General Women, Peace and Security

Thirdly, the lack of, or uneven distribution of resources is often at the core of inequality. We need a thorough analysis of how resources are allocated and to whom. To achieve real change, political commitment needs to be accompanied by sustainable financing.

The successes ofthis landmark resolution, has raised international awareness, on the unique and grave issues that girls and women face during and after conflicts. It has undoubtedly increased international commitment on women empowerment at national and global levels.

In closing, I would like to stress the importance of sufficient funding. Women's human rights and empowerment, as well as promoting the WPS Agenda are, and will remain, a high priority for Liechtenstein's budget for international cooperation. We hope that other countries, especially major donors, will take the same approach.

Last and most significant, only through consciousness and recognition of women and their role and impact in culture and heritage and we inherit a culture of peace to the next generations. Women share strong bonds with traditions which trace back to ancient civilizations. The indigenous woman, who is susceptible to social cultural barriers, is wise and knowledgeable and shares the aches and pain o f mother earth.

Due to this major shortcoming, the elaborate normative framework and the Secretary General's 7-Point Action Plan on gender-responsive peacebuilding, has not been achieved. The United Nations must encourage the full and meaningful participation and leadership of women in the decision making processes of conflict prevention, conflict-resolution and post-conflict reconstruction.

My delegation encourages the United Nations and its Member States to recruit more women for preventive diplomacy, mediation efforts, peacekeeping missions and peacebuilding processes.

Security Council resolution 1325 put a most needed emphasis on the importance of women in peace processes. We heard today about the progress made in 15 years, about the remaining challenges and the priorities for action.

Women and girls are caught up in these conflict situations and are subjected to rape, sexual assault, torture, human trafficking, forced marriages, forced religious conversions; they are bought and sold, or even given as gifts or trophies to terrorist fighters.

Brazil sees protection and empowerment as inseparable aspects of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Women and girls are not just entitled to safety, but also to an active voice. No decision concerning women should be adopted without consultation and consideration oftheir unique perspective.