Statement of Croatia, September 2016

Today, on the International Day of Peace, it is necessary to emphasize that women are powerful agents of peace and security. We must not treat women only as victims of conflict and violence. Women are powerful agents of change. Their increased contribution to preventing and resolving conflict, as well as to maintaining sustainable and inclusive peace, should be encouraged. More female peacekeepers could help us combat sexual violence, promote gender awareness among the host nations' populations, and improve relationships

with local citizens.

To contribute to this goal, Croatia is conducting a UN training course for women police officers from Asia, Africa and Europe. This course is organised back-to-back with predeployment military training in order to enhance the synergy between the military and civilian

sectors, by simultaneously integrating gender and multicultural aspects of peacekeeping.