The members met for their open annual debate on the women’s, peace and security agenda just before the 25th anniversary of the Council Monument Resolution 1325 (2000) On the question.
As secretary general noteresolution “gave voice to a simple truth: women’s leadership is at the heart of just and lasting peace», In addition to inspiring countless other resolutions, reports and round tables.
World fails
“But let’s talk frankly,” he said. “Too often, we meet in pieces like this-full of conviction and commitment- Only not to fail when it comes to real changes in the life of women and girls taken in conflict. “”
In a recent report, Mr. Guterres underlined the progress made during the last quarter of a century, which includes more than 100 countries adopting national action plans on women, peace and security.
“But the gains are fragile and-very disturbing-upside down,” he warned.
“All over the world, we see Disturbing trends in military spending, more armed conflicts and more shocking brutality against women and girls. “”
Conflict, sexual violence and harassment
Last year, some 676 million women worldwide lived less than 50 kilometers from deadly conflict events-the highest number in decades, he said.
Sexual violence has also increased, with a 35% increase in incidents against girls. In some places, they have represented almost half of all the victims.
Mr. Guterres stressed how women in public life such as politicians, journalists and human rights defenders are targeted with violence and harassment, before turning to the situation in Afghanistan where “the systematic erasure of women and girls in public life is over -off”.
In addition, women and girls in the occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar and beyond, face serious risks and horrible levels of violence.
“And while women’s organizations remain rescue lines for millions in crisis, they are hungry for resources,” he added, citing a recent survey by United Nationswho defends gender equality in the world.
He revealed that 90% of local groups led by women in conflict circles are in disastrous financial straits, with Almost half expected to stop within six months.
Support female organizations
The Secretary General urged UN member states to accelerate commitments to women, peace and security, in accordance with Pact for the future adopted last year. He described the areas of action, in particular by accelerating the financing of women’s organizations in the countries affected by conflict.
He also underlined the need for greater participation of women who “must be at the table – Not like tokens, but as equal partners“, As well as the responsibility of the authors of violence based on sex, including sexual violence linked to conflicts.
Refocus, recommendation and deliver
Sima Bahous, executive director of the United Nations Women, was categorical that the 25th anniversary of resolution 1325 “must be more than commemoration”.
“Women and girls who live in the middle of the conflict deserve more than commemoration,” she said. “Rather, it must be a moment to refocus, recruit and ensure that the next 25 years offer much more than the previous one.”
He noted that the meeting took place in the context of the war in Gaza, where “a glimmer of hope emerges”, and she praised the positive responses to the plan of the American president Donald Trump to end the fighting.
In the next 25 years for the agenda of women, peace and security, Ms. Bahous told the council that it was crucial to have more affected funding, robust quotas and more responsibility “which make the failures visible”.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
