Gaza Strip - UNFPA with the support of the Culture and Free Thought Association (CFTA) launched the State of World Population Report 2010 in the presence of more than 300 representatives of international and local civil society organizations.
Osama Abu Eita, Gaza Sub-office Coordinator, opened the launch event by welcoming the panel presenters and participants. This year’s report explores the impact of conflict and protracted humanitarian crisis on women and girls, men and boys. Mr. Abu Eita emphasized the importance of this year’s report as it comes on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Moreover, the report has one chapter about Palestine.
Ms. Barbara Piazza-Georgi, UNFPA Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, said that this year’s report discusses issues on women, peace and security through personal experiences of women, men and elderly people who were able to overcome the challenges they face in order to create an atmosphere where they can live with their families and societies. She added that the report’s release coincides with the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by women in peace building initiatives.
Ms. Cristina Blunt, Head of UNOCHA in Gaza, thanked UNFPA for organizing this launch and for publishing such an important and comprehensive report. “What is very striking in the report is the humanitarian impact of conflict and, in Gaza, the differential impact of the blockade and conflict on women and girls who often suffer disproportionately and where often their particular needs and concerns are not adequately addressed”, Ms. Blunt added.
The launch closed with the reciting of a poem and a Dabka performance, presented by a group of children from Gaza.
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