Statement by Dr. Saeb Erekat, Secretary General of the PLO, on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

The joining of Palestine of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is one of the most important Palestinian achievements, responding to the historic struggle of the Palestinian women's movement and human rights organizations to uphold  human rights and particularly women rights in Palestine. Women are full partners in all aspects of Palestinian life, including in the struggle for freedom and independence.   

To ensure equality for all Palestinians regardless of gender is not a heresy but a legal, human and moral duty consistent with the values of the Palestinian national movement, the Declaration of Independence, our basic law and in accordance with international law and standards. The Palestinian people who struggle to fulfill their inalienable right to self-determination and freedom cannot deny Palestinian women their right to freedom and  dignity.

Palestine remains proud of its national and societal identity. It will strive to ensure social justice to all its children . We shall continue to be distinguished by our cultural and human heritage expressing our values of tolerance, rejection of extremism and exclusion,, protecting the history, present and future all Palestinian women and men.