General Assembly Security Council

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Madam President, 

We thank the delegation of France for convening this open debate. We also thank all the briefers for sharing updates on the ongoing efforts and the emerging trends. 

Madam President, 

The situations of armed conflict directly addressed by the UN Security Council over the last two decades have primarily been intra-state, unlike in the earlier decades. 

Such internal armed conflict situations often witness a breakdown of the capacity of the State to enforce rule of law and maintain effective governance. 

These conflicts also have non-state actors and terrorist networks destroying the social fabric. In many of these conflicts, the world has, regrettably, seen extreme brutality being inflicted upon women and sexual violence being used as a tool. 

At the same time, the importance of women empowerment and their participation in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and governance for sustaining peace is also becoming better understood. 

Despite the increased focus on the Women Peace and Security linkages, and the evolving normative framework during the last decade and a half, non-combatant women and girls continue to be major victims during armed conflicts. 

The heinous crimes against humanity perpetrated by terror networks such the ISIS in West Asia, Boko Haram in parts of west Africa or Al Shabaab in east Africa, especially against women and girl children, are stark reminders of the serious challenges that need to be overcome. 

Madam President, 

An increased institutionalized involvement of women in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and resolution and political processes is important to address this challenge. This requires capacity and institution building at the ground level.  

Therefore, the issue of Women Peace and Security must be seen in the wider societal context of women empowerment and longer term sustainable development issues. 

Madam President, 

At the UN, the work done by the Commission on Status on Women, the Committee on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, and other entities continue to push gender empowerment agenda that can have a transformative impact on societies.  The 2030 Agenda highlights the inter-linkage between sustainable development and peace and security.  

Also at the UN, while there is a recognition for the need for greater participation of women in peacekeeping operations, progress remains slow.  

Madam President,

In the specific context of UN Peacekeeping, India has been the lead troop contributor over the past seven decades. While there has been only a marginal increase in the overall number of women peacekeepers, almost a decade ago in 2007 India deployed the first ever all-women formed police unit for peacekeeping with the UNMIL Mission in Liberia.  This unit served there until last year and its professionalism and their role in inspiring Liberian women has been well recognised.  The percentage of Liberian women in the country's security sector has increased three times since 2007.

Prime Minister Modi has committed to a higher representation to Indian female peacekeepers missions.  India is committed to fulfilling the pledge to have 15% of military observers as women by the end of this year.  India has also committed to provide another all-female formed police unit.

India has also taken the lead in hosting specialized training courses for peacekeepers on sexual violence in armed conflict situations.  These have focused, among other issues, on the role of women in the context of post conflict situations.  Earlier this year, India hosted the third such specialized course for female military officers organized by the Centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi in partnership with UN Women.  Over 40 women officers from nearly 30 countries attended the course.  Such courses provide the participants not only an opportunity to train to be ready for deployment but also to network and share experiences and best practices. 

India, the first country to contribute to the Secretary General's Trust Fund for Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, has continued its contribution to this cause this year.

Madam President,

Safeguards to prevent recruitment by perpetrators of violence; providing education, healthcare and psychological support to vulnerable groups and raising awareness to prevent social stigma against victims, are some important steps for socio-economic integration of the victims.

Prosecution is essential for prevention.  The international community has an important role in helping build adequate resources and capacities in this regard.  In this context, earlier this year, India has contributed to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone.  The Special Court was among the landmark tribunals that tried and convicted persons for crimes that included the use of child soldiers and forced marriages.

Madam President,

Several key decision making positions in India are held by distinguished women. These include the Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament and many ministers. More than 1.3 million elected women representatives at the local government level across India are involved in formulating and implementing gender sensitive public policies. 

At the international fora also, India has placed high importance to the role of women. In 1953, the first woman President of General Assembly was from India. 

Madam President,

India remains ready to contribute further internationally both to the normative and the practical aspects on issues relating to Women Peace and Security.


Thank you.