that has no respect for women, threatens in an unprecedented way the lives and rights of women and girls. They have suffered the most and been targeted for systematic sexual exploitation and slavery, rape and other forms of sexual violence by extremists and terrorist groups.

Iran strongly condemns the barbaric acts of the terrorist and violent extremist groups such as Daesh and its offshoots, Boko Haram, as well as indiscriminate attacks against civilians, including women and children.

In an environment filled with hate, intimidation, xenophobic attitudes, racial profiling and discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, country of origin, language, women easily fall victim to sexual violence and abuse. Thus their opportunities for academic, economic, political and social progress are gravely curtailed by these intimidating mindsets and situations.

In some regions, particularly the Middle East, destructive factors such as foreign intervention, military invasion as well as foreign occupation have contributed considerably to the collapse of families. As a result, women and children are bearing the brunt of the menaces that not only destroy their present but expose them to long-lasting miseries. That would remain for generations. Under such circumstances, there will be little room for women’s empowerment and development.

The impact of sanctions on gender-responsive policies and budgeting within respective countries is also another significant aspect. Sanctions as a form of collective punishment flagrantly and indiscriminately violate basic human rights of all citizens particularly women and others in vulnerable situations.

The systematic violations of the legitimate human rights of the Palestinian people, including Palestinian women, under brutal occupation of the Israeli regime and illegal blockade on the Gaza Strip constitute massive deprivation of the Palestinian civilians and women of their rights.

It is also very unfortunate that women and girls are also fallen disproportionately victims to airstrikes in Yemen. As confirmed reports indicate, the unjustified invasion of Yemen by Saudi-led coalition has led to the death of more than 10,000 people and the injury of more than 17,000 civilians, including at least 1,677 women and 2,260 children.

Mr. President,

In closing, let me, Mr. President, stress that my Delegation believes that organizing such a debate in this Council should not undermine the work of the most relevant bodies for consideration of women related issues in the United Nations system namely CSW, ECOSOC as well as the General Assembly.

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