Women’s Rights Activists Protests Outside UN Headquarters
Earlier this week, a crowd of several hundred women gathered near the United Nations headquarters in New York City to protest the alleged inadequate response of the U.N. to sexual-based violence war crimes by Hamas. Many of the protesters held Israeli flags and posters with slogans like “Rapists Are Not Freedom Fighters” and “Me too, unless you are a Jew.”
The protest was organized ahead of a presentation to be held inside the U.N. focused on the sexual-based violence war crimes by Hamas during its attack on Israel in October. The organizers, including Israel’s delegation to the U.N. and several Jewish groups, contended that the U.N. and women’s rights organizations have not adequately criticized Hamas and its allies for committing sexual violence during the attack.
The activists accused the U.N. of remaining silent and not initiating a special session to address the war crimes despite numerous testimonies and experiences involving women and girls. They also directed their frustration towards U.N. Women for their response to the Israeli strikes in Gaza and the reported displacement of Palestinian girls and women.
The protest featured speeches by notable figures such as Rabbi Joanna Samuels and Sheryl Sandberg, along with a video message from Hillary Clinton. It was a powerful display of discontent and frustration with the lack of action and attention to the alleged sexual violence committed during the conflict.
The protesters vowed to continue their efforts and demand accountability from the U.N. and other organizations in addressing the sexual-based violence war crimes perpetrated by Hamas. The event highlighted a growing movement of women who refuse to remain silent and demand justice for survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones.