The Pacific SIDS wish to highlight the importance of conflict prevention as a...

The Pacific SIDS wish to highlight the importance of conflict prevention as an essential element of resolution 1325 (2000). Unabated climate change raises the risk of increasing violent conflict in many parts of the world and its consequent impact on women and girls, which is potentially beyond the capacity of the international community to respond to adequately. The adverse impacts of climate change alter the distribution and quality of natural resources such as fresh water, arable land, coastal territory and marine resources. Such changes can increase the competition for available resources, weaken Government institutions and lead to internal and international migration. Furthermore, such adverse impacts can create obstacles that substantially interfere with the ability of nations to maintain their territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. All these effects of climate change can create a severe risk of increased violent conflict in many parts of the world, along with the ensuing impacts on women and girls during and after conflict.