UN adopts by consensus first Israeli resolution on human rights

NEW YORK -  The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women adopted by consensus on Friday its first Israeli-sponsored resolution, a major achievement for Israel at the UN.The text, focused on curbing sexual harassment in the workplace, is the first new one proposed by Israel at the UN in five years. Out of all resolutions ever sponsored by Israel at the international body this is also the first dealing with a human rights issue.According to the Israeli mission at the UN, the adoption of the resolution came after “weeks of intensive diplomatic engagement” with members of the Commission and encourages UN member-states to adopt a number of steps aimed at combating sexual harassment at work. It also calls on the Secretary General to issue a comprehensive report on the topic.After the vote, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said this is a “noteworthy achievement and an additional step towards the realization of Israel as a significant player at the UN.”"Israel is proud to promote this important cause as we strive to put an end to this unacceptable scourge,” he continued. “The struggle against sexual harassment, and the successful promotion of women in the workplace, are of utmost importance and deserve suitable attention at the UN.”The CSW is comprised of forty-five member-states who are eligible to vote on resolutions including Iran and Qatar, hostile to Israel at the UN. Sixteen countries had signed on to support the resolution even before it was brought to a vote, including the United State, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Greece and Colombia.Following the decision, the Iranian representative at the international body accused Israel of "apartheid".Israeli diplomat and Human Rights Counselor charged with advancing the resolution Nelly Shiloh thanked member-states for their support and pointed out Israel is “proud to fight for human rights and against sexual harassment from the UN."