Statement of Spain at the June 10 Debate on the Protection of Civilians in the Context of Peacekeeping Operations

Conflict prevention is closely linked to women and peace and security agenda, to which Spain is also particularly committed. My country led the review of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security, and is now working to put it into practice. Last October, the Security Council held an open debate (S/PV.7533) with a record number of speakers, at which it unanimously adopted resolution 2242 (2015). The big challenge now is to move from rhetoric to fulfilling our commitments in deed. Spain continues to work in that direction. Among other measures, alongside the United Kingdom it has headed the creation of an informal group of experts of the Security Council on women, peace and security, which we want to become a key tool for integrating gender issues into the discussions of the Council on the situation the countries on its agenda.

Naturally, the women and peace and security agenda is not relevant solely to the protection of civilians, given its aspects related to conflict prevention. Unfortunately, women and children are the primary victims in conflict, and as such are the first in line in need of protection. In that sense, I would stress the importance of deploying protection of women advisers in all United Nations missions. The same is true of child protection advisers. Protection mandates should also continue to enjoy support at the highest level to fulfil their essential task of ensuring effective and consistent protection.