Statement of Sweden on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015
Statement of Sweden, October 2015
Firstly, indisputable evidence, as highlighted by the Global Study, has shown that women's participation lead to more sustainable peace. Yet, women's experience, knowledge and
expertise are too often excluded in peace processes.
Change needs to start at home. My government has committed to strengthen human rights of women, improve women's access to resources and increase women's representation - in
times of war, and in times of peace.
We will make women's participation In peace and security a top priority in our revised National Action Plan. In order to make sure that the new plan duly reflects the needs and experiences of women and girls in conflict-affected societies, we have held consultations in five conflict and post-conflict countries. All women - from Afghanistan to eastern DRC - have conveyed the same message: "No sustainable peace can be achieved without us".
We will hear their plea, and commit to continue to support and fund women's organizations in conflict and post-conflict countries. We have increased this support threefold over the last five years, but we will strive to do even more.
Sweden is also developing anetwork of women peace mediators, as well as partaking in the creation of aNordic women's mediation network, which within two years will have acapacity to assist peace efforts wherever needed in the world.
Statement of Sweden, October 2015
Secondly, we need to acknowledge that sexual violence in conflict is a core security challenge that must be kept on the agenda of the Security Council. Particularly now, as the use of sexual violence has been taken to new horrific levels, where sexual violence is not only condoned, but openly commanded as a method of warfare. There must be accountability for these crimes and an end to impunity.
As a main donor to UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, we will seek further ways of increasing support to victims and survivors of sexual violence. We will also continue to cooperate with relevant stakeholders, such as the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, to create stronger national capacities to investigate and prosecute sexual and gender-based crimes.
In 2016, Sweden will assume the leadership of the Call to Action on Protection from Gender- Based Violence in Emergencies initiative which aims to foster accountability and mitigate gender-based violence in humanitarian crisis. Our main objective for next year will be to take this initiative from policy to action, from words to deeds. We want to work with all partners in this initiative - and all of you - to make a real positive impact in the way we address gender- based violence in humanitarian crises.
Statement of Sweden, October 2015
Thirdly, the lack of, or uneven distribution of resources is often at the core of inequality. We need a thorough analysis of how resources are allocated and to whom. To achieve real change, political commitment needs to be accompanied by sustainable financing.
Sweden is committed to allocating 1 percent of its GDI to development cooperation. Gender equality and women's rights and empowerment will remain top priorities in our development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. In 2014,16 percent of our development support to conflict affected countries had gender equality as a primary focus. We challenge the UN to reach its set target of 15 percent gender-funding within all aid flows to conflict-affected countries.