Peacekeeping

Some years ago, the Liechtenstein delegation headed a group of like-minded ambassadors aimed at increasing the presence of women in positions such as special envoys and special representatives in particular. The success of this cooperation with the then Secretary-General was very modest, despite regular expressions of good intentions.

Member States and the relevant intergovernmental bodies must pursue strategies to ensure an increase in women's participation in peace negotiations and mediation, as well as in post-conflict reconstruction. That would strengthen the perception that women are stakeholders — as opposed to mere victims or aid recipients.

There is no doubt that the numerous resolutions and presidential statements that have been adopted by the Security Council constitute a major step towards protecting women and promoting their rights. However, it is not enough merely to adopt resolutions and statements; they must be implemented.

We are also encouraged by the commitment of the Secretary-General to increase the number of women in decision-making positions, as confirmed by the Deputy Secretary-General this morning. We urge other heads of international organizations and regional organizations to do the same and appoint more women as high-level mediators and members of negotiating teams.

We welcome the fact that three women are now serving as heads of missions. Women are playing indispensable roles in some peacekeeping operations. One example is the Indian women's formed police unit in Liberia, which is very impressive. The Peacebuilding Commission, for its part, has incorporated a gender perspective in its country-specific peacebuilding strategies.

The Council should continue to explore how United Nations missions can better protect women and children in conflict, with adequate resources, training and logistical support. We would like the importance of protection of women to be fully incorporated into training programmes for peacekeepers and peacebuilding experts on the ground, before they are deployed.

Let me conclude by reaffirming Italy's firm commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and to promoting women's participation and empowerment. We have made this a priority both in our political action and in our development cooperation.

As we have said time and time again, this is not just a question of how many women are included in the political and decision-making process; it is about enabling them to champion issues that are vital to their empowerment. This is possible only through the full engagement of civil society and women's organizations, which is why resource, training and capacity-building needs must always be given full consideration.

We should also ensure that peacekeepers have adequate capacity to carry out provisions related to gender issues. Moreover, it is important that provisions on sexual violence within the mandates of peacekeeping missions be in line with other provisions, such as protection of civilians; they should be developed with a clear and comprehensive concept.

During our deliberations on this issue last year, Indonesia recognized the need to facilitate the full and effective participation of women in all stages of peace processes and peacebuilding. Indonesia supports more women playing key roles in peacekeeping missions, including as military and police personnel.