November 29, 2021
Cited article by Al Jazeera
HRRC's Response:
On November 22nd, Sabreen Yasser Khweira was allegedly killed by her husband. Her husband had also attacked his 75-year-old mother, who is injured but now stable. It was reported that Khweira had filed for divorce several months prior. Before filing, she had been afraid about the stigma of divorce, and had been staying in the marriage for the sake of her four children.
This killing takes place amid the Global 16 Days Campaign to raise awareness and end femicide and domestic violence. This is the 26th case of femicide in Palestine in 2021 and has spurred additional protests and calls for domestic abuse protection laws to be put into place, which thus far do not exist in Palestine. A draft law has been stalled since 2016, however it was written over 10 years ago. Amid the pandemic, domestic abuse cases are rising and the need for legal protections for domestic abuse victims is increasingly important.
HRRC condemns domestic abuse and all gender-based violence, and further encourages the implementation of laws and policies that deter perpetrators and protect victims. Additionally, social programs that provide shelter, care, and support are essential for those who are afraid of leaving their partner or lack a place to go with their children.
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