Statement of Nigeria at the 2016 WPS Debate
Nigeria General
Nigeria welcomes the opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda 16 years after the adoption of the landmark resolution 1325 (2000). While we acknowledge the substantial achievements made in this endeavour, there are still challenges and significant gaps yet to be addressed. They include the participation of women in decision-making and leadership roles, more involvement of women in the prevention of conflict and peace efforts, insufficient funds, lack of disaggregated data, forced displacement exacerbated by persistent armed conflict, and continuing unprecedented levels of sexual violence and assault. It is our expectation that this debate could offer prospective solutions to address the prevailing challenges and gaps, and suggestions for acquiring the needed resources to advance the role of women within the context of the global peace and security architecture.
Meeting these challenges is critical to making progress on the women and peace and security agenda. This will require a multi-stakeholder approach involving actors at the global, regional, subregional and national levels. Communities, civil society and individuals also have a crucial role to play.
Implemenation
At the global level, we acknowledge that the Security Council has provided the leadership necessary to give impetus to the women and peace and security agenda, beginning with resolution 1325 (2000), which set up the framework for subsequent Council resolutions upon which the women and peace and security agenda was built. In Africa, the African Union has been a useful platform for the advancement of the women and peace and security agenda.
It is to be noted that the African Union Agenda 2063, which was adopted by African Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa in January, places particular emphasis on the engagement of women and youth in the continent’s development. At the subregional level in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been a major driver of the women and peace and security agenda. In collaboration with the United Nations Office for West Africa, in September 2010 ECOWAS developed an integrated plan of action for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).
The plan of action emphasizes the importance of the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, mediation and peacebuilding efforts, as well as the rebuilding of post-conflict societies. Consistent with the subregional efforts, in August 2013 Nigeria launched a national action plan to fully implement the relevant provisions of resolution 1325 (2000). The plan reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the security of women and girls during armed conflict and enhancing their active and direct participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Nigeria is also committed to the provisions of resolution 1820 (2008), on ending acts of sexual violence against women in conflict situations.
We are collaborating with our neighbours Chad, Cameroon, the Niger and Benin, within the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force , to fight the Boko Haram insurgency, which is targeting women and girls. Our experience today is evidence that with determined international collaboration, terrorism can be defeated. The sustained efforts of Nigeria and its international partners have culminated in the liberation of territories previously occupied by Boko Haram.