NEW YORK – On the occasion of International Women’s Day, World Jewish Congress Commissioner on Gender Equality and Inclusion Marie van der Zyl OBE issued the following statement:
“On this International Women’s Day, dedicated to celebrating the achievements and rights of women around the globe, the World Jewish Congress reiterates our emphatic call for the international community to condemn the heinous premeditated acts of sexual violence on October 7.
“As WJC President Ronald S. Lauder noted earlier this week, Pramila Patten, the UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict, has finally confirmed what we have been broadcasting to the world since Hamas’ barbaric October 7 attack on Israel: That Hamas has used sexual assault, including rape and gang rape, against both adults and children as a tactic of terror.
“Today, as we commemorate the empowerment and resilience of women globally, we remain steadfast in addressing grave injustices that violate the fundamental human rights of Israeli women. We also stress the urgent need for the unequivocal condemnation of and swift action against the perpetrators of these reprehensible acts of violence. Violence against women is a crime against individuals and an assault on the principles of equality, justice and dignity that underpin every aspect of our collective existence. World leaders must decry the systematic sexual violence of October 7 and the use of rape as a tool of war wherever and whenever it occurs.
“We fear that hostages still held by Hamas may subjected to ongoing sexual abuse. The international community must hold the perpetrators to account, while demanding the immediate, unconditional and safe return of all hostages to their families.
“We further urge governments, civil society organizations and communities to prioritize efforts to prevent violence against women and girls through education, awareness-raising, legal reforms and the provision of comprehensive support services.”
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