General Debate of the 65th Session of the General Assembly - Reference to Gender Language

The Afghan people will never forget the generosity and great sacrifice of the United States, NATO partners, and other international partners, whose men and women have bravely stood with us to defend our common security, and ensure peace and stability for Afghanistan.

The establishment of Gender Equality Entity is the testimony of the most recent and tangible success of the reform in the UN. The strengthening of the role of women in society will help not just politics but also the emancipation and harmonized development of them.

The government I represent welcomes the recent decision by the United Nations to create an entity for gender equality and strengthening the role of women: UN Women. It is my wish that this new structure be a great success and I pledge my country's support.

Australia applauds the initiative to create a new institution entitled UN WOMEN under the capable leadership of the new Under Secretary-General Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile. Australia looks forward to working with UN WOMEN on the vast array of challenges which half of humanity faces and for which our existing international frameworks have been found wanting.

Austria warmly welcomes the milestone decision of the General Assembly to establish ‘UN Women', which will make the UN a stronger and more effective partner in the advancement of women worldwide. We are looking forward to working with Michele Bachelet towards our common goals.

The Bahamas welcome efforts by this Organization to continue to bring focus to women's issues. We applaud in this regard, the adoption of resolution 64/289 which approved the establishment of a new gender entity- “UN Women”.

Most important among the challenges facing our world is the attainment of the MDGs by the year 2015. We know that many among us have exerted huge and outstanding efforts to that end. In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain has a leading position notably in the field of social welfare, the provision of free quality basic education, healthcare, improvement of child and mother health, empowerment of women, gender equality, the expansion of the social safety net for the poorest of the population, the "Insurance against Unemployment " scheme, and the expansion of the scope of vocational training aimed at enhancing Bahrain' s human resources.

Though Bangladesh has achieved the MDG target of gender equality at secondary level, our plan is to provide free tuition to girls up to undergraduate level. It is because I firmly believe women' s equal involvement is vital for a nation' s development. Gender equity and human development are our top priority concerns.

Our achievement on MDG-1 on poverty alleviation, MDG-2 on universal primary education, MDG-3 on gender equality and women
empowerment are encouraging and on track.

The creation of UN Women is a welcomed development. It has my country's full support. Of course, gender will need to stay a mainstream theme influencing the actions of each and every UN institution.

Belgium strongly supports UN Resolution 1325 and its goals of participation, protection and promotion of women in peace and security.

Dans le souci d'assurer l'utilisation rationnelle des potentialités des femmes qui représentent plus de la moitié de la population de mon Pays, le Gouvernement a créé un Institut National pour Promotion des Femmes.

Un programme de microcrédit aux femmes les plus pauvres a été également mis en place pour favoriser la promotion de leurs activités économiques. A ce jour, ce programme a rendu autonomes près de 600.000 femmes par la création d'activités génératrices de revenus.

Les innovations visant l'alphabétisation, la micro-assurance, la mutuelle de santé, la solution biométrique ont été introduites dans le programme en vue de sa professionnalisation, de la sécurisation des fonds publics engagés d'une part, et de l'amélioration de l'accès des bénéficiaires auxdits programmes, d'autres part.

Ce programme est à élargir, ce qui doit nécessiter un soutien financier supplémentaire de la Communauté internationale, en particulier des partenaires techniques et financiers.

We welcome the unanimous adoption of the resolution on System-wide Coherence by the General Assembly earlier in July, which among others has established UN Women. The creation of UN Women effectively consolidates all the existing mandates and functions relating to women and constitutes an important step in fulfilling the commitments undertaken in the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing. We are confident that this agency will address the global issues o f gender equality
and women' s empowerment with great vigor.

Botswana welcomes the important milestones achieved in the strengthening of the UN's operational activities for development, improvement of funding for development related activities, as well as strengthening the institutional framework for the gender architecture through the creation of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women. The creation of this entity constitutes an important step in fulfilling the commitments undertaken at the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women, whose main objective was the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women.

Their efforts should be appreciated and fully supported by the international community. I want to also pay tribute to the brave men and women of all ISAF contributing nations, including the 600 odd Bulgarian troops who risk their lives to bring security to the people of Afghanistan.

We used our chairmanship of the G8 to reach out to leaders from Africa and the Americas and to secure an agreement to enact the Muskoka Initiative, for maternal, newborn and child health. Such progress is literally vital in meeting the most achievable of the UN's Millennium Development Goals: to reduce the appalling mortality among mothers and children in developing countries.

ONU-Femmes lance recenment par I'ECOSOC est une entite universelle, qui aura pour tache principale de surmonter les obstacles qui ont empeche les quatre organismes qu'elle va regrouper de repondre plus efficacement aux defis en matiere d'egalite entre les sexes et d'autonomisation des femmes.
**Statement only available in French

ONU-Femmes s'inscrit dans l'effort de reforme de I'ONU amorce il y a pres de deux decennies, en vue de renforcer la coherence du systeme de I' Organisation et nous tenons a feliciter ici MM. Michelle Bachelet du soutien du Cap Vert dans ses nouvelles et exaltantes taches au service de la defense, de la promotion et de l'autonomisation des femmes. Nous pensons que, la robustesse de son mandat et le role potentiel de catalyseur de la nouvelle entite devraient encourager les donateurs a repondre de maniere positive aux besoins de financements de celle-ci.
**Statement only available in French

Si tous nous proclamons les bienfaits de l'egalite entre hommes et femmes et de l'equite en geme, lesquels se repercutent positivement sur le developpement et donc sur la paix et la securite, nous observons qu'une volonte politique accrue au niveau des Etats et un dynamisme nouveau et persistant dans l'action au niveau international sont encore necessaires pour mener a bien la bataille pour faire de la femme un sujet a part entiere du devenir du monde.

**Statement only available in French

I should like also to take this opportunity once again to congratulate my predecessor, Michelle Bachelet, on her recent appointment as United Nations Under-Secretary-General to head UN Women and to express my pride and that of all the Chilean people, at the fact that a compatriot will be heading this global effort to achieve greater equality between men and women. I wish also already to commit our Government to this noble and just cause.

We саn congratulate ourselves for the children who аге receiving а good education and for the parents who see them grow up without fear that they will sink in war. The youngsters, the workers and peasants with opportunities for а worthy life inspire us, as well as the women who enjoy full their exercise of equality, and the professionals, scientists and entrepreneurs who innovate and generate wealth.

I especially welcome UN Women as an important and welcome novelty within the UN system, a body aimed at supporting gender equality and strengthening the position of women.

Furthermore, Korea fully supports the Secretary-General's pursuit of the Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health, and welcomes the enthusiasm of all stakeholders for this important initiative as well demonstrated at this week's meeting.

The launch of UN Women is a clear testimony to the world community's efforts toward this end. Korea commends this historic move to step up progress in meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide.

Among other things, maternal and child health warrants our special attention as the most off-track goal in most regions. Indeed, improving maternal and child health is the best investment we can make to carry momentum over to all other closely related goals.

Let me use this opportunity to welcome the establishment of UN Women …we have high expectations that this new organization will contribute to streamlining in the area of gender and women's rights and development throughout the United Nations system.

The consensus agreement on establishing the Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) will serve as an extra boost for meeting the development goals as the implications of gender inequality affect all MDGs. Estonia contributes to the achievement of millennium goals through respective UN agencies, funds and we pledge our support to the UN Women as well.

…resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which must be a stepping stone towards further action at the UN, regional and national levels. Establishing operational guidelines for the protection of women and girls, strengthening accountability mechanisms as well as enhancing women's participation in peace negotiations and post-conflict peace-building should be a part of these efforts. To this end, Estonia is finalizing a national action plan to enhance our activities.

The commitment of all the UN Member States to strengthen promotion of women's rights, gender equality and gender mainstreaming is welcome. Finland strongly supports UN Women and would like to congratulate President Michelle Bachelet on her appointment. We must assure that the UN Women becomes a strong advocate and actor for women's rights across the UN work.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Concrete improvements have been made but we must step up our efforts to turn the objectives into practice. National Action Plans are valuable tools for implementing the Resolution. We completed our own plan in 2008 and have now started a twinning initiative with Kenya.

The era about women is were the UN has had major progress, the recent establishment of a new institution called UN Women, who's primary mission is to better coordinate all the issues related to gender, clearly demonstrate the fact that our organization has addressed this concern.

A major development in the evolution of the United Nations this year is the creation of the UN Women. As a firm believer in gender equality and women's empowerment, my government will do all in its power to support this entity. We wish the new board well and urge them to accord apolitical center stage to gender issues and policies.

Par ailleurs, le programme du Desarmement, Demobilisation et Reinsertion (DDR) des ex-combattantsconnait des avancees appreciables dans la partie Nord-ouest et du centre du territoire.

**Statement only available in French

With this objective in mind, the Afghan Government convened a "Consultative Peace Jirga" in May of this year. The Jirga fulfilled President Karzai's promise to consult and engage all Afghans in peace-building initiatives. The Jirga, which assembled tribal leaders, representatives of provincial councils, parliamentarians, businesses, civil society, and had over 20% female participation, helped to jump-start a representative peace and reconciliation process that will be pursued in conformity with our Constitution and human rights commitments.

Our government has revived the "National Women Development Policy" adopted during our last tenure of office (1996-2001) . At present, beside the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Leader, and a Whip, there are 5 women cabinet ministers and 45 MPs against reserved seats. Moreover, 19 women MPs have been directly elected. Women also occupy 30% reserved seats in all governments. They are encouraged to participate in politics and administration, and are recruited in all professions, including the armed services. They are also serving in the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Our government has revived the "National Women Development Policy" adopted during our last tenure of office ( 1996- - 2001). At present, beside the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Leader, and a Whip, there are 5 women cabinet ministers and 45 MPs against reserved seats. Moreover, 19 women MPs have been directly elected. Women also occupy 30% reserved seats in all governments. They are encouraged to participate in politics and administration, and are recruited in all professions, including the armed services. They are also serving in the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Il nous faut proteger et autonomiser les femmes. Nous croyons fermement que l'une des grandes revolutions a mener a notre epoque est celle qui verra la femme devenir reellement une partenaire a part entiere de I'homme dans leur quete conunune de progreso Au Cap Vert, il y a eu des gains consequents en ce qui conceme l' egalite et l' equite en genre, mais de grands defis demeurent. Par exemple, le Gouvemement actuel compte 8 femmes sur les 14 Ministres qui le forment; le rapport sur la realisation des ODM, de 20 la indique que le Cap Vert a atteint la parite de genre dans l'education primaire et secondaire et que dans certains cas le ratio de presence des filles est superieur a celui des garcons.
**Statement only available in French

Lasting solutions to global challenges cannot be found without women's active participation in decision-making at all levels. Women are agents of change and development. Investing in women and girls has a vital effect on eradication of poverty and sustained economic growth. Having heard the discussions this week, I am happy to conclude that there has clearly been a breakthrough in this respect. This is a good basis to continue from. Women and men together can achieve a truly sustainable development.

With this objective in mind, the Afghan Government convened a "Consultative Peace Jirga" in May of this year. The Jirga fulfilled President Karzai's promise to consult and engage all Afghans in peace-building initiatives. The Jirga, which assembled tribal leaders, representatives of provincial councils, parliamentarians, businesses, civil society, and had over 20% female participation, helped to jump-start a representative peace and reconciliation process that will be pursued in conformity with our Constitution and human rights commitments.

“Equally, Austria attaches utmost importance to enhancing the role of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. Even 10 years after the adoption of Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, we can still witness major gaps: Women continue to be largely absent in peace processes and conflict resolution efforts, and crimes against them all too often remain unpunished. The latest shocking mass rapes in Eastern Congo demonstrate more than ever that there is urgent need for action. We cannot afford to ignore these gaps. The occasion of the 10th anniversary of resolution 1325, will, therefore, provide a crucial opportunity to work towards a more consistent implementation in promoting women's issues in all aspects of international peace efforts. These efforts are fully supported by our development cooperation.

The struggle against violence towards women is one of the priorities of the government I represent. This past April we created the Ministry for Equality and Well-Being, which has the objective of coordinating all initiatives directed at improving the status of women as well as to promote new policies on gender. This year we celebrate fifteenth anniversary of the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing. During the latest session of the Commission on the Status of Women which took place in March we acknowledged that the role of women is essential to ensuring sustainable social and economic development in general. The status of women has improved, but unfortunately not enough. We must continue to promote the rights of women and fight against domestic violence. According to a report from the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, the most lucrative illegal activity in Europe is human trafficking. In Europe, 84 percent of the people who are trafficked are destined for the global sex trade. It is important to approach this matter with an emphasis on protecting the victims, as surely the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, adopted on 30 July, will.

The education of women and girls, and the security of women and giris from violence and sexual abuse and exploitation, must now become a core part of our global campaign for a fairer world.

“Equally, Austria attaches utmost importance to enhancing the role of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. Even 10 years after the adoption of Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, we can still witness major gaps: Women continue to be largely absent in peace processes and conflict resolution efforts, and crimes against them all too often remain unpunished. The latest shocking mass rapes in Eastern Congo demonstrate more than ever that there is urgent need for action. We cannot afford to ignore these gaps. The occasion of the 10th anniversary of resolution 1325, will, therefore, provide a crucial opportunity to work towards a more consistent implementation in promoting women's issues in all aspects of international peace efforts. These efforts are fully supported by our development cooperation.

Les femmes souffrent de la violence sexuelle devenue desormais une arme de guerre et les enfants-soldats sont utilises avec d'autant moins de scrupule qu'ils sont utilises souvent.

**Statement only available in French.

Concernant la justice particulierernent, Je voudrais M'appesantir quelque peu sur Ie calvaire des femmes congolaises des provinces du Nord et du Sud-Kivu. L'insecurite est la cause principale de cette traqedie. Les groupes armes qui se nourrissent de I'exploitation illegale des matieres premieres sont a la base de ce fleau. Nous avons, a cet eftet, arrete des mesures appropriees pour faire face a cette situation inacceptable.

Desormais, la Republique Democratique du Congo s'attaque aux causes de la violence faite a la femme, aux causes des conflits recurrents, et en meme temps elle renforce son appareil judiciaire de maniere a conjuguer ensemble paix, justice et securite. La lutte contre l'impunite est une option fondamentale de l'action gouvernementale.

Another reality I must mention is that in our region there are very high indices of violence against women, which also requires that we give this problem its due attention.

Their efforts should be appreciated and fully supported by the international community. I want to also pay tribute to the brave men and women of all ISAF contributing nations, including the 600 odd Bulgarian troops who risk their lives to bring security to the people of Afghanistan.

We саn congratulate ourselves for the children who аге receiving а good education and for the parents who see them grow up without fear that they will sink in war. The youngsters, the workers and peasants with opportunities for а worthy life inspire us, as well as the women who enjoy full their exercise of equality, and the professionals, scientists and entrepreneurs who innovate and generate wealth.

“We have implemented for the first time a comprehensive law against domestic violence to be consistent with our international obligations and protect the welfare of women and children. We now have child welfare laws which compel the reporting of violence against children or suspicion of abuse of minors. These and other new laws assist in the compliance of the Rome Statue by recognizing and incorporating crimes against humanity in our domestic laws.

Fiji was also present at the June review conference of the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court held in Uganda and is of course supportive of the work of the ICC. Reforms taking place in our laws and in our outlook help us to comply with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). They also support our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Over the past year, the Fiji government has effected a number of legal changes that have not only modernized our laws and brought about gender and social parity, but has also ensured compliance with international conventions. These changes include but are not limited to the Crimes Decree, which removes archaic rules in respect of rape trials.

“We have implemented for the first time a comprehensive law against domestic violence to be consistent with our international obligations and protect the welfare of women and children. We now have child welfare laws which compel the reporting of violence against children or suspicion of abuse of minors. These and other new laws assist in the compliance of the Rome Statue by recognizing and incorporating crimes against humanity in our domestic laws.

Fiji was also present at the June review conference of the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court held in Uganda and is of course supportive of the work of the ICC. Reforms taking place in our laws and in our outlook help us to comply with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). They also support our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Our government has revived the "National Women Development Policy" adopted during our last tenure of office (1996-2001) . At present, beside the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Leader, and a Whip, there are 5 women cabinet ministers and 45 MPs against reserved seats. Moreover, 19 women MPs have been directly elected. Women also occupy 30% reserved seats in all governments. They are encouraged to participate in politics and administration, and are recruited in all professions, including the armed services. They are also serving in the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Our government has revived the "National Women Development Policy" adopted during our last tenure of office ( 1996- - 2001). At present, beside the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Leader, and a Whip, there are 5 women cabinet ministers and 45 MPs against reserved seats. Moreover, 19 women MPs have been directly elected. Women also occupy 30% reserved seats in all governments. They are encouraged to participate in politics and administration, and are recruited in all professions, including the armed services. They are also serving in the United Nations peacekeeping operations.