Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October 2005

The fifth Open Debate, held under the presidency of Romania, the Security Council issued a presidential statement recognizing “the constant underrepresentation of women in formal peace processes” and expressed its deep concerns about “persistent obstacles and challenges resulting from situations such as violence against women, shattered economies and social structures, lack of rule of law, poverty, limited access to education and resources, various forms of discrimination and stereotypes.” The Security Council urged that more should be done in order to achieve the greater participation and effective contribution of women at the negotiating table and in developing and implementing post-conflict strategies and programmes. The Coucil reaffirmed its commitment to integrate gender perspectives into the terms of reference of Security Council visits and missions and to include gender specialists in its teams wherever possible. The Council welcomed the System-Wide Action plan and reiterated a call for the appointment of a gender adviser in the Department of Political Affairs. During the Open Debate, the Council heard from two female civil society speakers from conflict affected countries on the Council's agenda.

Source: NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security/ UNIFEMStatements were given at the open debate by: Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Greece, Japan, Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Tanzania, United Kingdom (on behalf of EU), United States Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Canada (for Human Security Network), Croatia, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Germany, Guinea, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Myanmar, Namibia (for SADC), Norway, Peru, Samoa, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, DPKO, OSAGI, UNIFEM, Women for Women International, VAFAG, Commonwealth Secretariat and Inter-Parliamentary Union.