Statement of Viet Nam on the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October 2015
Statement of Viet Nam, October, 2015
ASEAN commends the Spanish presidency of the Council for convening this high-level review of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security. We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2015/716) and the Executive Director of UN-Women for her insightful briefing. This high- level review provides us with an opportunity to look back at the past 15 years, and more importantly, to map out how the important agenda of women and peace and security can be brought forward in a more forceful and effective manner.
Statement of Viet Nam, October, 2015
We are particularly alarmed by the horrendous
phenomenon of widespread sexual violence committed against women and girls.
Statement of Viet Nam, October, 2015
Those challenges, new and old, necessitate a stronger commitment and more determined and coordinated actions from the international community. ASEAN believes that the women and peace and security agenda must be placed within the broader framework of conflict prevention and resolution.
Statement of Viet Nam, October, 2015
Women have an important role to play in that regard and must be empowered to play an active role in conflict resolution and peace processes. As reaffirmed in the global study, the meaningful participation of women, particularly in decision-making, will enable early conflict prevention, sustainable peace and strong post-conflict recovery and resilience. It is essential to mainstream gender-sensitive approaches in efforts to promote more inclusive and effective responses to conflicts and emergencies.
Statement of Viet Nam, October, 2015
ASEAN is gravely troubled by the violation of the rights of women and girls in conflicts and when they fall victim to extremist non-State actors. We particularly deplore sexual violence against women and girls, especially when it is deployed as a tactic of war. Women and girls in conflicts are also being deprived of their most basic needs, including shelter, food, water and health care. We call on the United Nations and the international community to take immediate action to end all acts of conflict-related sexual violence and to provide protection and support to women and girls in conf licts.
Statement of Viet Nam, October, 2015
Most importantly, we believe that it is vital to address the root causes that give rise to
violence and conflict, such as poverty, inequality and injustice. Women have an
indispensable role to play in building inclusive and peaceful societies. ASEAN therefore
calls for the full and effective implementation of the inspiring, universal and
transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution
70/1), recognizing its strong interlinkages with the women and peace and security
agenda.
Statement of Viet Nam, October, 2015
Regional organizations play an essential role in implementing global obligations and commitments to better protect women and girls from sexual violence, discrimination and social exclusion and to promote the role of women in conf lict resolution and peace processes, including by supporting their member States in their efforts to do so. The ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation held a workshop in March in Cebu City, the Philippines, to strengthen women’s participation in peace processes and conflict resolution. The workshop aimed at highlighting the level of women’s participation in peace processes and conflict resolution in the region and at raising awareness of resolution 1325 (2000) and existing national action plans on women and peace and security.
Statement of Viet Nam, October, 2015
Before I conclude, I would like to emphasize, in my national capacity, that Viet Nam remains committed to addressing the issue of women and peace and security. We are pleased to have been able to introduce and facilitate the adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) under that agenda item. While the protection of and support for women as victims are essential, Viet Nam strongly believes in the value that women can bring and the contributions they can make to conflict prevention and resolution and to post-conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction.