that information was being solicited from Governments. She invited the Commission to express its views concerning the situation of migrant women, which would be taken into account in preparing the oral reports to the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly. She highlighted the main issues discussed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at its twelfth session, including the alleged violations inflicted upon women in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Situation of and assistance to Palestinian women 4. Many representatives referred to the deteriorating situation of Palestinian women in the occupied territory and in the refugee camps. While commending the intense research efforts made by the Division for the Advancement of Women in preparing the report on the subject (E/CN.6/1993/10), several representatives expressed concern that the occupying power had not allowed any expert groups or consultants to study the actual conditions of Palestinian women since 1989, thus impeding the preparation of a report that would reflect more accurately the living conditions of those women. Concern was also expressed by some representatives over the recent deportation of Palestinians by the occupying power. A few representatives stated that the Palestinian women living under conditions of occupation for decades were deprived of the most fundamental human rights. Many representatives and observers expressed their hope for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region in accordance with United Nations resolutions. It was suggested that a fact-finding mission should be sent to the region. Women and children under apartheid 5. Several representatives mentioned the positive changes in removing barriers to apartheid in South Africa, but drew the attention of the Commission to the need to continue to take measures to improve the situation of women and children living under apartheid. A few representatives expressed concern over the continuing political violence in South Africa. One representative welcomed the action taken by various organizations of the United Nations system to provide assistance to women living under apartheid. Another representative emphasized the need for the Commission to monitor the evolving situation of women in a post-apartheid society to ensure the full integration of all South African women into the political process. Violence against women in all its forms 6. Most representatives supported the draft declaration on the elimination of violence against women (E/CN.6/1993/12, annex, appendix I) and recommended its adoption, which would constitute an important step forward in the promotion of women’s fundamental human rights. Most representatives took the view that it should be adopted by the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session. 7. Some representatives indicated that the text did not cover all possible aspects of the issue of violence and said that a few additions should be made such as, a clear reference to a strict obligation of States to condemn acts of violence against women that were committed in the name of political interests; the need for further consideration to be given to penal and civil sanctions; and the establishment of norms and codes of conduct applicable to military forces in times of armed conflict. 8. Most representatives stated that violence against women was one of the major obstacles hindering de facto equality between men and women, and that measures, campaigns and programmes for education should be taken to eradicate it, including the provision of heavier penalties for perpetrators and more -57-