Statement of Botswana at the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October 2016
Statement by Botswana
Botswana welcomes the annual open debate on women and peace and security, as convened by this body since 2000. Through these debates, Member States and civil society organizations have been given the opportunity to discuss various themes aimed at enhancing women’s participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and decision-making in matters related to international peace and security.
We consider today’s open debate to be of the utmost importance to assessing the progress made following the 2015 global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), the 2015 report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2015/716), and the adoption of the Global Acceleration Instrument for Women and Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action. In that regard, Botswana welcomes the adoption of the Global Acceleration Instrument, which aims at accelerating the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda by building capacity and increasing funding for women’s participation, leadership and empowerment, as well as humanitarian action.
We are pleased that although the Global Acceleration Instrument is still in its infancy, women mediators in some conflict-affected countries have been involved in conflict prevention and resolution efforts. The outcomes of such efforts have been encouraging. Given the positive outcomes of the Global Acceleration Instrument, we appeal to Member States and civil society organizations to support that noble initiative.
Statement by Botswana
Botswana is deeply concerned that women continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts, domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape and humanitarian crises. In that regard, it is imperative that we build the capacity of women to prevent violence, conflict and extremism and enhance their capacities to respond to humanitarian crises and emergencies. We are also concerned that the participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution, peacemaking and peacebuilding remains low at the national, regional and international levels, although studies show that women’s involvement would significantly contribute to sustainable peace and stability.
Statement by Botswana
Botswana supports the global efforts aimed at addressing challenges to the women and peace and security agenda, including increasing women’s representation, leadership and empowerment in all facets of peacebuilding, security and humanitarian action. We also recognize the critical importance of gender equality and mainstreaming in national development plans and in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In conclusion, we applaud the efforts made by the Security Council since 2000 to regularly convene these open debates, which place women and peace and security matters at the top of the global agenda. We therefore call for the rigorous implementation and monitoring of the commitments made during the open debates.