Participation

Women must be part of the solutions to these global challenges. Their inclusion in peacekeeping and peacebuilding as well as in decision-making processes is not only fair but also necessary, and it is crucial to take measures and actions that are sustainable over time and properly reflect the challenges on the ground. Experience has shown that women are relevant players in the prevention and resolution of conflict. They play an important role in the peacebuilding process, the rebuilding of societies and the promotion of new approaches with a gender perspective. In this framework, we believe that it is necessary to provide opportunities that enhance the potential of women in these areas and ensure their planned and equitable access to decision- making posts.

The participation of women in the military and police components of peacekeeping operations has a positive effect on the population, since it reduces the undue use of force and makes it possible to become closer to the local population, in particular when there have been cases of the sexual exploitation and abuse of women and girls.

Despite all of the foregoing, very often we face serious difficulties in enhancing the participation and action of women in areas related to peace and security. The number of women who participate in peace negotiations is very low, as it is in terms of the personnel deployed in peacekeeping operations, both military and police. According to the report of the Secretary-General, in December 2015 women made up only 4.7 per cent of all deployed military experts, 3.2 per cent of military troops and 16.9 per cent of police officers.

In this context, Uruguay reaffirms its commitment through strengthening measures such as maintaining an above-average percentage of women deployed in peace operations; continuing with the mandatory training of military troops that are to be deployed on issues of the prevention of and response to violence, sexual exploitation and abuse; and continuing with the zero-tolerance policy in cases of misconduct, sexual violence are any other violation of the code of conduct.