UN: Algeria Calls for Action to Protect Most Vulnerable in Gaza, Lebanon
On Thursday in New York, Algeria urged the international community to take decisive action to protect the most vulnerable individuals in Gaza, particularly women. The country reiterated its demand for an “immediate” and “permanent” ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and in Lebanon, which is currently facing unprecedented aggression.
“I lack the words to describe the daily atrocities and horrors endured by Palestinians, especially women… We reaffirm our call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon to ensure that all civilians, particularly the most vulnerable—namely women—are protected under international humanitarian law,” stated Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a Security Council meeting.
“The international community must act to safeguard women and children affected by armed conflicts,” he emphasized during remarks made at a public debate organized by the Security Council on the theme “Women, Peace, and Security.”
“In Gaza, (Zionist) aggression has inflicted particularly cruel suffering on women, accompanied by blatant violations of their rights as women and human beings. Among the 42,000 Palestinians who have lost their lives in Gaza, 14,000 are children, and over 10,000 are women,” he lamented.
Bendjama also discussed several measures that need to be implemented to enhance the protection of women in conflict situations while enabling them to play an effective role in conflict resolution. He advocated for the adoption of measures by the international community aimed at strengthening accountability and imposing sanctions against those who violate international humanitarian law and the rights of women in conflict zones.
He underscored the importance of adopting “a cooperative approach involving all relevant actors, including the UN, regional organizations, and civil society, to enhance the role of women in peace and security through partnerships and cooperation.”
“Promoting gender equality policies and developing comprehensive national programs that empower and protect women, particularly in the digital age and during armed conflicts,” were among the key points raised by Algeria’s representative to the UN.
Finally, Ambassador Bendjama highlighted Algeria’s efforts to strengthen the role of women and support peacebuilders at both the regional and international levels.
