How to promote sustainable development without quality education, which improves civic virtues, assure equality between the sexes, value cultural identity, which opens up the world and brings with it tolerance
Men and women everywhere share basic concerns: a better life
for themselves and their families security to plan for the future ... a
say in how society is organized rights they can depend on. For too
many, these hopes have been unanswered. But a new era is beginning
in my region, with new opportunities to move forward in democracy,
security, and peace.
On the main topic of the 66th UN GA debates “The role of mediation in settlement of disputes” I wish to particularly turn to the role of women in times of crises. When peace is broken and men take up arms, it is the women who often take responsibility for ending violence and restoring peaceful life in their communities'.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the valiant women and men who serve the cause of peace worldwide. Many of them, including Romanians, lost their lives or were wounded in mission. Our deepest gratitude and respect for them!
I would also like to express the importance we attach to the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, as well as the human rights of women, including their participation in political decision-making.
Portugal went through its democratic transition in 1974. We recognize how important the support and encouragement from external partners was to us. We are ready and available to share that experience now as a sign of our support and solidarity. An important element of that experience was the contribution and full participation, on equal footing, of Portuguese women to the post-revolutionary political process.
In this World of Change, the UN's indispensable role is reflected in the tireless and courageous work of thousands of its staff members and collaborators. Civilians and men and women in uniform, from the military and the police, play a fundamental role in peace operations to protect civilians, avoid an escalation of conflicts and create the necessary space and time for political negotiations to bear fruit.
As Thailand continues to enhance our participation as a member of the Human Rights Council, we are determined to further contribute to human rights work and to strengthen the rights of vulnerable groups, both at home and abroad. We attach special importance to these vulnerable groups, be they children, women, persons with disabilities or the elderly. One notable example is in the area of women's rights.
Just a few months ago women leaders from all parts of the world met in Vilnius to experiences in enhancing the democracy worldwide. This event, organized by Lithuania as Chair of the Community of Democracies, confirmed my belief that the involvement of women is still very low in addressing common problems and concerns.
