NGO Statement for the 1325 Expert Group Meeting, The International Colloquim on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security

We thank the International Steering Committee and the Ministry of Gender and Development of Liberia for this opportunity to present the NGO perspective on the issues of women's participation in peace negotiations and peace processes; and gender-responsive justice and security in this Expert Group Meeting.

We are speaking on behalf of various NGOs and women's groups working around the world for the full and effective implementation Resolution 1325. On women's participation in peace negotiations and peace processes We would like to highlight the Security Council's intentions regarding women's participation as articulated in Resolution 1325. It stressed “the importance of [women's] equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution.” The Security Council also recognized that “[women's] protection and full participation in the peace process can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security;” and it urged “the Secretary-General to implement his strategic plan of action (A/49/587) calling for an increase in the participation of women at decision-making levels in conflict resolution and peace processes.”