The Nordic countries
–Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark - welcome the most recent report
of the Secretary-General on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) as well as the
recommendations therein. We commend the UN on efforts to enhance accountability
and commit to doing our part.
20 years after the
adoption of UNSC Resolution 1325, we recommit to stepping up our efforts to
ensure full implementation of all resolutions and all pillars of the WPS
agenda. In that regard, we welcome the Compact on WPS and Humanitarian Action
(as part of Generation Equality Forum), the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian
Fund’s Rapid Response Window for the deployment of women to peace processes and
the Commitment 2025 Initiative.
Inclusive peace processes
are more likely to produce sustainable results responsive to a diverse set of
needs. Yet the numbers in the SG Report speak for themselves; while progress
has been achieved in many areas, women remain underrepresented at all stages of
mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and in political processes
generally. Much remains to be done.
To mention a few concrete
examples:
First, women need to be
part of delegations to peace talks. Representation of women in dialogue and
mediation efforts are key to ensuring a sustainable outcome.
Second, peace negotiations
should be informed by a gender perspective to ensure the needs of the whole
population are considered.
Third, reporting from
conflict situations should include gender analysis and sex-disaggregated data.
Fourth, consultations with
women’s organisations should be conducted regularly. We need to link local
initiatives to formal peace talks. Briefings from women civil society
representatives at the UNSC creates informed decisions.
Fifth, security
assessments need to address the security of women, including conflict-related
sexual and gender based violence.
Sixth, security sector
reform, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes should
integrate a gender perspective to achieve inclusive political transitions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has
exacerbated conflicts and inequalities worldwide. We should not let it constitute
a setback for hard-won progress on women’s and girls’ rights. We must work to
ensure that our societies emerge more resilient, equal and inclusive. The Nordic
countries remain particularly concerned by the SG Report’s clear demonstration
of a global rise in sexual and gender-based violence and
increased risk of sexual exploitation and abuse as a direct consequence of the
COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic constitutes a great challenge to women’s sexual
and reproductive health and rights. Ensuring these fundamental rights of women
and girls is key to promoting their full, equal and meaningful participation
and representation. Moreover, there is a pressing urgency for creating a safe
environment for women peacebuilders and human rights defenders. This is our
duty as member states.
The Nordic countries were
amongst the first to launch national action plans (NAPs) for 1325. NAPs remain
a key tool, but must be followed up with concrete and tangible efforts to
support women and girls living in conflict-affected areas if we are to ensure
accountability.
Political will and
sufficient resources are needed to speed up implementation of UNSC-Resolution
1325. The Nordic countries strongly urge all UN member states to put women at
the front and centre of their peace and security efforts, in conflict
prevention and humanitarian response, from the very start of a peace dialogue
to the implementation of a peace accord. We call on the UN to ensure gender
parity in its mediation teams, and take concrete steps towards women’s full,
equal and meaningful participation in all peace processes and political
transitions where the UN has a role and in the peace processes, it leads or
co-leads.
It is not only the right
thing to do. It will promote sustainable and lasting peace.