Ukraine
We would also like to commend the determined efforts of the Security Council ...
We would also like to commend the determined efforts of the Security Council members aimed at finding effective ways to protect women and to ensure their full participation in endeavours to maintain peace and security. In this regard, we express our support for Security Council resolution 1888 (2009), adopted last month under the presidency of the United States. Ukraine fully aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union, and, in line with the Union, considers gender equality, gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women not only as important objectives, but also as the means to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and an essential part of the development agenda.
Ukraine, as a non-permanent member of the Council back in 2000, was one of 15...
Ukraine, as a non-permanent member of the Council back in 2000, was one of 15 countries that voted in favour of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). This decision of the Council, no doubt, was and is the milestone document on empowerment of women. We welcome the most recent report of the Secretary- General on the implementation of that resolution (S/2009/465) and support its recommendations. At the same time, my country shares concerns expressed by the Secretary-General regarding the lack of implementation of the resolution.
The question before us today is a complex one. In response to the increased t...
The question before us today is a complex one. In response to the increased targeting of women and other civilians that has become a shameful instrument of contemporary warfare, the international community has done a lot, but much still remains to be done. The Security Council has adopted several resolutions on the protection of children and civilians in armed conflict, wherein it urged all parties to take special measures to protect women and girls from rape and other forms of sexual violence.
However, in spite of all international efforts, women continue to be the most...
However, in spite of all international efforts, women continue to be the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict, targeted for the most brutal forms of sexual violence. In addition to that, women also experience the trauma of losing relatives and friends in times of armed conflict and of having to take responsibility for the care of surviving family members. They also constitute the majority of refugees and displaced persons.
My country is greatly concerned about this situation and strongly condemns th...
My country is greatly concerned about this situation and strongly condemns the targeting of women and girls in situations of armed conflict. In this regard, we welcome the Security Council's efforts to pay a special attention to the particular needs of women affected by armed conflict when considering action aimed at promoting peace and security.
It is important that the Secretary-General's reports to the Council dealing w...
It is important that the Secretary-General's reports to the Council dealing with specific conflict situations and developments in the field also incorporate gender perspectives in addressing various aspects of conflict analysis and conflict resolution. It is also important to be sure that personnel involved in United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations have appropriate training on the protection, rights and particular needs of women. Security Council resolutions setting up or extending peacekeeping operations should provide a clear mandate to address the protection of women and girls affected by conflict against all sexual violence, abduction, enforced prostitution, trafficking and threats imposed by military, paramilitary and other groups.
We believe that the Security Council has a special responsibility to support ...
We believe that the Security Council has a special responsibility to support women's participation in peace processes by ensuring appropriate gender balance in United Nations peacekeeping missions. We welcome the fact that the Council has already recognized the important role of women in conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peacebuilding and has emphasized the importance of promoting an active and visible policy of mainstreaming a gender perspective in all policies and programmes when addressing armed or other conflicts.
The presence of women in United Nations missions can foster confidence and tr...
The presence of women in United Nations missions can foster confidence and trust among the local population, which are critical elements in any peacekeeping mission. In performing their tasks, women are perceived to be compassionate, unwilling to opt for force over reconciliation and ready to listen and learn, and they are widely seen as contributors to an environment of stability and morality that fosters the progress of peace.
At the same time, women are still underrepresented in decision-making with re...
At the same time, women are still underrepresented in decision-making with regard to conflict. Their initiatives and visions for peace and security are rarely heard during peace negotiations. In this regard, I would like to stress that women should not be viewed primarily as victims of armed conflict; the international community should use the potential of women as agents of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
Being an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping efforts, Ukraine h...
Being an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping efforts, Ukraine has for years been contributing women civilian police and military observers to United Nations peacekeeping missions. We reiterate our readiness to continue working constructively with other Members States in order to ensure the protection of women in armed conflicts and women's participation in peace processes.