Bosnia and Herz.
Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes and greatly appreciates the convening of this...
Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes and greatly appreciates the convening of this meeting to mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). We view this anniversary as an opportunity to look back on our achievements while also assessing what remains to be done in the next decade in order to fully implement the resolution's provisions and advance women's participation in peace and security.
At the outset, I would like to emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina fully su...
At the outset, I would like to emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina fully supports the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), the provisions of which have been incorporated into the Bosnia and Herzegovina gender action plan and the action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2010-2013.
The establishment of UN Women, the appointment of its head and the appointmen...
The establishment of UN Women, the appointment of its head and the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict are important recent developments. We believe they will ensure that the United Nations is working in a concerted and coordinated manner and will strengthen the capacity of the United Nations system to match the commitment to gender equality with the leadership, resources and expertise needed to deliver changes on the ground. The further development of indicators to track the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) will be a significant step in broadening this agenda.
Contemporary conflicts create situations in which women and children are most...
Contemporary conflicts create situations in which women and children are most affected by the deterioration of living conditions and fundamental rights. Deprivation of rights and violence often go hand in hand with conflict. We emphasize that rape as a weapon of war is unacceptable. Efforts to fight impunity, provide assistance to victims and hold perpetrators accountable must be intensified and better coordinated. Regrettably, sexual and gender-based violence often continue after peace deals are reached, due to insufficient investment in protection and prevention strategies or weak security and justice institutions.
We are aware of the fact that peace cannot be sustained unless women play a c...
We are aware of the fact that peace cannot be sustained unless women play a critical role in the process. We therefore underscore the importance of full and effective participation of women at all stages of peace processes, giving them an equal role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts as well as in early peacebuilding. Women must be fully engaged in peace talks, post-conflict needs assessments and planning frameworks. This is particularly relevant with regard to financial allocations to address their specific needs and improve gender equality.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken significant steps to integrate the gender pe...
Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken significant steps to integrate the gender perspective into national policies. We are among the first countries in the Western Balkans region to have adopted a national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Goals in the plan include increasing the participation of women in decision-making positions at all levels of public administration, increasing the number of women in leadership positions within police and military forces, increasing the participation of women in peacekeeping operations and introducing a gender perspective in the training of personnel for peacekeeping missions. The goals also include increasing the knowledge and capacity of State services to apply resolution 1325 (2000) and improving cooperation with non-governmental and international organizations in the implementation of the resolution. Each goal in the national action plan has a timeline and indicators for monitoring implementation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has also adopted a gender action plan. The two documen...
Bosnia and Herzegovina has also adopted a gender action plan. The two documents link activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and international activities by addressing a broader concept of women and peace and security, translating them into genuine political commitments and mainstreaming 1325 issues across the relevant Government and non-government sectors. We are convinced that these activities will certainly accelerate the implementation of the resolution in Bosnia and Herzegovina and contribute to the common goal of empowerment and protection of women.
Indeed, much has been accomplished in the past decade. But much remains to be...
Indeed, much has been accomplished in the past decade. But much remains to be done to obtain real results for women on the ground. To that end, it is of vital importance for the Security Council to continue to use all tools at its disposal for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as appropriate.
At the same time, Member States need to take decisive action, accompanied wit...
At the same time, Member States need to take decisive action, accompanied with clear goals, baselines and indicators to monitor and assess its implementation. The goals for the future have been identified. Now we must have the will and persistence to achieve them. I can assure the Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina's full cooperation in that endeavour.