STATEMENT OF FRANCE ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY, OCTOBER, 2015

First, it is a political revival, in the best sense of the term. Indeed, the women and peace and security agenda is a political agenda and should be treated as such by States and the United Nations. States have the responsibility to ensure the more active participation of women in political processes, peace negotiations and conflict resolution and prevention mechanisms. States have the responsibility to involve women’s organizations in policy discussions, not only to hear their voices but above all to enable them to contribute to decisions. It is also the responsibility of States to appoint more women to key positions, including with respect to the prevention and resolution of conflicts. The United Nations also bears this political responsibility. The appointment of more women to the positions of special envoy or high- level expert alongside the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General is a step in the right direction. Such policy decisions must multiply. It a question not of symbols but of added value critical to the Organization.

At the operational level, France — which, through the deployment of over 900 military and police personnel, is contributing to six peacekeeping operations — is committed to the utmost vigilance and resolve to ensure compliance with the rules laid down by the United Nations in the fight against sexual abuse and respect for human rights. The recruitment, training and deployment of our personnel to operations will continue according to a national process that ensures compliance with these rules. In the case of recent allegations of sexual abuse, our political leaders are deeply committed to the adoption of the most stringent sanctions, in addition to the judicial response, where such cases prove legitimate.