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General Assembly Third Committee
on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Matters
United
Nations General Assembly Third Committee Webpage
Link
to all documents on women submitted to the 56th (2001) General Assembly
Speeches to the 2001 Third
Committee
Statements before the Third Committee
of the 56th Session of the General Assembly on Items 112 and 113:
Advancement of Women and Follow-Up to The Fourth World Conference
on Women took place starting October 17.
Office
of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women
Statement
by Han Deggeller, The Netherlands
Statement by
Mr. Gilbert Laurin Representative of Canada
Statement by
Mr. Zhang Lei of the Delegation of China
Statement by
Ms.Tsuneko Yanagawa for the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United
Nations
Leadership
for Human Security To Create A World Free of Violence: UNIFEM
Statement by
Ms Robyn Mudie for the Permanent Mission of Australia to the United
Nations
Statement by
Mr. Peter Kolby for the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United
Nations
Statement by
the Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations, Ambassador
Juan Gabriel Valdes
Statement
by Ms. Patricia Durrant, the Permanent Representative of Jamaica
to the United Nations
Statement by
mr. Demetris Hadjiargyrou: Representative of teh Republic of Cyrus
to the Third Committee
Statement
by Mrs. Atsede Kidanu Member of the Ethiopian Delegation to the
Third Committee
Statement by
Ms Mavis Kusorgbor from the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United
Nations
Statement by
Amb. Enrique A. Manalo from the Permanent Mission of the Philippines
to the United Nations
Statement by the
New Zealand Representative Sarah Paterson
Statement by Mme
Birgit Stevens for the Permanent Mission of Belgium
Statement on Behalf of the Caribbean Community (Caricom)
by Ms. Sonia Elliott, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Guyana
to the United Nations
Statement by the
Croatian Representative Dr. Dubravka Simonovic
Statement by
H.E. Slamet Hidayat Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic
of Indonesia
Statement by Mr.
Mun Jong Chol Representative of the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea
Statement by
Mr. M Shameem Ahsan for the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the
United Nations
Statement by Mr.
Ishtiaq Hussain Andrabi, Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United
Nations
Statement by Secretary
Fernando E. L.S. Coimbra, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United
Nations
Statement by Ms.
Greta Funnarsdottir Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland to
the United Nations
Statement by Ms
Nadya Rasheed, Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United
Nations
Statement by Nancy
Cain Marcus, United States Mission to the United Nations
Statement by Ambassador
Claudia Fritsche, Permanent Representative of the Principality of
Liechtenstein to the United Nations
Statement by Ms
Asenaca Uluiviti, Permanent Mission of Fiji to the United Nations
Statement by Ambassador
Hasmy Agam, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations
Statement by Ms.
Dalila SAMAH of Algeria to the 3rd Committee
Statement by Ms.
Helena Rajaonarivelo of Madagascar to the 3rd Commitee
Declaration of
the Delegation of Burkina Faso, in the name of the West African
States, on points 112 and 113
Speech by Mrs.
Nicole Romulis, delegate of Haiti to the 3rd Commission
Speech of Mrs.
Aicha Afifi, Minister for the Kingdom of Morocco, before the 3rd
Commission
Speech of the
Delegation of Paraguay to the 3rd Commission
Link
to resolutions relating to women and peace from the Third Committee,
2000
Speech of the
Delegation of Paraguay to the 3rd Commission
Speech of Viviana
Limpias Chavez, Representative of the Permanent Mission of Bolivia
to the United Nations, point 112 and 113
During the General Assembly session
each year, the six committees of the General Assembly are assigned
different tasks on which to focus throughout the coming session.
For the 55th General Session (2000), the following issues were assigned
to the Third Committee:
1. Social development, including
questions relating to the world social situation
and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family
2. Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons
3. Crime prevention and criminal justice
4. International drug control
5. Advancement of women
6. Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference
on Women
and of the special session of the General Assembly entitled “Women
2000:
gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century”
7. Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,
questions
relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian
questions
8. Promotion and protection of the rights of children
9. Programme of activities of the International Decade of the World’s
Indigenous
People
10. Elimination of racism and racial discrimination
11. Right of peoples to self-determination
12. Human rights questions:
(a) Implementation of human rights instruments;
(b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for
improving
the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms;
(c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs
and
representatives;
(d) Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna
Declaration and Programme of Action;
(e) Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
13. Report of the Economic and Social Council (chaps. I and III-V,
chap. VII,
sects. A-C and I, and chap. IX)
Yvonne Gittens-Joseph, the
Deputy Permenent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago served
as the Chairwoman of the Third Committee for the 55th General
Session in 2000.
Secretariat Contacts for
the Third Committee
Ms. Kate Starr Newell (Secretary)
(Telephone: (212) 963 4248; Telefax: (212) 963 5935; e-mail:
newellk@un.org)
Assisted by Ms. Nancy Beteta
Ms. Vivian Pliner-Josephs
(Deputy Secretary)
Assisted by Ms. Nicole Pouilleul
Mr. Otto Gustafik (Deputy
Secretary)
(Telephone: (212) 963-9963, e-mail: gustafik@un.org)
Assisted by Ms. Lorna Fidler
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Statement by Mr. Gilbert
Laurin Representative of Canada
"The active participation of women and
the incorporation of women's perspectives at all levels of decision-making,
is vital to the achievement of the overall objectives to the United
Nations.
Canada is pleased with the progress that has been made to improve
the status of women in the UN system. We note with pleasure for
example, that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations continues
to recognize that gender equality must be addressed in a systematic
manner in the context of peacekeeping. We strongly support the Secretary
General's recommendation that gender experts are staffed in the
office of the Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations.
My delegations regrets that a year has passed and the goal we set
for the achievement of 50/50 gender balance in the UN system has
not yet be attained. There are a number of issues outlined in this
year's report of which we are particularly concerned. Despite progress
within the UN system towards the achievement of the 50/50 goal,
five departments have yet to attain a minimum of 30% representation
of women and in some departments there has been regression from
past achievements. In order for this important target of 50/50 gender
balance to be achieved, we hope that the Secretary General and the
UN system will intensify their efforts.
As Member States we have an important role to play in the attainment
of this target: we need to identify and nominate more female candidates
for election and appointment to UN bodies including judges or other
senior officials in tribunals and truth and reconciliation comissions;
we must also remain vigilant in our monitoring of progress within
the UN system. In this regard, I am pleased that CANZ will once
again introduce to this committee a resolution on the improvement
of the status of women in the UN system. I hope that this resolution
will once again receive broad-based support from delegations."
…"We must take pride in our achievements towards gender
equality. For example, the historic 1325 resolution adopted a year
ago by the Security Council on "Women, Peace and Security".
We continue to support the efforts of the UN to integrate the operative
paragraphs of 1325 into its day-to-day operations and strongly support
the pivotal roles played by the Special Advisor on Gender Issues
and Advancement of Women, Ms. Angela King, and UNIFEM in maintaining
our focus on concrete implementation of the resolution. As UN Member
States, we must identify which elements of the resolution can be
implemented in the short to medium term, to build momentum and push
the agenda forward in our own countries. "
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Statement
by Mr. Zhang Lei of the Delegation of China
:
" As a result of protracted fighting and conflict in certain
regions and countries and the increasing marginalization due to
the imbalanced world economic development, women in many parts of
the world, especially those in the developing world, have seen their
rights seriously comprised in terms of political participation,
employment, education and health. In order to truly achieve the
goal of gender equality, the UN and all countries of the world should
take concrete actions in furtherance of their efforts to genuinely
safeguard the rights and interests of women. To this end, the Delegation
of China would like to make the following observations.
Firstly, women are most often than not victims mostly affected by
wars, armed conflicts and terrorist activities. Countries of the
world should strictly abide by the UN Charter and the basic norms
of international law and resolve their disputes by peaceful means.
Terrorism seriously threatens international peace and security.
In the fight against terrorism, countries should carry out effective
international cooperation, allowing the UN and the Security Council
to play their maximum role. At the same time, in military actions
against terrorism, care should be taken to avoid hurting innocent
civilians, especially women and children. In our view, the women's
cause will get a chance to fully develop only when wars, armed conflicts
and terrorism are completely eliminated."
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Statement
by Ms.Tsuneko Yanagawa for the Permanent Mission of Japan to the
United Nations
"Second, Mr. Chair, providing
protection and assistance to women under armed conflict deserves
to be a high priority. Since a large part of refugees and internally
displaced persons are women and children, and they are most vulnerable
under such circumstances, the Government of Japan attaches great
importance to protecting and assisting them. Part of Japan's recent
measures for Afghan people including assistance up to 120 million
dollars will contribute to alleviating the suffering of many Afghan
women and children."
"In the meantime, women can also play an important role in
bringing to justice those criminals who are responsible for commission
of atrocities in the course of armed conflict. In this connection,
we welcome the election in June of Ms. Chikako Taya, a member of
the Committee on Elimination of Discrimination of against Women
as an ad litem judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for
the former Yugoslavia."
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Statement
by Ms Robyn Mudie for the Permanent Mission of Australia to the
United Nations
"Almost a year ago, we were
also proud to participate in the Security Council's groundbreaking
debate on Women, Peace and Security. We joined many others in applauding
the Security Council's adoption of Resolution 1325 which recognized
women's critical role in conflict prevention, negotiation, peacekeeping
and peacebuilding and called for their full access to power structures
which enable them to make an active and equal contribution to these
processes."
"Australia has subsequently
made a significant contribution to the study on the impact of armed
conflicts on women and girls, the role of women in peace building
and the gender dimensions of peace processes and conflict resolution
which was requested in Resolution 1325. Our contribution to the
study recognises the significance of the Security Council's consideration
of women, peace and security in putting the gender aspects of peace
and security on the international agenda. By dealing equally with
women's experience of, and role in conflict resolution, peace-building
and peace processes, we expect the study to provide sound evidence
of women's equal access to and full participation in all efforts
for the prevention and resolution of conflicts, are essential for
the promotion of peace and security."
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Statement
by Mr. Peter Kolby for the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United
Nations
"Last year, we achieved
a new breakthrough with relation to promotion of gender equality
- the Security Council put the issue of Women, Peace and Security
on the agenda. We see this as a step towards ensuring the full and
equal participation of women at all levels of decision-making and
in the implementation of peace processes, including conflict prevention
and resolution and post-conflict reconstruction."
"Security Council Resolution 1325, which was adopted at that
occasion, is another landmark. But it must be followed up: it is
not enough to focus on the issue and acknowledge that women are
an underutilized resource. Norway expects the resolution to bring
about real change as regards women's participation in this area.
Norway supports the work of the UN Secretariat, the Department of
Peacekeeping Operations, UNIFEM and others in the follow-up work.
The government is also committed to fulfilling its obligations under
the resolution. Norway has provided support to the work by DPKO
on gender mainstreaming in peacekeeping operations and to a study
on the reintegration of women soldiers in Africa."
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Statement
by the Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations,
Ambassador Juan Gabriel Valdes
"…we saw that situations disadvantageous to women still
persist and that in many instance the human rights of women are
not respected. In this regard, we would like to express our deep
concern for the situation of women and population of Afghanistan,
and in this sense, convey all our support to the efforts that are
being made by the United Nations in bringing assistance and food
to them."
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Statement
by Ms. Patricia Durrant, the Permanent Representative of Jamaica
to the United Nations
"…important progress
is still being made by national governments to promote the advancement
of women and by international bodies to improve their status on
the international agenda. For instance The Security Council on October
31, 2000 adopted resolution 1325 (2000) which stressed the importance
of women's equal participation and full involvement in all efforts
for the maintenance and promotion of peace. This is a clear recognition
of women's role in conflict prevention and resolution."
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Statement
by mr. Demetris Hadjiargyrou: Representative of teh Republic of
Cyrus to the Third Committee
" Another area where the women of Cyprus have been particularly
active is in their participation in conflict resolution and the
peace process. The women of Cyprus, having suffered the tragic consequences
of military conflict, displacement and foreign occupation for 27
years, are particularly sensitive to matters of conflict resolution,
human rights and the peace process. Cypriot women's organizations
have been very active in the last two years, as they have been very
active since 1974
- The international Eco-peace Village has launched its training
programmes on conflict resolutions and global environmental sensitivity,
- The Federation of Women's Refugee Association (KEGYK) established
in 1999 has been at the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness
on the Cyprus political problem and the specific problems of refugee
women and,
- The Bicommunal Initiatives among Greek Cypriot - Turkish Cyriot
women to bring together the two communities and thus peacefully
reunite the people of Cyprus."
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Statement
by Mrs. Atsede Kidanu Member of the Ethiopian Delegation to the
Third Committee
"Moreover, as the maintenance of peace and security are a precondition
for economic and social progress, their full participation in decision
making, conflict prevention and resolution and all other peace initiatives
is essential to the realization of lasting peace."
"In the political field,
although the number of women in decision-making is still low, the
visibility of women in public service areas has been enhanced by
their representation in parliament and the appointment of a number
of them to hight public offices previously dominated by men. These
areas of women representations include: women parliamentarians,
women Ministers, women bureau hands, women department heads and
other similar positions."
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Statement
by Ms Mavis Kusorgbor from the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the
United Nations
" Let me also indicate that the adoption by the Security Council
of Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace and Security" in October
2000 is appropriate, since it seeks to equalize the opportunities
for women to actively participate in the prevention and management
of conflicts, as well as the development of peace-building mechanisms.
Women and children are the prime victims of the violent consequences
of wars and civil unrest, and their participation in the resolution
of such aberrance is critical. They must be given the opportunity
to introduce relevant gender-dimensions in any national, regional
or international programmes that aim at restoring peace and security."
"My delegation, therefore, looks forward to the high-level
of brainstorming session to be convened in December this year, to
elaborate an implementation strategy for the Security Council Resolution."
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Statement
by Amb. Enrique A. Manalo from the Permanent Mission of the Philippines
to the United Nations
"The Phillipines welcomes the role given to women in keeping
and promoting peace in areas of conflict. This has given women an
opportunity to engage in decision-making processes and assured their
participation in the political and socio-economic aspects of society.
Mr. Chairman,
My delegation is pleased to see that all forms of violence against
women, including those committed in the home, are treated as a violation
of a women's right and dignity. Each victim is physically, emotionally
and mentally scarred for the rest of their lives. For as long as
these acts of violence continue, national, regional and international
efforts is needed for diligent prevention of all forms of violence
against women."
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Statement
by the New Zealand Representative Sarah Paterson
"…particularly when it has been recognized that gender
equality is intrinisically linked to effectively addressing global
problems, like HIV/AIDS , poverty and development, peace and security."
"The adoption of Resolution 1325 by the Security Council provides
a good platform for mainstreaming gender into the UN's work on peace
and security."
"…we are pleased this year to again join with our CANZ
partners in presenting the resolution on improving the situation
of women in the UN system, which Australia will run this year. It
is also disappointing that our consideration of this issue this
year has been hampered by the lateness of the Secretary-General's
report. It is also disappointing to see that in the larger population
of staff with appointments of one year or more the representation
of women has actually declined over the last year. However, what
the report highlights is that small, incremental stepss are still
being taken towards achieving the goal of 50/50 gender balance in
the UN, with 14 departments and offices meeting this goal in the
past year and the 40% mark being reached in respect of geographic
appointments. The goal is in sight, and we urge the Secretary-General
to continue in his efforst to cross the remaining ground in order
to reach it."
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Statement
by Mme Birgit Stevens for the Permanent Mission of Belgium
"Civilians, particularly women and children, account for the
vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict, including
as refugees and displaced persons. But women also play an important
role in the prevention and resolution of conflict and in peace-building.
It is of paramount importance theat they should take an equal part
in all decision-making with regard to conflict prevention, management
and resolution. In this connection, the European Union welcomes
Resoltuion1325 on women in armed conflict, adopted by the Security
Council on 31 October 2000. It encourages all the parties involved
in conflicts to enhance women's role in peace negotiations."
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Statement
on Behalf of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) by Ms. Sonia Elliott,
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Guyana to the United Nations
"The twenty third Special Session of the General Assembly on
Gender Equality, Development and Peace was no exception, reminding
us that gender inequality will always endanger sustainable equality,
development and peace."
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Statement
by the Croatian Representative Dr. Dubravka Simonovic
"In the historic 1325 resolution
adopted a year ago by the Security Council on "Women, Peace
and Security", we have recognized the need to integrate women
more effectively into the peace process worldwide. Following the
horrible terrorist attacks of Septemeber 11 on New York, the United
States, and humanity as a whole, the UN responsed by the recognizing
international terrorism as a threat to international peace and security.
Consequently, women should be fully integrated in the international
fight against terrorism."
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Statement
by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of San Marino
"San Marino is particularly
concerned about the increase of violence against women: we know
from the report of teh Secretary-General that ccases of violence
against women are taking place all over the world and more and more
often. We have come to a point, we have to examine all possible
causes of this increase and take precise and concrete measures to
put an end to them. On this issue, San marino welcomes the statement
of teh European Union, at the opening of this item, and is committed
to find a way to address these causes. The respect for women's rights
and the awareness of their constructive role in society are the
fruits of a far-sighted policy of englightened Governments and peoples."
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Statement
by H.E. Slamet Hidayat Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic
of Indonesia
"Together with NGOs and
various political parties, the Indonesian Government is working
to strengthen and increase women's political participation, including
through such means as affirmative action and the revision of legislation
governing political participation. In this connection, Indoesia
welcomes the role that UNIFEM is playing in increasing the partcipation
and role of women in politics and in the decision making process."
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Statement
by Mr. Mun Jong Chol Representative of the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea
"At the international fora
including the UN, women's position should be respected and further
enhanced and their voices be heard so that they could make significant
contribution to peace and development of the world. My delegation
takes this opportunity to appreciate the UN organizations including
UNIFEM and UNICEF for their tremendous efforts to improve the status
of women and strengthen the role of women.
It is particularly important
to further strengthen legal and institutional mechanisms for elimination
of all forms of discrimination against women and create international
environment for preventing violecne against women. Discrimination
and violence against women cannot be justified in whatever circumstances.
The root cause of violence against women in our times lies mainly
in the impunity of the past inhumane crimes committed against women.
In this respect, my delegation
draws again the attention of the Committee to the fact that Japan
still falls far short of determination and sincerity in liquidating
its past crimes against humanity. During its colonial rule of Korea,
Japan committed intolerable crimes including, among others, forcing
over 200, 000 Korean women into sex slaves for the Japanese Army
called as "comfort women". These acts of violence against
women which were jointly organized and committed by teh Japanese
government and the military constitute a large scale crimes against
humanity, thus giving rise to denunciation from international fora
including the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The Japanese
authorities continue to take an evasive stand on its state responsibility
by establishing so-called "Asian Women's Fun" with the
aim only to appease the international community that demand and
press for sincere apology and full compensation to the victims of
the "comfort women". They even repeat their past rimes
by intentionally omitting the issue of "comfot women"
from history textbooks to be used in secondary schools of Japn.
The Japanese government in early August this year, refused to allow
the entry into Japan of a delegation of the DPRK Committee on Measures
for Compensation to the former "comfort women" and the
Pacific War victims which had been invited to partcipation in meetins
organized by a Japanese NGO to hear testimonies on crimes of Japanese
forcible drafting and sexual enslavement. By so doing, Japan disclosed
its immorality and meanness as an assailant, which brought indescribable
sufferings and pains to the Korean people in the past. This represents
the continued hostile policy of Japan towards the DPRK and constitutes
a violation of the rights to speech and assembly. The shameless
maneuvers of the Japanese reactionary quarters to cover up the most
flagrant crimes committed against humanity forever behind the black
curtain of history is indeed an expression of inferiority of cultural
and moral viewpoint of Japan that openly dares to challenge the
conscience of humankind and revive militarism. Japan is strongly
urged again to discharge its full responsibility for liquidation
of its past crimes by paying attention to the just demand of history
and humankind and formally apologizing and making state compensation
to the victims of the former "comfort women."
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Statement
by Mr. M Shameem Ahsan for the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to
the United Nations
"Third, the situation of
women in conflict situations across the world remains a concern
for us. Women are not only victims, with their human rights violated
in numerous ways in times of conflict, they are also the harbinger
of peace, as we have seen from conflict situation to conflict situation,
in Africa, in the Balkans and in Asia and Latin America. We are
happy that both the Beijing Platform for Action and the Beijing+5
outcome document detail actions that can help women whose rights
have been violated, end impunity for the perpetrators and enhance
the contributions of women to peacemaking and peace building. The
Security Council has recognized this important aspect in its work,
with its first ever resolution on women and armed conflict adopated
a year ago. Much follow-up action is ahead of us and the United
Nations system ought to be prioritizing this issue in its work."
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Statement
by Mr. Ishtiaq Hussain Andrabi, Permanent Mission of Pakistan to
the United Nations
"Since the Beijing Conference,
we have made significant progress. Following is a resume of the
achievement
- Three Women Crisis Centers
managed jointly by the government official and local NGOs have been
set up as pilot projects
- A non-lapsable fund has been
earmarked for women in distress. The money is used for improving
the conditions of jails, protection houses for women and to facilitate
legal aid to them. It is managed by a Board of Governers with the
Minister for Law as the Chairman.
-Issues related to crimes of
passion, including the so-called "honour killings" and
domestic violence, have been vigorously addressed. Administrative
instructions have been issued to ensure that the law takes its course
unhindered and that there is no manipulation in either registering
or proceeding of such cases. Ministry of Women Development is taking
up the issue through advocacy and awareness programs."
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Statement
by Secretary Fernando E. L.S. Coimbra, Permanent Mission of Brazil
to the United Nations
"Concerning women and girls,
programmes are focused, inter alia, on early motherhood, family
planning, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS prevention and
treatment through the free provision of antiretroviral drugs, sexual
violence, prevention and care of the victims of sexual and domestic
violence. Nine shelters and 225 facilities entitled "Special
Headquarters to Assist Women" are in place throughout the country
to provide support and services for women in violence situations."
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Statement by Ms. Greta Funnarsdottir
Deputy Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
"The terrible plight of
Afghan women has been frequently mentioned during our debate with
good reason. Should it come to the UN becoming involved in peacebuilding
and reconstruction in Afghanistan we have to make it absolutely
sure that in the process Security Council Resolution 1325 will be
honoured for the benefit of Afghan women and as a result for the
Afghan population as a whole.
Iceland has for the last two
years been contributing to UNIFEM's office in Kosovo where UNIFEM
has among other things been engaging women in the political process,
both as candidates and as voters. It is important that the UN is
really in a position to apply Security Council resolution 1325 out
in the field. It is important to verify if and how gender mainstreaming
is being implemented in practice."
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Statement by Ms Nadya Rasheed,
Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United Nations
"The issues of women in poverty, violence against women, human
rights of women, women in armed conflict, including foreign occupation,
continue to receive considerable attention in regard to Palestinian
women. Palestinian women strive to implement the outcome documents,
guided by their belief that the documents are essential for enhancing
their role in their society at all levels, taking into their specific
needs arising from their specific situation.
Palestinian women, among the Palestinian population as a whole,
continue in their struggle to achieve freedom, peace and prosperity
in the face of the harsh reality of the continuing Israeli occupation.
On another front, they also continue to fight inequality and discrimination
in order to play an active role within their society. The main obstacle,
however, continues to be the oppressive Israeli policies and measures
that have long deprived Palestinian women from developing their
socio-economic potential, thus impeding their efforts to improve
their conditions and advance their status. This has seriously hampered
efforts to promote a viable and comprehensive plan of action for
the advancement and empowerment of Palestinian women. The confiscation
of land and water, the building and expansion of settlements, the
restriction of movement and closure of the Occupied Palestinian
Territory, including Jerusalem, have had a detrimental effect on
the overall conditions of Palestinian women and children and pose
real obstacles to their advancement. Moreover, there has been a
dramatic decline of the situation on the ground over the past year,
characterized by an excessive and indiscriminate use of force by
the Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians.(…)
Despite these pervasive difficulties and obstacles, Palestinian
women continue to pursue initiatives and promote national programs
of action geared towards their advancement and their full participation
in building their society. In this connection, they have worked
to establish the foundations for the social, economic and institutional
development for the long due establishment of a Palestinian state.
This establishment includes foundations for the educational, health,
and economic infrastructures, in addition to various structures
and networks needed for development – all while simultaneously
bearing in mind the issue of gender. Women’s institutions,
including those within the Palestinian ministries, have played an
important and vital role in mainstreaming women’s issues in
policies, plans and programs. Moreover, the cooperation between
these units and non-governmental organizations has resulted in a
national strategy for Palestinian women that will serve as the basis
for future plans to achieve equality, development, peace and prosperity.
Taking this into consideration, the Palestinian National Authority
adheres to the principles and purposes of all relevant conventions
and outcome documents when establishing legislation and programs
in order to assist Palestinian women in implementing these valuable
issues.
In spite of the dangerous and serious deterioration on the ground
due to the Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian people
in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, we wish
to reaffirm our commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and
lasting peace for both parties. We, the Palestinian women, continue
to strive for peace that ensures both our national rights and our
rights as women within our society."
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Statement by Nancy Cain Marcus,
United States Mission to the United Nations
"When we discuss women and armed conflict, most of our attention
is directed toward protecting women from the devastating effects
of war. While the issue of protection must remain paramount, we
cannot ignore the important leadership role women must play in preventing
conflict, encouraging reconciliation, and helping rebuild conflict-ridden
societies.
Women are an under-utilized force for peace. We must actively promote
formal mechanisms that support a consistent female presence in the
prevention of conflicts, at the peace table, in peacekeeping missions,
and in peace building efforts to reconstruct institutions vital
to lasting stability."
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Statement by Ambassador Claudia
Fritsche, Permanent Representative of the Principality of Liechtenstein
to the United Nations
"Women are increasingly recognized as key players in development,
and we look back at important developments in the area of international
peace and security. Resolution 1325 of the Security Council, adopted
almost a year ago, contains important language not only on the protection
of women in armed conflict, but also on the importance of increasing
their active role in the prevention and resolution of armed conflict
and peace-building. The situation in Afghanistan is a tragic illustration
of a bigger picture. We are looking at an extreme example of the
exclusion of women from practically all areas of decision-making
and at a situation where the presence and participation of women
in peace negotiations will be of the outmost importance. The women
Ambassadors to the United Nations had a most welcome opportunity
to discuss these issues yesterday with Ambassador Brahimi, the Special
Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan.
I strongly believe that the appointment of women as Special Representatives
and Envoys can play a catalytic role in this respect and that the
United Nations can and should live up to its special responsibility
in this respect. The group of women Ambassadors will continue to
place particular emphasis on this in our contacts with the Secretary-General.
We are very happy to receive increasing support from our male colleagues
in these endeavors: The active involvement of men in the empowerment
of women in important positions is indeed good news."
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Statement
by Ms Asenaca Uluiviti, Permanent Mission of Fiji to the United
Nations
"We reiterate our stand on strengthening the new initiatives
in the UN system for the full utilization of women in matters of
peace and security, including the contribution by UNIFEM. We are
confident this initiative is one of many in the future of moving
our agenda from narrow-based mandates to more coordinated strategies
for gender mainstreaming.
We look forward to the implementation of the Brahimi recommendations
in this connection as a welcome innovation. This should further
widen the opportunities for women in Fiji who have already made
some although slow inroad in the military, and in peacekeeping.
It will certainly increase Fiji’s women professional and specialized
recruitment record in our UN quota, which is captured by our peacekeeping
personnel."
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Statement
by Ambassador Hasmy Agam, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to
the United Nations
"Another area of concern to my delegation is the issue of violence
against women. Identified as another core area to be addressed in
the advancement of women, we are of the view that this issue should
not be confined solely to migrant women but should be looked at
in a broader perspective. Acts of violence can be perpetrated against
all women, be it due to their gender or because they belong to a
social group where violence becomes a mean of humiliation directed
at the group, for example, rape in times of armed conflict or ethnic
strife. Malaysia is also concerned about the trafficking of women
and girls for sexual exploitation, pornography, prostitution and
sex tourism. We urge continued international efforts to eliminate
[the humiliation of women] these problems, and for our part, are
ready to give our fullest cooperation in this area. "
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Statement
by Ms. Dalila SAMAH of Algeria to the 3rd Commission on points 112
and 113
"…In fact, the burden that women must carry has incontestably
weighted the effects of illnesses, like the HIV/SIDA pandemic that
menaces their lives, of globalisation and of armed conflict. The
rise in the trafficking of women is an equal source of concern…
Convinced that the role women play or should play in all domains
and holding peace in high regards, my delegation would like to observe
the concept of human security that, from time to time, comes out
in our debates, as is the case in our current deliberations, and
continues to be a fluctuating and sometimes controversial idea that
we should to get a handle on."
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Statement
by Ms. Helena Rajaonarivelo of Madagascar to the 3rd Commission
on points 112 and 113
"…Despite progress
made, which varies from country to country, it is clear that a lot
of work remains to be done concerning gender roles in the promotion
of peace and development.
Concerning this, Madagascar esteems, like so many other countries,
the importance of reinforcing women’s power to take action
in controlling daily life and development and their participation
in decision-making in the prevention of conflict, as well as in
the consolidation of peace, which is so important…
The majority of victims of armed conflict as well as victims of
violence of all forms are women and children. That is more than
proven by the current situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Millions of women and children refugees need and wait for immediate
humanitarian action from us. Moreover, the number of women refugees
in developing countries, notably in Africa, does not stop growing.
Concerning violence against women , the delegation of Madagascar
is of the mind that it is a major obstacle that limits the capacity
of women in the process of development. We congratulate the Rome
Statue of the International Criminal Court that defines rape, sexual
slavery, forced prostitution and other forms of sexual violence
as crimes against humanity."
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Declaration
of the Delegation of Burkina Faso, in the name of the West African
States, on points 112 and 113
…To these common problems [of women] is added the particular
situation of armed conflict that pushes populations, the majority
of whom are women and children, to paths of exile, with all the
suffering that includes and the various violations of human rights…
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Speech by
Mrs. Nicole Romulis, delegate of Haiti to the 3rd Commission
…Allow me to mention the progress we have made in Haiti in
the last few years…on CEDAW and dispositions taken to assure
follow-up to Beijing…
Carrying out practical interventions; visiting women's prisons,
liberating women who are illegally detained, commuting sentences,
regional campaigns on violence against women, psychological aide
provided to women victims of violence and sexual harrassment.
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Speech of
Mrs. Aicha Afifi, Minister for the Kingdom of Morocco, before the
3rd Commission
…At a time when the world is being twisted and turned in all
domains, women aspire more than ever to create a better social order,
founded on equality, justice, peace, and partnerships…
It is true that women's true participation in development and reinforcing
peace, as well as their equality with men, requires multidimensional
strategies and measures at national and international levels…
The limited participation of women in decision-making bodies in
all realms, notably in politics, conflict prevention and resolution,
economics, the environment, and media, blocks many possibilities
in these critical spheres of influence…
…Poverty, illiteracy, internal conflicts, the HIV/AIDS pandemic,
and insufficient basic social services have marginalised women and
deprived them of the most basic rights.
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Speech of
the Delegation of Paraguay to the 3rd Commission
…The execution of the National Plan of Prevention and Sanction
of Violence Against Women is one of the priorities of the Women's
Secretariat of the Republic in its fight to eradicate the effects
that touch a large percentage of women…
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Statement by Ambassador Bagher
Asadi Chairman of the Group 77 (Islamic Republic or Iran) before
the Third Committee
"...armed conflict, foreign
occupation and terrorism, are among obstacles that women face and
which affect their empowerment and advancement worldwide.
Violence against women is an
affront to their rights and dignity. This abhorrent phenomenon is
detrimental to the human spirit and physical and mental health of
women and girls in many societies. Well, it is fact that that no
society, nation or community in this rather complex and difficult
world of ours can claim to be free and immune from this evil phenomenon
- old, deep-rooted and seemingly intractable as it appears to be,
and I may add, on both sides of the development divide. Violence
against women and girls takes different forms in different societies
and with different justifications, whose ultimate aim is identical
and of the same nature: subordination and exploitation of women.
This phenomenon has expressed and manifested itself in many forms,
including harmful traditional and customary practices, and in more
modern times in the form of commercial exploitation, including of
a sexual nature.
It hardly needs to be stressed
that the realization of gender equality, development and peace needs
international cooperation
Conflict resolution and promotion,
establishment and maintenance of peace and stability and achievement
of long-term, comprehensive, sustainable and humane development
are among the overarching requisite conditions in this regard. "
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Speech
of the Delegation of Paraguay to the 3rd Commission
…The execution of the National Plan of Prevention and Sanction
of Violence Against Women is one of the priorities of the Women's
Secretariat of the Republic in its fight to eradicate the effects
that touch a large percentage of women…
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Speech of
Viviana Limpias Chavez, Representative of the Permanent Mission
of Bolivia to the United Nations, point 112 and 113
…Another important theme has been the implementation of laws
on domestic violence and the reform of local legislation, in order
to protect women and girls from all forms of violence, in particular
that which goes on in the home, as well as the treatment and processing
of aggressors and victims. By way of the National Plan for the Prevention
and Eradication of Violence Against Women, we continue to promote
capacity-building and awareness for those who procure and impart
justice, in a way that will grant greater attention to those suffering
violence.
The development of program of educational reform, like the National
Plan of Bilingual Literacy, prevents and addresses violence in schools,
girls' access to education in rural areas, the execution of a sex
education program in schools with the objective of informing students
about the problems associated with sexuality, like sexually transmitted
diseases and HIV/AIDS…
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