The Independent Commission for Human Rights in the administrative levels of the Sharia’ courts and 6% in the Sharia’ Prosecution and Sharia’ Judiciary. The Local Council Elections Law stipulates a required quota for women on local councils in order to increase women’s participation and representation in the local authorities. This system guarantees women 20% of elected local councils’ seats. This is an acceptable rate, but it still falls short of the international standard of 30%, which ensures effective participation of women in decision-making circles. There are different political, social, economic and cultural factors that keep women’s participation in decision-making circles low. Among these factors are lack of support by political parties, the prevailing electoral environment, patriarchal structure of the Palestinian family, poverty among women and absence of affirmative action to support women. Mindful of the different forms of discrimination and difficulties undermining women’s participation in decision making circles, the Convention urges States Parties to take all appropriate measures to accelerate the process of equality of men and women. Article (4) of the Convention is very clear about this, and stresses the adoption of “temporary special measures” to accelerate “de facto equality” which are not to allow the continued application of “unequal or separate standards.” It also adds that the special measures can cease being applied once the “objectives of equality of opportunity and treatment have been achieved.” A second part to Article (4) is the provision for maternity, and that any special protection for it “shall not be considered discriminatory.” Conclusions Because the State of Palestine has become an Observer Member in the United Nations, it has the right to accede to international human rights treaties and conventions. This right of Observer States was established through pure international practice and precedents. As an Observer State, Palestine should commence with the necessary procedures to sign and ratify or accede to international human rights conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This is especially recommended since Palestinian Basic Law supports adhering to and supporting international and regional 34