Statement of Uruguay at the Open Debate on the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa, March 28 2016
Statement of Uruguay, March 28, 2016
Men and women continue to suffer without distinction the most serious violations of human rights. However, it is women and children who suffer from that extreme violence in a singular and disproportionate manner. In that context, women are subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment, causing them great suffering. Gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, genital mutilation, forced marriages and pregnancies and child marriage are just some of the situations that girls and women face daily. In that regard, the high level of impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators of the worst crimes against humanity is a matter of great concern. I emphasize the importance that Uruguay attaches to the women and peace and security agenda. We continue to play an active role with regard to the rights of women and girls and have, on a number of occasions, reiterated the imperative of women’s participation in the prevention and resolution of armed conflicts.
Statement of Uruguay, March 28, 2016
The number of women in special political missions on the ground, especially in leadership positions, remains very limited, and the need for the greater participation of women persists, particularly in all mechanisms related to peace processes and postconflict reconstruction. The primary responsibility for involving women in those processes falls upon the shoulders of the African States themselves. It is at the national level that they must put in place good practices and promote greater participation of women at all levels, because that helps increase operational efficiency and reduce conflicts. Experience on the continent shows us numerous cases of women who have courageously been able to boost recovery in their communities.
Statement of Uruguay, March 28, 2016
The participation of women continues to be inadequate in peace negotiations in Africa and in other regions of the world. It is uncontestable that women are the most credible spokespeople for expressing the needs of local communities. They inspire the greatest degree of trust in situations that require the collection of information and testimony from the victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Women have much to say on issues, such as those involving victims, reparations and the conditions needed to ensure that conflict does not reoccur. Women also bring new approaches to negotiations, making constructive contributions to ensure lasting peace. In that regard, they endow the peace process with greater sensitivity with regard to issues that are related to family, education, gender issues and equity, and are called on to play a determining role in verifying and implementing agreements.