Joint Nordic Statement at the Security Council Meeting on synergies between CEDAW and WPS

Check Against Delivery

Your Excellencies,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries; Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.

We thank Switzerland for convening this meeting, and commend you for elevating the importance of strengthening synergies between CEDAW and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

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As we convene today, it is evident that the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda is falling short of our aspirations. Despite the well-known fact that women’s participation in peace processes leads to more sustainable peace, women continue to be excluded, their voices marginalized, and their human rights violated. This calls for a concerted effort to explore innovative strategies and harness all available tools to advance the WPS agenda.

Central to this endeavor is the strengthening of synergies between CEDAW and the WPS Framework. Both constitute robust and extensive frameworks. They are underpinned by a strong ecosystem of advocates, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing gender equality and peacebuilding.

While we commend the achievements and existing synergies between CEDAW and its Committee, and the UN Security Council’s work on the WPS agenda, progress on implementation and reporting is clearly lacking behind.

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To advance implementation of the WPS agenda, we need dedicated efforts to support women’s participation in political processes and peacebuilding. This entails elevating the voices of women in all their diversity, including young women, women with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, and indigenous women. We must support their protection and access to flexible funding and capacity building. We must promote a safe and enabling environment for women peacebuilders and human rights defenders, including by preventing and addressing cases of violence, harassment, intimidation and threats, both online and offline.

Furthermore, information sharing between the CEDAW Committee and the Security Council warrants our attention. Information sharing has potential to contribute towards follow-up and accountability on the WPS agenda. The reports submitted to CEDAW by State parties and civil society are an immense source of information and analysis. Therefore, CEDAW State Parties should commit to the explicit inclusion of CEDAW obligations in their WPS National Action Plans. Similarly, Security Council members should include information on Women, Peace and Security in their reports to the CEDAW Committee. This mutual exchange of information will deepen the potential for fulfillment of both sets of instruments and enhance our collective efforts towards gender equality and sustainable peace.

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In conclusion, Excellencies, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality, peacebuilding and sustaining peace by strengthening synergies between CEDAW and the WPS agenda. By intensifying information exchange and utilizing CEDAW's robust accountability mechanisms, we inch closer towards fortifying women's rights and unlocking their full potential in contributing to sustainable peace. Let us not forget that there is an indelible nexus between women's human rights and sustainable peace, and that collective action on the WPS agenda is urgent.

I thank you.