Southern Africa
My delegation would like to take this opportunity to welcome the appointment ...
My delegation would like to take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of Ms. Bachelet. This move was a demonstration of the firm commitment of United Nations Member States and the Secretary-General to achieving the objectives and goals of advancing the equal participation and full involvement of women in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. We would like to assure Ms. Bachelet of our full cooperation and support in the fulfilment of her mandate. We appreciate the Security Council's invitation to UN Women to contribute regularly to its work on women, peace and security. We are convinced that the new entity will be very strategic in coordinating women's efforts in peacebuilding and the prevention of sexual violence in conflicts.
It has been 10 years since the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000...
It has been 10 years since the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000), following the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Resolution 1325 (2000) reaffirms the need to implement the obligations of these instruments, aimed at addressing the situation of women in armed conflict. The adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) at the dawn of the twenty-first century and the new millennium was a significant milestone in the recognition of the role that women played and continue to play in the maintenance of international peace and security. In South Africa, women played a critical role in the struggle for liberation, the transition to democracy, and post-conflict reconstruction and development.
As we commemorate the tenth year of resolution 1325 (2000), South Africa beli...
As we commemorate the tenth year of resolution 1325 (2000), South Africa believes that, while progress has been made in the implementation of its provisions, a lot remains to be done in achieving its objectives.
Today's meeting presents a perfect opportunity to review the impact of interventions and to assess progress in order to identify gaps and consolidate new perspectives towards streamlining and accelerating the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).
In Africa, the African Union and subregional organizations, as well as civil ...
In Africa, the African Union and subregional organizations, as well as civil society, play a pivotal and strategic role in the prevention and resolution of conflict. Women are always ready to play a role in conflict resolution initiatives, such as the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, both of which are vital to peace, security, stability and prosperity. Consistent with these efforts, and in order to promote the effective participation of women in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security, the African Union in February 2009 declared 2010-2020 as the African Women's Decade. It further committed its subregional organizations and member States to use the frameworks of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) to integrate gender policies, programmes and activities on conflict and peace, and to create regional consultative platforms on peace for the sharing of knowledge and information and the harmonization of strategies.
The South African Women in Dialogue forum has initiated dialogue between Sout...
The South African Women in Dialogue forum has initiated dialogue between South African women and women in conflict countries, in particular Burundi, on how best to mainstream gender in peace missions in Africa and beyond. The African Women's Peace Table was established in 2007; it is another South African initiative whereby female soldiers and civil society define the peace agenda and discuss strategies for peacebuilding in the continent.
South Africa today stands as one of the top troop-contributing countries in t...
South Africa today stands as one of the top troop-contributing countries in the world, with the largest women's contingent deployed in peace support missions. Currently, 19 per cent of South African National Defence Force personnel deployed in peace support operations are female.
It is a shame that sexual violence against women, particularly in armed confl...
It is a shame that sexual violence against women, particularly in armed conflicts, still exists and has not yet been fully resolved. Sexual violence is one of the major tragedies in conflict and post-conflict situations, where women and girls bear the brunt and often become casualties. Sexual violence constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity when committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack on a civilian population by State and non-State actors. It was for this reason that, when the International Criminal Court was created, South Africa recommended that sexual violence be among the crimes referred to the Court, which is a tool against impunity.
It is also for this very reason that South Africa condemns in the strongest t...
It is also for this very reason that South Africa condemns in the strongest terms possible the mass rapes committed in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the past two months. We call for the urgent identification of the perpetrators of these war crimes so that they may be brought to justice. The days of impunity at the expense of women and children are over.
My delegation believes that the full participation of women in the prevention...
My delegation believes that the full participation of women in the prevention and resolution of conflict has become a critical element in adequately addressing such tragedies. Placing women in leadership positions, at senior levels, as decision makers in peace consolidation processes, in public life and in transitional Governments could provide space for gender perspectives in order to resolve conflict and achieve stability.
In conclusion, we support the set of indicators contained in the Secretary-Ge...
In conclusion, we support the set of indicators contained in the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/498) and trust that their application will go a long way towards speeding the implementation of 1325 (2000). The United Nations has come a long way and played a critical part in defining the role of women, particularly in conflict situations. Nonetheless, a lot of support to these women is still required. My delegation supports the presidential statement on women, peace and security (S/PRST/2010/22) and welcomes its adoption.