India
We co-sponsored resolution 1888 (2009), which was adopted last week under the...
We co-sponsored resolution 1888 (2009), which was adopted last week under the presidency of the United States. We were also happy to co-sponsor resolution 1889 (2009), which was adopted today. Nevertheless, let me underscore that the issue of women and peace and security has implications that are cross-cutting, as well as multi-dimensional. Therefore, the need to discuss those issues in the universal forum — the General Assembly — cannot be over- emphasized.
India has consistently held that greater participation by women in areas of c...
India has consistently held that greater participation by women in areas of conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction is the sine qua non condition for lasting peace and security. As far as the United Nations is concerned, its achievements have been at best modest, in particular in terms of the deployment of women in peacekeeping forces. Women currently comprise only 8 per cent of United Nations police officers, and about 2 per cent of the military personnel, deployed in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Given the critical role of the United Nations in peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding in post-conflict countries, we firmly believe that the United Nations must lead by example.
Precisely for those reasons, India has contributed a female peacekeeping unit...
Precisely for those reasons, India has contributed a female peacekeeping unit of 100 personnel, which is at present deployed in Liberia. That mission in Liberia stands out as the only one of its kind among the ongoing United Nations peacekeeping operations. We commend the work of the Secretary-General in mainstreaming the gender perspective in the United Nations recruitment process. We hope that that process will be institutionalized at the earliest possible time, and that we will achieve a gender balance in the United Nations system, especially in the field, where is it most urgently required. There is also great need to ensure greater representation of women in high decision- making positions at the United Nations.
It is a matter of deep regret that the international community has to repeate...
It is a matter of deep regret that the international community has to repeatedly debate the issue of sexual and other forms of violence against women and girls in situations of armed conflict. That abhorrent behaviour has to be unequivocally, unambiguously and resolutely condemned, whether it is perpetrated by parties to armed conflicts, peacekeeping personnel, including its civilian component, or humanitarian actors.
The promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls in armed ...
The promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls in armed conflict continues to pose a pressing challenge. There should be no tolerance for gender-based violence. All cases of gender-based violence in an armed conflict must be investigated, and the perpetrators prosecuted. Let me assure the Council that India will continue to contribute positively to United Nations efforts to protect vulnerable groups, in particular women and children, in conflict and post-conflict societies. That needs to be done in a comprehensive manner and with the active involvement of all the departments and agencies of the United Nations. I would also like to stress that the international community needs to enhance cooperation by providing new and additional financial resources and by sharing experiences, expertise and capacity building in areas of justice and rule of law.