Peacekeeping

The Peacekeeping theme focuses on a gendered approach to multi-dimensional peacekeeping missions, predominantly through gender mainstreaming of peace support operations and the increase of female recruitment in peacekeeping, military, and police.

The Security Council calls for an increase in the number of women in peacekeeping operations (1325,OP6).

It is also important to note that the issues of gender and peacekeeping should never be reduced to the number of women recruited as peacekeepers. Promoting security is about providing real human security for the population, not about the militarisation of women. The point is not to achieve gender parity for its own sake, but rather to draw on the unique and powerful contribution women can make to peacekeeping.

The Security Council commits to include a gender component in UN field operations (1325,OP5), and requests that the Secretary-General’s reports to include information on the progress of gender mainstreaming within each operation (1325,OP17). Without a gender perspective, it is almost impossible to adequately create an inclusive security, which forms the basis of promoting sustainable and durable peace. Gender training, pre-deployment, on the ground, and post-deployment is effective for ensuring peacekeeping personnel have sufficient knowledge and skills.

Peacekeeping missions are increasingly being mandated to address sexual violence (1960,OP10), and training can increase the prevention, recognition, and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and sexual exploitation and abuse (1820,OP6). The implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda varies greatly among Peacekeeping Operations. This variation is a result of the peacekeeping mission’s mandates and also structure, leadership, funding, whether there is a designation of a separate unit to address gender, and the number of gender advisors. These key gaps were highlighted in DPKO’s Ten-Year Impact Study on Implementation of Resolution 1325 in Peacekeeping.


These measures can trigger positive changes for women within conflict and post-conflict situations, such as increased physical security, employment-related benefits, capacity building for local women’s organisations, and increased awareness of women’s rights. Additionally, positive role models and examples of women’s leadership have a positive effect on the environment and contribute to the success of peacekeeping missions.

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Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2016/753)

Statement of Ireland

Extract: 

Fourthly, the women and peace and security agenda is leading to a sea change in the peacekeeping paradigm. For Ireland, we do not have to look any further than home to see that. Resolution 1325 (2000) was transposed directly by our defence forces into an action plan for women and peace and security. That plan supports our national action plan on women and peace and security, which is now in its second phase.

Statement of Gambia

Extract: 

In almost all cases, women in peacekeeping operations are relegated to secondary roles. Yet there are many roles, especially in the negotiating process, in which women can play an effective role and make effective contributions. As a start, we should encourage the appointment of more women to key and pivotal positions in peacekeeping operations. We note the positive move in Darfur, where the Commissioner of Police is a woman.

Statement of France

Extract: 

That would require close cooperation between the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Department of Field Support and the Department of Political Affairs, on the one hand, and UN-Women, on the other. Much has already been done to take into account the dimension of gender equality in peacekeeping operations.

Statement of Egypt

Extract: 

At the national level, Egypt is committed to providing gender-based training for its forces participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Other institutions are also playing a vital role in countering the adulterated religious opinions, including fatwas, issued by terrorist organizations in conflict areas, especially those affecting the status of women.

Statement of Chile

Extract: 

Furthermore, Chile is committed to increasing women’s participation in various United Nations missions. We are convinced of their contribution and undeniable role in establishing effective ties in restoring the confidence of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Statement of Canada

Extract: 

Noting the impact of inclusion, especially women’s participation, on the durability of peace agreements, the Group stresses the importance of the meaningful participation of women at all stages of the peace processes and the elimination of barriers to their participation, as well as the mainstreaming of gender- specific language and the human rights of women in peace agreements.

Statement of Cambodia

Extract: 

Women represent a strong link in the chain that supports the most vulnerable members of society. Women’s perseverance and kind virtues take their role beyond the home as they play an important role in peacebuilding processes. It is unfortunate that women and girls have been recent targets in many areas of conflict. The more we lack key female participation, the more our chances to sustain peace are diminished.

Statement of Azerbaijan

Extract: 

The growing spread of violent extremism and terrorism also causes unspeakable suffering to women and girls. As it was highlighted during the Security Council open debate (see S/PV.7704) on conflict related sexual violence held in June, sexual violence is now also used as a tactic of terrorism.

The People's Tribunal on the Iraq War

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