Statement of Ethiopia at the WPS Debate, October 2016

Nevertheless, we recognize the existing implementation gaps in the women and peace and security normative architecture identified in the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations and through the global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Without any doubt, more needs to be done to advance the women and peace and security agenda. In that regard, we note with great concern the heightened risk of violence or threats to the physical safety of women and their exposure to sexual abuse or harassment in conflict and post-conflict situations. We believe that the sustained engagement of the Council, without encroaching on the mandate of other United Nations bodies, including the General Assembly, is critical in pushing forward the women and peace and security agenda. In that regard, the efforts of the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security, established pursuant to the 2015 high-level review, aimed at ensuring the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and other subsequent resolutions, continue to be very important. Most important, mainstreaming the women and peace and security agenda requires effective coordination and consistent engagement among the relevant stakeholders, including among UN-Women, Special representatives of the SecretaryGeneral, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and troop- and police contributing countries, among many others. In that vein, a coordinated reporting mechanism could also be envisaged to monitor the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda and highlight the protection challenges, with a view to providing the necessary assistance to conflict- affected countries.

As a major troop- and police-contributing country, Ethiopia has been working towards increasing the participation of women. We are particularly proud that Ethiopia is one of the leading contributors of female peacekeepers. We will continue to enhance the participation of our women in the military, police and civilian components.