Botswana
I would like to extend the gratitude of my delegation to you, Mr. President, ...
I would like to extend the gratitude of my delegation to you, Mr. President, for having convened this important meeting on women and peace and security. We congratulate Ms. Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. We assure her of our full support in the discharge of her mandate.
As 2010 marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Security Council r...
As 2010 marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women, peace and security, it is of the utmost importance that we strive to ensure gender equality, fight violence against women and to enhance women's participation in international peace and security.
Resolution 1325 (2000) represents one of the most important milestones of gen...
Resolution 1325 (2000) represents one of the most important milestones of gender mainstreaming in the United Nations. Since its adoption in 2000, this important tool has allowed the United Nations and its agencies, through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Women and Peace and Security, to work together on these issues. Considerable attention has also been paid to its implementation at the national and international levels.
Today's deliberations reaffirm the great importance that we attach individual...
Today's deliberations reaffirm the great importance that we attach individually and collectively to the impact of conflict on women and to the role that women can play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. The deliberations also provide an opportunity to reaffirm the core message of resolution 1325 (2000) that sustainable peace will be possible only with women's full participation, perspectives, leadership and presence wherever we seek to make and keep the peace.
As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/498) indicates, some progress ...
As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/498) indicates, some progress has indeed been made in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as demonstrated by the notable efforts made by the United Nations system, Member States, civil society and other actors. In this regard, a number of activities covering a broad range of areas have been undertaken over the past decade.
However, we remain concerned that, in spite of the adoption of resolutions 13...
However, we remain concerned that, in spite of the adoption of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), which have become beacons of hope for millions of women and girls, crimes of rape and sexual violence persist. Women and girls continue to be targeted, while rape and sexual violence continue to be used as weapons of war. Women also constitute the majority of the world's refugees and internally displaced persons.
However, we share a sense of optimism that, given our collective will, especi...
However, we share a sense of optimism that, given our collective will, especially within the Security Council, we can bring an end to impunity and to this crime against humanity. In this regard, we call upon all concerned parties to refrain from committing human rights abuses in conflict situations, including sexual violence, to respect international humanitarian law and to promote non-violent forms of conflict resolution and a culture of peace.
We recognize that peace is inextricably linked with equality between women an...
We recognize that peace is inextricably linked with equality between women and men. One of the most important issues to be addressed with regard to women and armed conflict remains women's participation in conflict resolution and the negotiation of peace agreements at the national and international levels. In the same vein, we recognize that women's equal participation in decision-making at all levels is key to better advance and address the specific needs and concerns of women.
We believe that if women are to play an equal part in the maintenance of peac...
We believe that if women are to play an equal part in the maintenance of peace and security, they must be empowered politically and economically and represented adequately at all decision-making levels, both at the pre-conflict stage and during hostilities, as well as during peacekeeping, reconstruction and reconciliation.
In this respect, it is also our belief that the full implementation of resolu...
In this respect, it is also our belief that the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) can be achieved only through increased recognition of the crucial role of women, as well as their participation and involvement in all efforts aimed at preventing and resolving conflicts. We fully share the opinion that gender equality should be recognized as a core issue in the maintenance of peace and security.
Therefore, we must ensure that the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000) are r...
Therefore, we must ensure that the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000) are realized in order to enable women to participate fully and equally in all levels of decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Women must become full agents in the shaping and rebuilding of their communities in the aftermath of war. It is our duty to continue to work towards the full implementation of this resolution at the national, regional and international levels.
In conclusion, Botswana attaches great importance to the promotion and protec...
In conclusion, Botswana attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of the rights and interests of women and to advancing the status of women. The Government of Botswana has made major achievements in protecting women from violence and in ensuring a secure environment where their rights are protected and their participation in decision-making bodies is guaranteed.