Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

As part of its human rights promotion activities, the Czech Republic takes into consideration gender aspects and the protection of women in post-conflict situations, as well as in countries in transition, including by supporting projects of Czech and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

In our view, ensuring gender equality is one of the basic principles with regard to respect for human rights. Transitions can present opportunities to strengthen women's rights, leadership and empowerment. It is crucial to put in place gender-responsive transitional justice measures as a key element in the processes of restoring the rule of law and governance systems in any conflict-affected situation.

Croatia thanks Azerbaijan for convening this important debate on women, the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations, an issue to which Croatia attaches great importance in the context of further advancing the women and peace and security agenda at the global, regional and national levels.

Taking into account that 50 per cent of the total number of victims of conflict are women, the law on victims and land restitution has made significant gains. The law established a comprehensive reparations administration programme that enables major access to victims, including measures to fully compensate them for forced displacement and sexual violence in the context of armed conflict.

In order to know the truth of what happened, understand the structures of criminal organizations and determine degrees of responsibility for illegal armed groups and their collaborators, cases of sexual violence have been given priority, resulting in the joining of legal actions and guidelines in the Colombian Attorney General's Office.

Focusing on the issue before us, with respect to the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations, I would like to share the experience of our country, which is currently debating the subject, while striving to overcome armed conflict through a process of dialogue that we hope will lead to peace.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and to say how pleased we are to have you presiding over the Security Council. I would also like to thank you for organizing this open debate on women, the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations.

As part of the plan of assistance, support and reparation, 339,000 persons have received compensation, 57 per cent of whom are women. Significant progress has been made. To meet those commitments, the Government invested an additional $750 million dollars through August 2013.

Additional actions are being developed, such as setting up institutions for the exclusive purpose of guaranteeing the rights of the victims and implementing an emotional recovery strategy, in which more than 3,000 women are taking part.

Thirdly, strengthening the rule of law represents both an important link in post-conflict peacebuilding efforts and an important foundation for safeguarding and upholding women's rights and interests.