Statement of Pakistan at the 2016 WPS Debate
Implementation
The 2015 high-level review on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), mandated under resolution 2122 (2013), provided an important opportunity not only to reflect on the progress made towards the implementation of the resolution, but also to calibrate our collective ambition to promote our shared goal of strengthening the role of women in conflict resolution,
Resolution 2242 (2015) reaffirmed our strong commitment to the normative framework that views women as a pivotal element of the conflict-resolution paradigm. We also welcome resolution 2250 (2015), on youth and peace and security, as an important complement and reinforcement of the women and peace and security agenda.
We agree with the Secretary-General that, despite the momentum for change, support must go beyond words. Renewed focus on the implementation of the common agenda is therefore crucial. That is key to overcoming operational gaps and challenges and to delivering on our promise of peace and security.
The empowerment of women is therefore also essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including those on poverty eradication, health care, education and inclusive development.
My country stands ready to share our experience by conducting training programmes for women security officers so as to enhance their capacity to respond to crisis situations.
Participation
Women across the world, from Columbia to Uganda to Burundi to Tunisia, have emerged as leaders and consensus-builders, thus inspiring hope of peace and prosperity amid conflict, chaos and violence.
As agents for peace, women also have a vital role to play in achieving sustainable development, because peace and development, as we all agree, are inextricably linked.
Women’s special skills in mediation make them particularly suited as Special Envoys and Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, yet they have had very few such missions. That clearly needs to change.
SGBV
Millions of women and girls remain among the most vulnerable in situations of armed conflict. The perpetrators of crimes against women and girls include Da’esh and Boko Haram, as well as States that use sexual abuse as a weapon of war. In our region we have seen thousands of women fall victim to brutal oppression; countless others have suffered rape and sexual abuse — the worst and the most traumatic form of violence.
Displacement
As host to the largest protracted refugee population in the world, Pakistan has allowed unhindered access by Afghan refugees, including women and girls, to free education and health care and has enabled them to secure employment. It is gratifying to note that the core skills acquired by our Afghan sisters in Pakistan are being used for the welfare of their homeland, Afghanistan.
Peacekeeping
Pakistan fully supports the objectives of the women and peace and security agenda and has played an important role in advancing those goals as a major troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Pakistani women peacekeepers have served as police officers — brave police officers — and as doctors and nurses in missions in Asia, Africa and the Balkans. Gender sensitization is a mandatory part of training for our peacekeepers. My country stands ready to share our experience by conducting training programmes for women security officers so as to enhance their capacity to respond to crisis situations.