General Women, Peace and Security

We welcome the high-level review of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) as an invaluable occasion to reflect on the current status of the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, and to make concrete commitments to its full realization. Croatia can attest from its own experience to the devastating effects of war on women and girls, and attaches particular importance to their protection and empowerment.

A joint effort by States is the best way of achieving the principles of resolution 1325 (2000). Such is the spirit of today’s debate. The Council can count on Colombia in this endeavour to address and overcome the persistent challenges around the world that are hampering progress on the agenda set forth in resolution 1325 (2000).

To remedy this disparity, the inclusion of women in peace and security processes must go beyond checking a box marked “women”. Costa Rica believes that the full and effective participation of women means much more than inserting women in the existing security structures and concepts.

Fourthly, the existing mechanisms of the United Nations should be fully enabled to act so that each can play its own role, creating synergy. The Security Council should fully perform its primary role of maintaining international peace and security, with a focus on properly addressing women and peace and security.

Thirdly, efforts should be made to shape a harmonious and inclusive social culture.

First, we need to step up efforts to find political solutions to hotspot issues and foster an international environment favourable to women’s development.

Chile was the first Latin American country to have an action plan in 2009 on the safety and protection of women in armed conflicts. That commitment was reaffirmed in a second national plan of action announced by the President of the Republic Michelle Bachelet on International Women’s Day on 8 March.