General Women, Peace and Security

Switzerland thanks the Guatemalan presidency for proposing this discussion, as well as the Indian presidency, which took it up again after Hurricane Sandy. We would also like to thank the Deputy Secretary- General for having presented the report (S/2012/732) on the implementation of the strategic framework for the promotion of women and peace and security.

In the framework of our programme dedicated to dealing with the past, we have attached great importance to a gender-sensitive implementation of the transitional justice mechanisms. Women's perspectives and needs must be an essential component of all four principles of the fight against impunity: the search for truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence.

First, on mediation, the Secretary-General's report provides us with important facts and figures. Unfortunately, it comes to the conclusion that progress remains limited with regard to the inclusion of women in peace talks and the inclusion of women's issues in peace agreements. Our challenge today is to identify opportunities for their participation and to offer them such opportunities at all levels.

The Nordic countries support civil society, in particular women's organizations that tirelessly work to prevent and solve conflicts, build peace and stability and defend human rights, while often putting themselves at great personal risk in difficult conditions. Their work contributes to more sustainable and legitimate peace. They deserve our full political and financial support, as well as physical protection.

The full implementation of all Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security is a priority for the Nordic countries. The issues at stake are central to the core mandate of the Security Council, namely, the maintenance of peace and security.

In conclusion, 12 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we, the Nordic countries, renew our commitment to the equal right of women to determine the peaceful future of their societies. We recognize that full and effective participation of women and men alike enhances the legitimacy of peace processes, as well as the prospect for a durable and lasting peace.

The situation of women in armed conflict is inextricably linked to the root causes of conflict. That is why we call for measures to address such root causes as poverty, lack of development and problems of climate change.

Mindful of the need to strengthen the role of women in society, in 2007 my Government adopted a national strategy for the empowerment of women, which focused on six main pillars: health, the environment, education, economic development, women's active participation in decision-making, conflict settlement and peacemaking, and the protection of their rights.

In concluding, we hope that the deliberations of the Council on this important matter will lead to the development of an integrated approach to addressing the issue of women and peace and security. After all, women constitute half of society, if not, in a certain way, all of it.

In addition, a number of administrative units have been established to review the position of women and improve the gender balance within the various Government sectors and ministries at the national and provincial levels. Those units continue to form focial points and to guide plans and strategies for the empowerment of women and to promote their participation in society.