In Conversation with Dr. Hanan Ashrawi: UN Palestinian Rights Committee event 17 March 2017

The United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People hosted Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Member of the Executive Committee of the PLO, for an interactive briefing on the margins of the 61st. Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The briefing was moderated by Prof. Anne-Marie Goetz from NYU’s Center for Global Affairs and took place on 17 March 2017 in the Trusteeship Council Chamber of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. More information: https://www.un.org/unispal/in-convers... Subscribe to the UNISPAL mailing list https://app.mdirector.com/render-subs... 00:00:08 - Introduction by the session's chair, highlighting the agenda and the importance of the event. 00:03:22 - Dr. Hanan Ashrawi is introduced, with a background on her role and significance in the Palestinian political and social landscape. 00:07:50 - Dr. Ashrawi discusses the impact of the Israeli occupation and the international responses to the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the legal and humanitarian dimensions. 00:12:05 - Dr. Ashrawi explains the challenges of the peace process and the asymmetry of power between Israel and Palestine. 00:15:30 - Discussion on the role of women in the peace process and the broader implications of the conflict on regional stability. 00:18:14 - Dr. Ashrawi discusses the issue of Israel wanting to act with impunity and the challenge this presents for the UN to implement its own mandates without appearing biased. 00:22:50 - Discussion about the internal Palestinian political division, and the regional and international influences on this rift. 00:27:15 - Dr. Ashrawi explains the challenges in revitalizing and legitimizing the Palestinian political system. 00:30:00 - Reflections on the Arab Spring and its impacts on the region, discussing how these changes affect the Palestinian position and broader Arab nationalism. 00:34:00 - Discussion on the future of the two-state solution, with Dr. Ashrawi expressing concerns about regional divisions being exploited at the expense of Palestinian interests. 00:36:00 - Dr. Ashrawi discusses her election to the PLO executive committee, emphasizing the support she received from women, which was a significant moment demonstrating women's solidarity and influence in politics. 00:39:45 - Discussion on international efforts and coalitions for peace, particularly highlighting the role and contributions of women in these efforts. 00:44:00 - Dr. Ashrawi comments on the dynamics within Israel and the impact of domestic policies on peace efforts, reflecting on the historical context of Israeli-Palestinian relations and international responses. 00:48:30 - Analysis of the broader regional impacts of the Arab Spring and its aftermath, discussing how these events have reshaped the geopolitical landscape and affected Palestinian political strategies. 00:52:00 - A profound reflection on the challenges of normalization in peace talks, where Dr. Ashrawi criticizes efforts that appear to normalize the unequal power dynamics between Israelis and Palestinians. 00:54:02 - Dr. Ashrawi discusses the role of women in the Madrid and Washington peace talks, highlighting the unique contribution of the Palestinian delegation which included women, and emphasizing the broader need for gender equality in peace processes. 01:12:30 - Dr. Ashrawi addresses the United Nations' role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She emphasizes the need for the international community to uphold resolutions and actively work towards peace and justice, rather than allowing these goals to be undermined by political or financial pressures.