E/2005/27 E/CN.6/2005/11 7. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to review the situation, to assist Palestinian women by all available means, including those laid out in the report of the Secretary-General entitled “Situation of and assistance to Palestinian women” and to submit to the Commission on the Status of Women at its fiftieth session a report, including information provided by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, on the progress made in the implementation of the present resolution. Draft resolution II Situation of women and girls in Afghanistan* The Economic and Social Council, Reaffirming that all States have an obligation to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and the duty to fulfil the obligations they have undertaken under the various instruments in this field, Recalling that Afghanistan is a party to several international human rights instruments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,15 Recalling also the importance of the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000, on women and peace and security, 1265 (1999) of 17 September 1999 and 1296 (2000) of 19 April 2000, on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and 1539 (2004) of 22 April 2004, on children and armed conflict, Recalling further that the new Constitution states that the citizens of Afghanistan, whether men or women, are equal before the law and that it guarantees the rights of women to serve in the National Assembly, Recognizing that, in spite of recent improvements, women in Afghanistan continue to face serious violations of their human rights in many parts of the country, in particular in rural areas, Strongly emphasizing that a safe environment, free from violence, discrimination and abuse, for all Afghans, is essential for a viable and sustainable recovery and reconstruction process, Stressing the need to integrate a gender perspective when formulating and implementing programmes and policies, 1. Welcomes: (a) The continuing commitment of the Government of Afghanistan to the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by women and girls, the restoration of the active participation of Afghan women in political, economic and social life, the education of girls as well as boys and the opportunity for women to work outside the home; (b) The provisions of the new Constitution, which state that the citizens of Afghanistan, whether men or women, are equal before the law and that at least two women are to be elected to the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) from each __________________ * For the discussion, see chap. II. United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249, No. 20378. 15 4