WIDE is a European network of development NGOs, gender specialists and human rights activists monitoring and influencing international economic and development policy and practice from a feminist perspective. We raise awareness on the impacts of European and international policies on women’s lives and on gender relations. WIDE promotes dialogue and cooperation among women worldwide, including with women’s rights activists in Lebanon.

WIDE joins social movements across the world in condemning the current Israeli offensive in Palestine and Lebanon. We condemn the escalating and brutal violence and are concerned that women and children are disproportionately affected by the current situation through displacement, and other forms of violence. We call on the international community and regional bodies to intervene for an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. 

Since the onset of Israeli military aggression against Lebanon, the following tragic facts have been noted:

–         More than 270 women, men and children (overwhelmingly civilians) have lost their lives.

–         There are so far more than 60,000 internally displaced families from South Lebanon and the Southern suburbs of Beirut.

–         Tens of thousands have left the country and many are still fleeing.

–         The preliminary estimated figure for economic losses in Lebanon in less than a week exceeds 3 billion US dollars.

–         There is a significant and widespread destruction of public and economic infrastructure including airports and seaports, bridges, roads, electrical powerhouses, factories and other.

WIDE does not believe any real, long-lasting solution can arise from this military aggression and we strongly urge all parties to bring about an immediate end to the hostilities. We insist that all parties protect civilians – Lebanese, Palestinian and Israeli – in accordance with international law.

WIDE expresses concern that most European governments have remained silent and passive vis-à-vis these tragic events. WIDE is outraged that the UN Security Council debate on Lebanon ended last Friday with no action on Beirut's demand for an end to Israeli air strikes. The European and international community have clear commitments to secure human rights including the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment; these rights should be guaranteed immediately.

As women living in Europe, we demand….

–         An immediate ceasefire and call upon the UN to assume its responsibilities for protecting peace and stability. 

–         A stop to all military actions.

–         An immediate end to the policy of collective punishment of civilians.

–         The immediate lifting of the blockade and end of targeting of transportation links and public infrastructure that is leading to displacement of the population and accentuating the worse humanitarian crisis in the region.

–         The international community assists all people affected by the conflict in Lebanon, Israel and Palestine, with a special focus on women and children.

WIDE – Network Women in Development Europe, 20 July 2006