Statement of Liechtenstein on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015
Statement of Liechtenstein, October, 2015
In closing, I would like to stress the importance of sufficient funding. Women's human rights and empowerment, as well as promoting the WPS Agenda are, and will remain, a high priority for Liechtenstein's budget for international cooperation. We hope that other countries, especially major donors, will take the same approach.
Statement of Liechtenstein, October, 2015
Another element that will be essential for the success of the WPS Agenda is justice. We must finally put an end to the continuing culture of impunity. This is all the more true with regard to crimes of conflict-related sexual violence, which have seen a frightening increase in recent years. Extremist groups in particular strategically use rape and sexual slavery as a weapon of war to damage and undermine communities. The long-term consequences of these crimes are devastating, and we urgently need to eliminate this practice. We welcome the ICC's policy paper on sexual and gender-based crimes and the Prosecutor's focus in this regard. Conflict- related sexual violence plays a role in nearly every case under investigation and prosecution by the Court. At the same time, justice for survivors of sexual violence continues to be a great exception to the rule, and holding perpetrators accountable has proven to bJ exceedingly difficult. To ensure effective prosecution and accountability, it is crucial that evidence is professionally collected at the earliest possible stage. This process may be assisted inter a/ia by the Justice Rapid Response initiative (JRR); Liechtenstein is proud to have supported its work on sexual and gender-based violence for years.
Statement of Liechtenstein, October, 2015
The Global Study also provides unequivocal evidence that full and equal participation of women at all levels, especially in decision-making and conflict resolution, is essential for the establishment and maintenance of peace. However, ensuring meaningful participation of women will only be possible if we change attitudes and make sure everybody is on board - including men and boys. Harmful stereotypes and violent ideas of manhood persist in many parts of the world. The only way to change cultural patterns is to educate the young, before they adopt discriminatory attitudes towards women. We therefore commend projects such as the "Young Men Initiative" by Care International, reaching out to teenage boys in post-conflict situations; UNFPA's "husband schools", informing men and boys about the many benefits of preventing early pregnancies and keeping girls in schools; or Women Without Borders' work with mothers to combat violent extremism.