Argentina
H.E. Jorge Arguello, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
In the framework of human rights,
Argentina attaches high priority to the situation of women in
armed conflict and to the participation of women in peace processes
and at the peacebuilding stages.
Argentina is fully aware of the
role of women as chiei actors in the peacebuilding and in peace
and security processes. Women's participation is indispensable
in the maintenance of lasting peace. Resolution 1325 is the legal
framework that allows this participation both at the national
and international level.
In conclusion, we believe that
it is imperative to identify concrete measures to make the commitment
to the situation of women and gender equality effective by securing
the participation of women in peacebuilding processes and by establishing
mechanisms for accountability, both at the national and at the
international level, regarding with the implementation of Resolution
1325.
Australia
H.E. Ms Frances Lisson, Deputy Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Austria
H.E. Gerhard Pfanzelter, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Bangladesh
H.E. Md. Touhid Hossain, Foreign Secretary
We need to ensure adequate representation
of women at all levels of decision making in conflict prevention,
during hostilities and through post-conflict reconstruction and
rehabilitation. The true measure of women’s participation
in peace negotiation is not, through numbers, but through power
in decision making. It is undeniable that in the consolidation
of peace the role of women remains vital.
Belgium
H.E. Pierre Chevalier, Special Envoy for the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
Strengthening the implementation
of resolution 1325 (2000) in its entirety is a collective duty.
The Security Council can and must do more when it defines the
mandates of peacekeeping missions. In general terms, it must take
greater account of the situation of women in the conflict in question.
In fact, depending on the case, women can be not only potential
victims, but also major actors in the political or socio-economic
areas, or even combatants — actors in the conflict. Women
continue to be underrepresented in peace and reconstruction processes.
Benin
H.E. Jean-Marie Ehouzou, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
The participation of women and
the taking into account of women’s interests are directly
linked to the degree of commitment to their advancement. The more
that women are involved in the search for solutions to the problems
of our societies, the more the solutions that are found will contribute
to promoting their crucial role and to the recognition of the
importance of women to the maintenance of peace and security and
to the progress of our societies.
Canada
H.E. Mr. John McNee, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
In order to ensure a focus on
women's rights and equality issues within its country- and region-specific
work, Canada calls upon the Council to commit to regular consultations
with representatives of women's organizations in the countries
that are on the Council's agenda. We recommend that it also make
fuller use of the analytical support and guidance available from
the specialized UN entities working on the issues encompassed
by resolution 1325, ranging from women's political participation
to the elimination of violence against women and girls.
China
H.E. Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative
Secondly, it is necessary to enhance
the' participation of women in all stages of the peace process,
pay attention to their status and role so as to lay a firm foundation
for the consolidation of peace and the realization of durable
peace. Respect for and protection of women are manifestations
of social civilization and progress and necessary elements of
a mature social system as wel1. Respect for and protections of
women should be incorporated in the peace process from the beginning
to the end. The special needs and concerns of women should be
accommodated and their potentials and role topped. They should
enjoy greater participation and decision making power with institutional
guarantees. In recent years, the Secretariat has taken many positive
measures in increasing the ratio of female senior officials and
female heads and staff of peace keeping missions. We hope to see
a continuation of such efforts.
Colombia
H.E. Claudia Blum de Barberi, Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Congo
H.E. Mr. Biabaroh-Iboro
At the regional level, Congolese
women are involved in the International Conference on Peace, Security,
Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region and are actively
participating in the work of the thematic groups and in meetings
of the preparatory committees. In that framework, they participated
in the meeting of women from the Great
Lakes region on peace and security held last year in Kinshasa.
With respect to the role played
by women in building the life of the nation and in the light of
the recommendations of the first report of the Peacebuilding Commission
(S/2007/458), my Government supports any mechanism designed to
ensure the full participation of women in the postconflict phase.
Along the same lines, the Congo is in favour of improving the
representation of women in peacekeeping operations and appreciates
the successful efforts of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations
in that area.
We believe, however, that additional
efforts need to be made at all levels in order to appoint women
officials to high-ranking posts within the United Nations system,
including as special representatives or envoys of the Secretary-General.
In that connection, we welcome the appointment of Ms. Ellen Margrethe
Løj as Special Representative of the Secretary-General
for Liberia. Her ability and her dynamism have already convinced
us that she will be equal to the task conferred on her by the
Secretary-General. Moreover, the Congo is convinced that it is
necessary to establish a subsidiary body on women and peace and
security whose mandate would be, inter alia, to ensure the effective
implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).
Costa Rica
H.E. Jorge Urbina Ortega, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
It is ironic that women are excluded
almost completely from the peace processes when it is they who
most suffer the consequences of armed conflict. It is they who
are the great majority of the refugees and displaced persons;
and it is they who are the most likely to be victims of all consequences
of wars. I say it is ironic because it is generally recognized
that women are agents of change and engines for development. For
this reason, Costa Rica would like women to have a major role
and effective participation in any decisions taken in areas of
conflict prevention and conflict resolution, as well as in the
design and implementation of reconstruction and peacebuilding.
Croatia
H.E. Mirjana Mladineo, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
The Security Council unanimously
passed the SCR 1325 seven years ago to address, the impact of
war on women and women's contributions, to conflict resolution
and sustainable peace. A recent assessment of women's participation
in peace processes as official negotiators and formal representatives,
found that women remain largely excluded from conflict mediation.
Various case-studies suggest that
peace agreements, post-conflict reconstruction and governance
have a better chance of success when women are involved, in part
because women have a more inclusive approach towards security
and address key social and economic issues that might otherwise
be ignored.
Let us not forget that in all
countries women's work burdens are generally much heavier than
men's, leaving less time and energy for involvement in political
life. It is therefore vital for the promotion of gender equality
and the empowerment of women to increase women's participation
in politics, so that two tenets of Millennium Development Goal
3 can be reached.
Ensuring that women have a greater
voice in household and community decisions is critical to fulfilling
their rights as well as the rights of children. Women will beyond
doubt insure systematic inclusion of children's concerns in peacemaking
and post-conflict phases. If women's and children's rights are
not explicitly part of the discourse at those critical stages,
it is likely that they will not be addressed as they deserve.
Democratic Republic of
the Congo
Ms. Nduku Booto, Charge D'Affairs a.i.
The implementation of the pioneering
resolution 1325 (2000), one aim of which is to integrate the gender
dimension into all aspects of peace and security, has important
objectives. It will entail, inter alia, establishing institutions
capable of ensuring the protection of women and girls and their
full participation in national, regional and international mechanisms
for the prevention, management and settlement of disputes. The
fulfillment of those aims will depend to a large extent on a well-motivated
and sustained intervention by Member States, with the active support
and cooperation of the United Nations and other partners, including
the mobilization and participation of civil society. In that regard,
Governments are called on to make the necessary efforts to strengthening
women’s capacities to contribute fully with their knowledge
and skills.
My delegation shares the view
already expressed by other delegations that it is also important
for the Secretary-General to consider appointing more women as
special representatives and envoys to conduct good offices missions
in his name, and to seek to increase the role and contribution
of women in United Nations operations on the ground as military
observers, civilian police personnel, human rights specialists
and members of humanitarian operations. Substantial progress has
been achieved, but additional effort must be made to remove the
last remaining obstacles to the full implementation of the resolution.
Denmark
H.E. Lars Faaborg-Anderson, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
We have to come much closer to
full and equal participation of women in peace processes, at all
levels in negotiations and in decision-making.
Protection of girls and women
in conflict situations is still crucia1, and involvement of women
in peace building processes broadens our perspective on security.
Egypt
H.E. Maged A. Abdelmiz
No reference to theme
Finland
H.E. Ms. Marjatta Rasi, Under-Secretary of State
We, in close cooperation with
civil society, are committed to doing our part to ensure that
women's full potential is utilised in the work for better security.
We will also pay attention to
women's recruitment for crisis management operations. We should
not underestimate the power of example in crisis areas.
Let me also highlight the need
for increased attention to facilitating women's equal and active
participation from conflict prevention to peace negotiations tiirough
reconstruction and political participation. As providers, professionals,
mothers and spouses, women feel the impact of conflicts more strongly
and often understand better the different dimensions of conflict.
Without women's involvement there will be no sustainable peace
- and we may risk losing the support and respect of the majority
of the population.
We, the international community,
are in a key position to promote gender-balanced participation
by all parties.
France
H.E. Mr. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
How do we explain the fact that
in spite of specific references in certain Council resolutions
and statements, many of the peace processes still take place without
women and without taking into account their concerns and contributions?
Mr. President, before concluding,
allow me to refer to a few areas where 1 believe we should focus
our efforts in post-conflict phases: […]
- Participation in decision-making
processes. The access of women to elective office is an important
element. One can only welcome in this regard the examples of Rwanda,
Burundi and Liberia. But we must also ensure that women, especially
through their organizations, are involved in all decision-making
processes;
Germany
H.E. Mr. von Ungern-Sternberg, Deputy Permanent Representative
The German Government will account
for its efforts and present, on the occasion of the International
Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November
25, a detailed report to our Parliament on the German contributions
to implement the Resolution. The report will document a variety
of measures contributing to the implementation of the resolution
both at national and global level - ranging from efforts to increase
representation of women at all decision-making mechanisms for
the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, to concrete
proiects aiming at ending violence against women all over the
world.
Ghana
H.E. Mr. Akwasi Osei-Adjei, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The vital role of women, in building
and maintaining international peace and security, has already
been forcefully brought home to us. Our shared goal remains securing
their full and meaningful involvement in that enterprise.
The Secretary - General has put
forward several concrete proposals in his latest progress report
on resolution 1325 touching on a number of priority areas. Member
states, the UN system and civil society actors are all called
upon to intensify their efforts towards achieving tangible results
that should be reflected in the increased participation of women
in decision - making and peace processes, as well as in the protection
of women and girls in conflict situations, among others.
As the organ with primary responsibility
for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Council
has more than a functional interest in ensuring the equal participation
and full involvement of women in all aspects of peace and security.
Guatemala
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
This debate also allows us to
consider the full application of that important resolution. We
are convinced of the essential role played by women in the prevention
and settlement of conflicts, in the promotion of justice and of
reconciliation, support for disarmament and demobilization and
the reconstruction of national institutions — all essential
pillars for peacebuilding.
At the national level, the Ministry
of Defence of Guatemala confirmed its commitment to the principle
of gender equality through a process that harmoniously integrates
women into military life. That has been accomplished with respect
for human rights and in the context of the national and international
legal order.
Guinea
H.E Mr. Alpha Ibrahima Sow, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
I appeal to the international
community to provide effective and sustained support to the actions
and initiatives undertaken by all concerned in order to increase
the mobilization of women and attain their full participation
in processes of conflict prevention, peacebuilding and the building
of stability in our country and in our subregion.
Honduras
H.E. Ivan Romero Martinez, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
We support the increased representation
of women at all levels, especially at decisionmaking levels, in
conflict resolution and peace processes.
Our country, which is small geographically,
not only values respect for the dignity of women; it is also,
in keeping with its domestic legislation, trying to mainstream
women in all spheres of daily activities. It wishes to see their
equitable participation in the decision-making organs and is incorporating
them in conjunction with all sectors, in particular civil society,
in the struggle to promote the observance of human rights and
respect for the rule of law and to combat marginalization and
any kind of oppression or discrimination.
Iceland
H.E. Mr. Hjalmar W. Hannesson, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
Security Council Resolution 1325
is unique. It underlines the central role that women play in conflict
resolution and the need to protect their rights. It has proven
to be an important tool to promote the direct and active involvement
of women in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
Iceland regards the equal participation
of women in peace processes as fundamental for achieving, maintaining
and promoting sustainable peace.
Indonesia
H.E. Eddy Pratomo, Deputy Minister / Director General for Legal
Affairs & International Treaties
We need to ensure that fair treatment
and the protection of women are incorporated into all phases of
peace processes. A negotiation which satisfies the needs of the
parties requires that all relevant actors be involved irrespective
of their gender. Women are habitually underrepresented and bring
additional interests and roles to bear which need to be integrated
in any peace process, including as victims and witnesses. Including
women may have the added benefit of opening up the palette of
options for successful negotiation by increasing the number of
issues at stake and subsequent bargaining leverage. A key issue
is the identification of and selection of women who can participate
in peace negotiations. Like their male counterparts, female participants
should be linked to the greater community and have a representative
stake in the outcome.
Women represent over half the
world's population today and their presence in political processes
in many parts of the world is growing. But, they are underrepresented
in the phases of conflict resolution, peace and security in places
where conflict persists. Men still are dominantly represented
in these processes, with the result that women are often disenfranchised.
Israel
H.E. Dan Gillerman, Permanent Representative
Israel believes women must play
an equal role in all aspects of state and civil society. We have
no doubt that the advancement and progress of women will translate
into nothing less than the advancement and progress for all.
Nevertheless, a great deal remains
to be done National mechanisms and machineries for the advancement
of women need to be strengthened to ensure women's active participation
in public policy formulation on matter; of peace and security.
Indeed, peace is a holistic state
of existence. To truly achieve it one half of the population cannot
go ignored. Only with full participation of women in all aspect's
of conflict resolution. peacemaking, and security will be there
a viable, social, economic, and political subsoil for democratization,
sustainable development, and peace to grow. Israel. for its part.
is determined for women to play an increasingly active role in
peace negations, and committed to advancing the role of women
in all aspects of society. Israel is hopeful that an enhanced
role for women in peace negotiations will build lasting bridges
of understanding with our neighbors, and usher in a dawn of harmony
and prosperity for all.
Italy
H.E. Marcello Spatafora, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Japan
H.E. Mr. Yukio Takasu, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
The consolidation of peace requires
the full participation of women in all related processes, from
peace negotiation, securing domestic stability, arranging for
humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, and national reconciliation.
Japan is pleased to note that gender equality issues have been
identified and integrated into the work of the PBC in both Burundi
and Sierra Leone. We have to ensure the active participation of
women be fully incorporated in post-conflict strategy. As chair
of the Commission Japan will make every effort for the PBC to
take up policy and strategic review of the role of women in peacebuilding
as a follow-up to today's open debate at the Security Council.
Kazakhstan
H.E. mrs Byrganym Aitimova, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
Ever since Security Council has
been arranging annual discussions to review the implementation
of the resolution. It has been repeatedly indicated by delegations
that women's involvement in decision making on security issues
and in peace processes had a very positive effect on peaceful
resolution of conflicts and post-conflict peacebuilding. We are
pleased to note that since the adoption of the resolution the
understanding of role of women in peacemaking, peacekeeping and
not less important in peacebuilding has been growing in the recent
years. Enhancing of the role of women in the area of peacebuilding
and security and ending violence against women and girls is a
priority for UNIFEM and other related bodies of the United Nations.
Our delegation believes that there
is a need to expand exchange of best practices, knowledge and
experience of women who had been involved in peacebuilding and
peace negotiations with those who wish to join the peace process
in conflict areas.
Traditionally in Kazakh culture
the role of women in the society and politics has been critical.
They equally participated in decision-making process on issues
of war and peace and no crucial decision was taken without their
approval. Women had a power to stop wars and armed conflicts.
They were promoters of peace and accord in the country.
Kenya
H.E. Mr. Z.D. Muburi Muita, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
We are cognizant that women are
critical agents of change in development and that investment in
them creates a multiplier effect that enriches and accelerates
the improvement of their status in society. Kenya affirms the
centrality of gender equality in all spheres of life including
governance and decision-making and recognizes the critical role
that women must play in development. As part of Kenya's effort
to fully implement this objective, the government has adopted
a national policy on gender development and established the national
commission on gender and development. The aim is to integrate
women in decision making through legal, regulatory and institutional
reforms.
We must emphasize the centrality
of mainstreaming gender and in particular by including women at
all levels of decision making while addressing peace and security
issues and especially during conflict prevention and resolution
process and post conflict peace building. Women's perceptions
and concerns must form an integral part of any peace process.
Women must participate at the negotiating tables. It is therefore
gratifying to note that the UN has over the years, and mere particularly
since the adoption of resolution 1325, made significant progress
in mainstreaming gender perspectives into peace initiatives. We
further encourage this decision and call for further involvement
of local women in all processes.
Liechtenstein
H.E. Mr. Christian Wenaweser, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Malawi
H.E. Mr. Steve D Matenje, SC, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Mexico
H.E. Claude Heller, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Myanmar
H.E. Mr. U Maung Wai, Deputy Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
The Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation
And, even more so, we need to
ensure that women get the place they deserve at the table in formal
peace processes. In Liberia, women played an essential role in
the peace process, bringing people together across factional lines.
New Zealand
H.E. Ms Rosemary Banks, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Nicaragua
H.E. Maria Rubiales de Chamorra, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
In Nicaragua, women have held
a key role, despite the difficult situation in which they have
lived, in the most important decisions that have affected our
society. They have been a vital element in the reconciliation
of family members and of members of society that fought on opposing
sides in the war of foreign aggression. Nicaraguan women have
distinguished themselves as leading actors in achieving peace
and reconciliation. As companions, mothers, sisters and members
of society in general, they have succeeded in moving towards full
participation in the decision-making process on projects and programmes
that affect their community and their own lives, at all phases
of the process, from diagnosis and planning to monitoring and
evaluation. That has been a key factor in the successful reconstruction
process in our country. That experience proves that it is possible
to provide women with the space in which to work to achieve lasting
peace and sustainable development.
We join in the appeal to the international
community to play a leading role in seeking to ensure that women
participate in international peace and security processes, while
at the same time recognizing that States bear the major responsibility
for promoting and implementing national policies that allow for
the empowerment of women in that area. Without the inclusion and
participation of women in all decisionmaking processes, we will
never attain the international peace and security for which we
all yearn.
Norway
H.E. Ms Mona Juul, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative
Still, we must conclude that we
are still far from where we should be. Women are still too often
neglected in peace negotiations; they are not allowed to participate
on equal terms with men. Women's perspectives are still disregarded,
their concerns and needs overlooked.
Panama
H.E. Ricardo Alberto Arias, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Peru
H.E. Mr Oswaldo Rivero, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Portugal (on behalf of
the European Union)
H.E. Ambassador Joao Salgueiro, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
Commitments to promote the role
of women in peacebuilding and enhance the implementation of Security
Council 1325 (2000) are also reflected in the 2006 EU joint concept
for support to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and
the communication on gender in development cooperation.
We believe that the Peacebuilding
Commission is a most appropriate forum for addressing gender equality
and for contributing to the active participation of women in post-conflict
reconstruction and institution-building processes, including in
decisionmaking.
In addition, it is crucial to
include women in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
programmes, while taking into account the capacity of women to
contribute to stability and decision-making in society and the
vulnerability and special needs of women and girls.
The active and equal participation
of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and peacekeeping,
including in peace and reconciliation efforts, represents the
best way to eliminate gender-based violence, sexual abuse and
all other forms of violence against women in conflict situations.
Women’s empowerment plays a critical role in peace and security
processes.
In this context, we welcome activities
linked with the promotion of women’s participation in peacekeeping,
peacebuilding and the development of specific action plans for
the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) by the field missions
of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
Qatar
H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
The State of Qatar firmly believes
that women are key partners in all efforts towards and stages
in the maintenance and strengthening of international peace and
security. It also believes in the priority of the ongoing work
to integrate women into all peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations
and in the development of national policies for the consolidation
of peace in areas of armed conflict.
It is reassuring to note that
the review process indicates an increase in the political commitment
to gender equality, the empowerment of women in peace processes,
and the strengthening of capacity-building, especially in the
area of women’s full participation in all stages of peace
processes, including in negotiating and implementing peace agreements
and in the development of new mechanisms for monitoring and reporting
on the status of women and their contributions to peace processes.
Republic of Korea
H.E. Park Hee-kwon, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
Russian Federation
Ilya Rogachev, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative
We also should not, we believe,
reduce the scope of this important resolution to the problem of
sexual violence while ignoring other forms of violence against
women, not even referring to other issues such as equal participation
by women in peace processes, incorporating gender aspects in United
Nations programmes and strategies, and so on.
Slovakia
H.E. Ms. Ol'ga Algayerova, State Secretary of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs
No reference to theme
South Africa
H.E. Mr. Dumasani S. Kumalo, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
Throughout its history, women
in South Africa have played a pivotal role in the liberation of
our country. In the negotiations for a new South Africa, women
were in the forefront in developing a constitutional framework
centered on a non-sexist and non-racist policy. From the beginning,
South Africans recognized the need for mainstreaming a gender
perspective in all aspects of our lives. As a result, we pride
ourselves of having senior women in key Government, business and
civil society positions. As South Africa has increased our participation
in the international arena, our representatives in regional and
international peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts have always
included women.
While the situation of women,
particularly in conflict areas, remains desperate and unacceptable,
we should resist seeing women only as victims. While women may
be the first casualties of conflict, it is also true that women
have played, and continue to play, a meaningful role in the recovery
and reintegration of families in society. Women have also been
among leading policymakers and have been instrumental in bringing
about democracy in some of the post-conflict societies.
South Africa believes that there
is still more work that needs to be done in addressing the situation
of women, peace and security. There is a need for increased participation
of women at all levels, particularly in peacekeeping and peacebuilding,
and in United Nations field operations. More women should be appointed
as Special Representatives and Envoys of the Secretary-Genera1.
For this reason, we commend the Secretary-General for appointing
Ambassador Ellen Loj of Denmark as SRSG for Liberia.
Spain
H.E. Mr. Juan Antonia Yanez-Barnuevo Ambassador & Permanent
Representative
In this regard, we are striving
to contribute to the promotion of gender equality policies in
general, mainly in what relates to women's participation in the
peace building processes, these understood in all of its phases,
from mere conflict prevention to peace consolidation.
Sudan
H.E. Mr. Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleen Mohamad, Ambassador & Permanent
Representative
The above mentioned resolution
laid the basis for cross-cutting, in-depth reflections on gender
issues in areas of conflicts, postconflicts and peacebuilding.
That resolution sets out a comprehensive plan of action on the
status of women in the context of die purposes and principles
of the UN Charter and in accordance with the obligations set out
in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the provisions
of the Outcome Document of the Twenty-Third Special Session of
the General Assembly, on Women. Development and Peace in order
to "Ensure and support the full participation of women at
all levels of decision-making and implementation in development
activities and peace processes, including conflict prevention
and resolution" (GA resolution S-23/3, Annex,para. 86 (b)).
In this connection, women and armed conflicts should not overshadow
the broader issue of women, peace and social development, including
the right to development.
Sweden
H.E. Mr. Anders Lidén, Ambassador & Permanent Representative
Women must be involved in resolving
the armed conflicts affecting them, their families and their communities.
Women should take part in the creation and implementation of peace
agreements, and they must be able to participate equally in the
political decision-making process.
United Arab Emirates
H.E. Mr. Al-Jarman
If these goals can be achieved,
countries will be helped more effectively to strengthen their
respective legislation and training activities aimed at the prevention
of genderbased violence in armed conflict, as well as improving
the institutional environment for accountability, monitoring and
reporting on the situation of women and for ensuring their full
and effective participation in political, security and social
areas of activity.
Secondly, we need to adopt the
gender perspective in all peacekeeping operations and other relevant
activities, including women’s increased involvement in decision-making
processes so as to mitigate the negative impact of illegal activities
perpetrated against them, including acts committed by individuals
participating in such activities. We must find innovative ways
of training and application in order to facilitate women’s
participation in elections, government and post-conflict reconstruction
efforts, such as those adopted by the World Food Programme.
United Kingdom
H.E. Karen Pierce, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative
No reference to theme
United States
H.E. Alejandro D. Wolff, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative
The important contributions women
can and do make in decisionmaking to prevent conflict, mediate
peace processes, and assist in post-conflict reconstruction and
rebuilding must be recognized and endorsed at a national level.
Failure to bring women into these processes in a meaningful way
leaves a critical resource untapped and excludes a large segment,
in many cases a majority, of the population. This undermines both
the credibility and sustainability of these processes. The United
States calls on all member states to promote gender equality and
a greater role for women in the prevention of conflict, peace
processes, and post-conflict reconstruction.
As part of this effort to fully
incorporate women into international efforts to prevent and resolve
conflicts, the United States strongly supports the appointment
of women to senior positions throughout the United Nations system
and, in particular, as Special Envoy or Representative of the
Secretary-General. In this regard, the United States especially
welcomes the recent nomination of Ambassador Loj as the Secretary-General's
new Special Representative in Liberia. The United States calls
on the Secretary-General, as a matter of urgency, to increase
the number of women considered for United Nations Special Representative
and Envoy positions and encourages member states to redouble their
efforts to nominate women candidates for these positions.
VietNam
H.E. Hoang Chi Trung, Minister & Deputy Permanent Representative
Gender imbalance has not been
adequately addressed, leaving women underrepresented in the UN
Secretariat and, in some areas, women representation has even
decreased as compared to last year.
Vietnamese women have always played
an active role in national defense in time of war and in national
construction in time of peace. In Viet Nam today, gender-sensitive
legislations, policies, strategies and programmes of action, the
network of national machineries for the advancement of women all
work together for the achievement of gender equality and advancement
of women in ail aspects of life - political, economic and social.
In Viet Nam, the cause of advancing women and enhancing their
role enjoys the constant support of the country's leadership,
and, of men. We will continue to support and cooperate with the
United Nations entities, NGO's and other partners in implementing
resolution 1325 (2000).
Zambia (for SADC)
H.E. Mr Lazarous Kapambwe
The importance of women's equal
participation and full involvement in all efforts to maintain
and promote peace and security cannot be over stated.
Experience has shown that participation
of women in peace processes produce positive results, especially
because they are the major victims of atrocities of conflict together
with children. Women need to participate in decision making positions.
It is imperative that women are encouraged and supported to run
for offices especially in countries emerging from conflicts. In
this regard we wish to commend the work undertaken by UN agencies
in facilitating the promotion and effective participation of women
in decision making positions.
We as the international community
have an obligation to ensure that the rights of women the world
over are protected and their place in all aspects of the peace
process is assured. It is their equal participation and their
full involvement that will contribute to the effective maintenance
and promotion of sustainable peace and security.
PeaceWomen 