UAE ambassador highlights issues of displaced women in conflict zones

In a statement to the United Nations Security Council, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh spoke of the challenges in aiding and protecting women.

Lana Nusseibeh, centre, the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN, confirms the country’s commitment to tackling violent extremism and strengthening the role of women. Wam

The UAE has called for more action in tackling the hardships of displaced women and girls, saying that would allow them to play a stronger role in achieving international peace and security.

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN in New York, told the Security Council of the dangers facing displaced women, and the increase in violence against them.

Ms Nusseibeh spoke of the challenges in implementing the four pillars of the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda: participation, prevention, protection, and relief and recovery.

She said the UAE had built a refugee camp in Jordan, Mrajeeb Al Fahood, to protect women from violence. “The family-focused nature of the camp has helped to protect women from harassment, extramarital violence and exploitation, and has served to reduce overall levels of violence towards women and children within the camp,” Ms Nusseibeh said.

She said the rise of violent extremism led to an increase in violence against women and children. Such acts are “unacceptable to the UAE and all responsible member states”.

She said women were not victims, but agents of change.

In a forum to discuss humanitarian action rooted in Islam and law in Dubai, Shaima Al Zarooni, chief executive of the International Humanitarian City, said participants could increase women’s awareness of their power to force change. Ms Al Zarooni said the forum explored ways for better compliance with international humanitarian law in relation to Islamic law.

The participants discussed protecting the people in conflict, as well as the methods of warfare. They also discussed the dangers for health and caring professionals who operate in conflict zones.

Mario Stephan, of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said the forum was an opportunity to explore common ground between international law and the provisions of Islam in light of conflict.

The forum was organised by the International Committee for the Red Cross and the Norwegian Refugee Council.