Iceland
Mr. Jónasson (Iceland): Let me at the outset thank you, Sir, for conve...
Mr. Jónasson (Iceland): Let me at the outset thank you, Sir, for convening this open debate on women and peace and security to discuss the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The focus you have chosen for our discussion, “Responding to the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations for sustainable peace and security”, is highly relevant and provides ample scope for reflecting on what the focus of our work should be in light of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution next year.
Iceland maintains a strong commitment to resolution 1325 (2000), being one of...
Iceland maintains a strong commitment to resolution 1325 (2000), being one of the few countries that have adopted a national action plan pursuant to the resolution. The Icelandic Government has decided to focus its work related to resolution 1325 (2000) on post-conflict reconstruction and women's access to peace negotiations, being convinced that the inclusion of women in peace processes is a security issue essential to sustainable peace.
In particular, Iceland has supported the extraordinary work of the Internatio...
In particular, Iceland has supported the extraordinary work of the International Women's Commission for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian- Israeli Peace. This is an organization where women from opposite sides of the conflict, together with a group of women from the international community, have managed to find viable ways to promote peace and peaceful alternatives to conflict
Last summer, Iceland organized an international conference on resolution 1325...
Last summer, Iceland organized an international conference on resolution 1325 (2000), entitled “Women Negotiating Peace”, which highlighted how best to ensure that women are included in formal and informal peace processes. Allow me to contribute to this discussion by recapitulating some of the main issues addressed at the Reykjavik conference. Four themes were predominant.
First, the conference emphasized the importance of raising awareness of resol...
First, the conference emphasized the importance of raising awareness of resolution 1325 (2000) and recognized the importance of using the forthcoming tenth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution for that purpose. Awareness should be promoted in the international community, within the United Nations system, as well as within Member States and societies in or emerging from conflicts.
Secondly, there is need for increased high-level commitment to the resolution...
Secondly, there is need for increased high-level commitment to the resolution, both within the United Nations system and by the Member States. Here, the maw concern was the issue of gender architecture within the United Nations system, which now has been alleviated in part through the unanimous adoption of General Assembly resolution 63/311, calling among other things for a new and consolidated United Nations gender entity to be headed by an under-secretary- general. The Security Council could establish a working group on resolution 1325 (2000) and set an example by incorporating the gender perspective when discussing conflict.
Thirdly, there was a strong call to the United Nations system and Member Stat...
Thirdly, there was a strong call to the United Nations system and Member States to use the tenth anniversary as an impetus to get serious about implementation. The Secretary-General should insist on accountability for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) by the United Nations system. To increase the focus on results, the High-level Steering Group chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General, should focus on the implementation of 1325 (2000). More women should be appointed as special representatives and envoys of the Secretary-General, and gender advisers should be accorded a higher status to ensure that gender mainstreaming does not become sidetracked.
On the membership's side, the lead must be taken in implementing the resoluti...
On the membership's side, the lead must be taken in implementing the resolution, prioritizing the adoption and implementation of national action plans. Finally, but perhaps most importantly, the conference identified a clear need for accountability and reporting mechanisms to ensure successful implementation. Therefore, the Security Council is urged to consider the setting up of a mechanism for holding Member States accountable for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The mechanism should be based on clear performance targets and timelines and have the necessary political backup to report on achievements and failures of implementation by Member States. Resolution 1612 (2005) regarding the use of child soldiers might provide a convenient model for how reporting and accountability can be ensured.
One of the workshops at the conference in Reykjavik approved recommendations ...
One of the workshops at the conference in Reykjavik approved recommendations on how to mark the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) next year. Time does not allow me to mention them here. The nine recommendations will be circulated with the printed version of my text. The anniversary provides us with an opportunity to draw attention to the resolution, promote greater commitment and improved implementation and work towards the strengthening of the resolution. Let us seize that opportunity.