Denmark
The increased awareness of gender across the United Nations system is indeed ...
The increased awareness of gender across the United Nations system is indeed encouraging. In this respect, Denmark welcomes the recent decision of the General Assembly to establish a United Nations gender entity. We hope that the entity will bring about the much needed improvements to the work of the United Nations, including in the area of international peace and security. We look forward to receiving a proposal on the details of the entity, as well as the early appointment of the new under-secretary-general. We must not lose momentum on this topic.
The report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2009/4...
The report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2009/465) presents an overview of achievements, gaps and challenges, as well as recommendations for further actions to accelerate the implementation of Resolution 1325 (2000). The report introduces its conclusions thus: “The significance of resolution 1325 (2000) lies in the way it links the impact of war and conflict on women on the one hand, and promotes their participation in various peace and security processes such as in peace negotiations, constitutional and electoral reforms and reconstruction and reintegration on the other” (S/2009/465, para. 77).
That link between the impact of war on women and the possibility of using the...
That link between the impact of war on women and the possibility of using the potential of women in peace negotiations and reconstruction is precisely what we must focus on in our implementation of the resolution. Resolution 1325 (2000) is the very backbone of Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security, highlighting the necessity of addressing the issue of women as peacebuilders as well as victims of war. Women's empowerment and respect for women's rights are among the prerequisites for sustainable peace and stable, democratic development.
Let me highlight three key areas for future work in this field. First, we mus...
Let me highlight three key areas for future work in this field. First, we must work to achieve greater active participation of women in peacebuilding and reconstruction. Secondly, we must enhance recognition of the special needs and rights of women and girls before, during and after armed conflict. Thirdly, we must provide for the protection of girls and women against violence, including gender-based violence such as rape and sexual abuse, and we must end impunity for gender-related crimes. Allow me in this respect to take this opportunity to welcome the Council's adoption last week of resolution 1888 (2009), which Denmark co-sponsored.
These three objectives are also those that Denmark is prioritizing in its new...
These three objectives are also those that Denmark is prioritizing in its new national action plan for implementing resolution 1325 (2000). In order to be able to monitor progress, we have developed indicators for each objective. Last year, Denmark revised its national action plan. The new plan for 2008- 2013 is based on experience from our first plan. Among the lessons learned is that we need to ensure the full cooperation of all stakeholders in the peacekeeping and security processes, in all phases and at all levels. In the new Danish plan, a stronger emphasis is placed on using the untapped potential of women and on involving them actively and on an equal basis in peacebuilding processes and decision-making at all levels and with a focus on visibility at the country level.
The Danish national action plan was formulated in a participatory manner invo...
The Danish national action plan was formulated in a participatory manner involving all relevant national stakeholders. An annual dialogue with civil society is planned and an inter-ministerial working group is responsible for reporting on the plan's implementation. I have elaborated in some detail on the Danish national action plan and its objectives, since resolution 1325 (2000) in itself will not do the trick. It must be implemented. Action plans must be formulated and actions undertaken and monitored. We fully share the Secretary-General's concern over the resolution's slow implementation, as implementation is obviously the key to any resolution's being worth the effort put into finding the right words.
Resolution 1325 (2009) is a strong resolution, and we all have an obligation ...
Resolution 1325 (2009) is a strong resolution, and we all have an obligation to implement it effectively. We see the adoption of today's resolution 1889 (2009) as a step towards strengthening our joint efforts in that respect. Some progress has been made and should be recognized. Incorporation of gender perspectives into peace processes is emerging, but slowly. United Nations agencies and an increasing number of Governments have developed action plans. International cooperation is also increasing. That is positive, but not enough.
Denmark fully agrees with the recommendations of the Secretary-General on ens...
Denmark fully agrees with the recommendations of the Secretary-General on ensuring accountability. We also emphasize the stated need for concerted efforts to collect data. At the end of the day, it is results that count. It is the responsibility of the United Nations system, as well as of national Governments, to increase the visibility of the results of initiatives undertaken to ensure that the resolution has a genuine impact on the role and status of girls and women in conflict. We hope that we will soon come much closer to full and equal participation of women in peace processes, at all levels of negotiation and decision- making, and that we can not only effectively protect the rights of women but also dramatically reduce and eventually eliminate sexual violence. We have cases that show that progress is possible. Rwanda is an excellent example of how a country can emerge successfully from conflict when women enjoy equal rights and decision-making power. Resolution 1325 (2000), if and when it is effectively implemented in other conflict situations, can provide similar, positive results.