Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

The importance of today’s meeting lies in the fact that resolution 1325 (2000), which was adopted 15 years ago, is an important milestone in international efforts aimed at protecting women from violence and enhancing their role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as in the establishment of fair and stable societies.

Conflicts in recent years, especially in the Middle East, have assumed new and abhorrent forms and dimensions, and constitute an unprecedented challenge to stability in our region. In some parts of the region, women are grappling with the scourge of terrorism and extremist violence. The spread of violent extremism and takfiri ideology threatens the lives and rights of women and girls in our region in an unprecedented way.

Women are a key resource for promoting peace and stability. Research has shown that women’s participation and inclusion make humanitarian assistance more effective, strengthen the protection of civilians, contribute to the political settlement of disputes and the maintenance of sustainable peace, and accelerate economic recovery. Today, we find ourselves at a turning point in the cause of women and girls.

The strengthening of the rule of law is essential to the economic empowerment of women and their participation in decision-making processes. Iraq has established four courts on domestic violence and family affairs. Concerning the legal framework for women’s empowerment, the Iraqi Constitution has given Iraqi women married to non-Iraqis the right to Iraqi citizenship for their children, on the basis of article 18 bis of the Constitution.

Financing is of course key. We have heard proposals that at least 15 per cent of peacekeeping funding should be directed towards the objectives of resolution 1325 (2000). From our point of view, 15 per cent should be seen as an absolute floor, not the ceiling. As to Iceland, over 20 per cent of our contributions towards peacebuilding in 2014 had gender equality and women’s empowerment as their primary objective.

Unfortunately, the human rights situation, in general, and the situation with regard to women’s and children’s rights and gender equality in particular, remain a serious challenge in the Georgian territories that are under illegal Russian military occupation.

“Particular attention is paid to the gender aspect of transitional justice, which is one of the priorities of the Gambia’s policy in the area of human rights and humanitarian activities. Central to these efforts are the women’s amendment of 2012, the national agenda on women’s empowerment policy 2010-2020, the children’s act, the trafficking act, the refugee act and, most recently, the domestic violence and sexual offence acts of 2013.

I have stressed the responsibility of Member States and the United Nations for the implementation of measures related to the women and peace and security agenda. I wish to conclude my remarks by citing France’s actions in that regard. Since 2010, the French Government has adopted two national action plans for the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda.

I would like to highlight some of our priorities and how we will strengthen our commitment. Finland has been a dedicated supporter of the women and peace and security agenda. This is reflected in the new Government programme setting out the implementation of 1325 (2000) as a priority. Finland is currently implementing its second national action plan.