Statement of Czech Republic at the WPS Debate October 2016
Statement of Czech Republic
The Czech Republic seeks to strengthen the position of women in society through development cooperation and humanitarian aid. That goal is enshrined, inter alia, in our multilateral foreign development cooperation strategy for the period 2013-2017. In order to fulfil those priorities, the Czech Republic cooperates with relevant United Nations agencies, particularly the United Nations Population Fund, UN-Women, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS. In the field of humanitarian aid, the Czech Republic pays special attention to victims of gender- based violence. The gender perspective also continues to be taken into account a cross-cutting target within projects in countries like Iraq, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Syria and Ukraine.
Statement of Czech Republic
Sixteen years ago, resolution 1325 (2000) reaffirmed the importance of the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts to maintain and promote peace and security. We agree with a statement in the global study that in an era when armed extremist groups place the subordination of women at the top of their agenda, our response should be unwavering support for empowering girls and women.
At Jordan’s request, the Czech Republic became the lead nation of a partner cooperation and implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) programme, focused on training female Jordanian soldiers in explosive ordnance disposal. Gender mainstreaming is part and parcel of the cross-cutting principles of the Czech Republic’s transition promotion programme. In 2016, projects were launched in Serbia, Zimbabwe and Palestine.
In June 2015, the Czech Ministry of Defence adopted its own action plan to implement resolution 1325 (2000). By the end of 2016, the Czech Republic will adopt a national action plan on women and peace and security for the years 2017-20.
Statement of Czech Republic
We agree with a statement in the global study that in an era when armed extremist groups place the subordination of women at the top of their agenda, our response should be unwavering support for empowering girls and women.
Statement of Czech Republic
We firmly believe that girls and women are not just survivors and victims of war; they are also leaders and peace builders. Conflict through a woman’s eyes brings an invaluable perspective, one which has often been ignored in our history. That is one of the reasons why the Czech Republic negotiated a resolution on equal political participation on four occasions in Geneva. Women, however, are still underrepresented in decision-making positions in the Czech Republic. That is why, in July, the Government adopted an action plan for the balanced representation of women and men in decision-making positions for the years 2016-2018.
Statement of Czech Republic
Let me conclude by quoting the Secretary General: “Justice for women takes more than new laws and new funding. Ultimately, we need new mindsets.” Having said that, let me express our readiness to promote and support the full implementation of the agenda on women and peace and security domestically as well as abroad.