Mr. President,
By adopting Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security the Security Council six years ago affirmed that the strengthening of women’s participation in conflict prevention and conflict management is of central importance for the promotion of international peace, security, and human rights.
The implementation of SCR 1325 is seen as not only an aim in itself, but also because it is a way of reaching the objectives of security, development, human rights, and gender equality. It should therefore also be seen as an important basis for the work of the Peace Building Commission.
The UN system has undertaken considerable efforts in developing a comprehensive action plan to implement SCR 1325. Sweden strongly supports the implementation and follow-up of the UN system’s joint Action Plan for Resolution 1325 adopted in 2005. During last years open debate, Sweden underlined that we all have a responsibility to provide ideas and good practices, and not only to ask for initiatives from others.
To fulfill this responsibility, Sweden has completed a National Action Plan aimed at intensifying our implementation of SCR 1325. This action plan was developed in co-operation with governmental agencies, and with civil society. The Swedish action plan recognizes the importance of the implementation at national, regional and global levels. At the national level a number of specific guidelines have been adopted for the Swedish participation in peacekeeping and other activities in conflict affected countries. The Swedish Armed Forces has launched a more systematic effort to increase the number of women conscripts and officers able to participate in international operations. The Folke Bernadotte Academy has systematically incorporated Resolution 1325 in its planning and implementation of training courses, and in special projects with regard to missions abroad. Furthermore the Swedish Police has implemented special initiatives that have resulted in the percentage of women in peacekeeping operations being close to or at the same level as that in the national police. At the regional level, the EU is currently working towards a more gender-sensitive atmosphere to encourage more women to apply for ESDP missions and positions. The appointment of a special adviser on gender issues in the EU operation in DR Congo is one concrete example.
Globally, in the UN, Sweden has given political and financial support to the implementation of Resolution 1325 in UN peace support operations, as well as in Security Sector Reform (SSR) measures and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programs, in a number of countries through our bilateral development cooperation.
When it comes to missions abroad in general, whether EU or UN missions, we must all be aware of and condemn sexual exploitation and abuse. For that purpose, we should not stop asking for reports and documents that highlight gender equality aspects.
Sweden has put forward a proposal about civilian observers in peacekeeping missions. This proposed new category of seconded civilian personnel has the potential of significantly increasing the number of female mission members at the field level, where military observer teams very often constitute the only presence of a peace mission, and thus be an important contribution to the implementation of Resolution 1325.
Sweden, together with South Africa and with the assistance of United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) is co-chairing the global initiative on “Partners for Gender Justice in Conflict Affected Countries”. The partners have organised international meetings, in Sweden, Liberia as well as here in New York. The report from the High-level meeting on “Gender Justice in Liberia" has recently been presented to the Secretary General. We have asked that the report should be brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council.
Finally, we look forward to seeing the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office seeking to implement the commitments of SCR 1325 to include women in all peace consolidation initiatives. Women should be seen as agents of security and development.
Thank You