New Zealanders stand in solidarity with the women of Syria
International Women’s Day: New Zealanders
stand in solidarity with the women of
Syria
Today marks International Women’s
Day, and across the country we are asking New Zealanders to
take a stand with the women of Syria.
“The Syrian
conflict has taken a brutal toll on women and girls, both
within and outside the country. Women are bearing the brunt
of the pointless bloodshed which has been going on for
nearly five years,” said Meg de Ronde, Campaigns Director
at Amnesty International in New Zealand.
We, the
undersigned organisations, note with great concern that the
Syrian government and several armed groups are committing
horrific abuses against women and girls in a climate of
total impunity. Within Syria, women face rape and sexual
assault, arbitrary detention, torture, enforced
disappearance, the denial of life-saving aid and the
destruction of their homes, hospitals and schools. Those who
have fled the country, for example to neighbouring Lebanon,
experience discrimination, exploitation and sexual
harassment in their everyday lives.
While the women
of Syria face intense pressure, we wish to highlight that
they persist as political activists, aid workers, teachers
and caregivers. Women-led organisations are active on the
ground across the country and in refugee camps, undertaking
crucial work for civilians affected by the conflict. Despite
extraordinary loss and constant abuse, they stay strong and
resilient.
“This International Women’s Day, it
is time to demand safety and dignity for the women of Syria,
and urge our government to up its game in support of
them,” said Meg de Ronde.
“New Zealand has
recently adopted a National Action Plan on Women,
Peace and Security. This plan is a crucial tool to
advance women’s rights relative to issues of international
peace and security. It should serve as an impetus to
redouble our support for the women of Syria.”
Firstly, we call on the New Zealand government to
increase resettlement and other pathways of admission for
Syrian women and girls at risk of violence, abuse and
exploitation.
Secondly, we urge New Zealand to
boost its financial assistance to overwhelmed refugee host
countries, including Lebanon. Parts of the additional
funding must be specifically targeted towards the protection
of women and girls at risk, and aim to meet their immediate
medical, psycho-social, and economic
needs.
Thirdly, New Zealand must use its role on
the UN Security Council to press for women’s active
participation in determining Syria’s future. UN-led peace
negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition
leaders are expected to resume on 9 March, yet women’s
meaningful participation is not
guaranteed.
“Women are crucial actors for change,
and empirical evidence shows that peace is more likely to
prevail and hold if women are fully involved in building
it,” said Meg de Ronde.
“Currently it looks as
if only the men with guns will be represented at Syria’s
next round of peace talks. It is time that women’s voices
are heard, and we need countries like New Zealand to exert
pressure to ensure their meaningful participation in peace
negotiations.”
Signatories:
Amnesty
International
National Council of Women of New Zealand
Women in International Security
World Vision New Zealand
Council for International Development
ENDS/