CEDAW/C/1997/3/Add.3 English Page 23 the elections in Palestine from 19 to 22 February 1996. Its task was to observe and gather information on the electoral process in the autonomous Arab territories, especially as regards female candidates and electors. This mission was organized in close cooperation with the Women's Affairs Technical Committee (WATC) of Ramalla (Palestine), the official body dealing with women's questions. Out of 680 candidates for 88 seats there were 28 female candidates. Four women were elected. The turnout was big, among women also (in spite of many negative pressures noted by the mission). But the question of the representation of women and of the establishment of a Ministry of Women's Rights remains. The WATC militants demanded a Ministry of Women but, whereas the different technical committees became Ministries after the elections, the women's technical committee became a non-governmental organization. As a result of this mission, UNESCO recommends that WATC should be supported, especially because of its organizing abilities, which make it the ideal partner for timely action in the fields of education, science and technology. UNESCO also suggested that WATC should form part of the Mediterranean networks and should benefit from the follow-up of Euromed. Finally, UNESCO stressed the importance of women in the establishment of Palestinian democratic institutions and of peace. Consequently, the mission urged that the international community should undertake, with financial resources, to uphold and protect the political rights of Palestinian women. 2. UNESCO's contribution to the consideration of women's place in international politics 38. In a circular dated 2 August 1996, the Director-General decided to establish within UNESCO itself an Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunities. This Committee will have the task of advancing the status of women in the secretariat. Special attention will be given to the recruitment and professional prospects of women. Table 28. Number Percentage The number and percentage of women diplomats appointed to UNESCO in 1996 Diplomats appointed to UNESCO Men Women 538 382 156 71 29 /...