Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October 2007

The seventh Open Debate, held under the presidency of Ghana, the Security Council reaffirmed “the importance of the equal role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, and stressed the need for their full and equal participation in peace processes at all levels.” The Council noted the “low number of women appointed as Special Representatives or Special Envoys of the Secretary-General to peace missions” and urged the Secretary-General to appoint, taking into account the principle of equitable geographical representation, more women to pursue good offices on his behalf.” The Council also welcomed the second follow-up report on the System-Wide Action Plan and requested the Secretary-General to “update, monitor and review the implementation and integration of the Plan and to conduct a system-wide evaluation in 2010 of progress achieved in implementing the Plan in 2008-2009, and report there on to the Council.” The Council further elaborated its deep concern regarding sexual violence in conflict, its impact on civilians, especially women and girls, and the need to end impunity. During the Open Debate, the Council heard from a representative from the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security.

Source: NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security/ UNIFEM Statements were given at the open debate by Belgium, China, Congo, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Benin, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, DRC, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany,Guatemala,Guinea,Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Malawi,Mexico, Myanmar,Netherlands,New Zealand,Nicaragua, Norway, Portugal (EU), Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, UAE, Viet Nam, Zambia, OSAGI, DPKO, UNIFEM, and NGOWG.