Reconstruction and Peacebuilding

The Reconstruction and Peacebuilding theme focuses on the application of a gender perspective to peacebuilding. The response of local, national, and international systems to women’s priorities in post-conflict situations can significantly impact stability and development.

The realisation of women’s right to full participation in preventing, resolving and recovering from conflict, is critical to building sustainable peace and the fulfilment of human security. Furthermore, the response of local, national and international systems to women’s priorities in post-conflict situations, can significantly impacts the stability and development of communities.

The engagement of women in early stages of peacemaking can increase gender analysis in post-conflict planning, lead to improved outcomes for women, and enhance their capacity to participate in longer-term peacebuilding. However, women’s rights and concerns should not be dependent on the presence of women in peace processes. Systems must be in place to ensure their inclusion is standard operating procedure.

In SCR 1325, the Security Council recognises that addressing the unique needs of women and girls during post-conflict reconstruction requires integrating a gender perspective at all stages (1325,OP8). The Security Council acknowledges the need to counter negative societal attitudes regarding women’s equal capacity for involvement, and calls for the promotion of women’s leadership and support for women’s organizations (1889,OP1). In addition, the Security Council requests training on the protection, rights and needs of women in all peacebuilding measures (1325,OP6).

To achieve this, the Security Council tasks the Secretary-General to report on challenges and make recommendations relevant to the participation of women and gender mainstreaming in peacebuilding and recovery efforts (1888,OP19). In response, the Secretary-General issued a report on women’s participation in peacebuilding in 2010. The report details the challenges obstacles women must confront in participating in recovery and peacebuilding efforts, and advocates for a Seven-Point Action Plan to respond to these challenges.


First, the plan calls to increase women’s engagement in peace processes and to address gender issues in the context of peace agreements. Secondly, the plan urges for the inclusion of gender expertise at senior levels in the UN’s mediation support activities. Thirdly, the plan notes that, while the international community cannot control the gender composition of the negotiating parties, it must investigate strategies for the inclusion of more women. Fourthly, the plan calls for the establishment of mechanisms to ensure that negotiating parties engage with women’s civil society organisations. The Action Plan’s fifth commitment involves increasing the proportion of women decision makers in post-conflict governance institutions. The sixth point addresses rule of law, emphasising the importance of issues such as women’s access to justice and a gender perspective to legal reform. The Action Plan’s seventh commitment is concerned with women’s economic empowerment. The Action Plan’s implementation remains the challenge.

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Sri Lanka respects and firmly identifies with the principles underlined in ...

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Sri Lanka respects and firmly identifies with the principles underlined in the thematic resolutions adopted by the Security Council since 1999. It will continue to strengthen its human rights framework as the security situation further improves.

Slovenia shares the concerns over the impact of explosive weapons on civili...

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Slovenia shares the concerns over the impact of explosive weapons on civilians, in particular when used in densely populated areas.

The protection of civilians is an ongoing task that must be consistently st...

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The protection of civilians is an ongoing task that must be consistently strived for during any armed conflict. The safety and security of civilians in post-conflict situations must also be ensured, as these areas are at risk of deteriorating and falling into a spiral of recurrent violence.

Post-conflict peacebuilding efforts through the Peacebuilding Commission shou...

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Post-conflict peacebuilding efforts through the Peacebuilding Commission should also be intensified. Such peacebuilding strategies should not only address immediate challenges, but also lay the foundation for long-term development. We agree with the Secretary- General's recommendation concerning the need to develop a set of indicators for the systematic monitoring of and reporting on protection of civilians in armed conflicts.

A mission that protects civilians under imminent threat but makes no progress...

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A mission that protects civilians under imminent threat but makes no progress in helping to address the underlying causes of the conflict will not lead to sustainable peace or to the durable and effective protection of civilian populations. The United Nations is invited to assist countries in advancing the peace process and peaceful coexistence through inclusive dialogue, reconciliation and reintegration.

The State has the primary responsibility to protect civilians in armed conf...

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The State has the primary responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict. Respecting this principle is essential to strengthen the State's capacities and to identify long-term solutions, with the cooperation of the international community, when required. Our own experience has shown that strong democratic institutions help to achieve the goals of progress and overall well-being.

I thank you, Mr. President, and the delegation of Uganda for convening this i...

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I thank you, Mr. President, and the delegation of Uganda for convening this important high-level meeting to mark the tenth anniversary of the historic resolution 1325 (2000). We thank the Secretary-General for his report contained in document S/2010/498, on women and peace and security, as well as his report contained in document S/2010/466, on women's participation in peacebuilding, which he presented to the Council a few days ago.

Women, being not merely victims, but rather agents of change, should be able ...

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Women, being not merely victims, but rather agents of change, should be able to involve themselves more in peace talks to better reflect their priorities in the text of peace agreements.

We particularly commend the adoption early this year of the three-year Joint ...

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We particularly commend the adoption early this year of the three-year Joint Strategy on Gender and Mediation initiated by the Department of Political Affairs and UNIFEM, and the proposed seven-point action plan, which contains actions needed to enhance women's participation in peacebuilding — a fundamental factor to prevent war and empower women.

So here we are at the 10th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution ...

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So here we are at the 10th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and we're here to reaffirm the goals set forth in this historic resolution, but more than that, to put forth specific actions, as my colleague, the foreign minister of Austria, just did in such a commendable set of proposals.

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