General Assembly Security Council

 

Mr. President,


We thank you for convening this Open Debate on an issue that is of serious concern for the international community. I also thank all the briefers.


Mr. President,


2.    In the last two decades, there has been a considerable strengthening of the normative  framework  around  the  various  aspects  relating  to  Women,  Peace  and  Security,  at  the
Security Council and the wider UN system.


3.    Despite this, the scourge of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict has yet to abate. This is partly on account of the proliferation of armed conflicts and their evolving
nature involving various non state actors and the spread of terrorism in such situations across large parts of the world. The more vulnerable sections, especially women suffer ever more in such violent conflicts.


4.    The rapidly expanding trans-boundary nature of terrorist financing, supply of arms, recruitment and training of foreign fighters, has led to a situation where whole regions are
impacted and no country is in a position to effectively counter this menace alone. Many parts of the world are experiencing large scale refugee crises emanating from situations of armed conflict  and  terrorism.  Large  trafficking  networks  run  by  transnational  criminal  groups compound the misery of vulnerable communities, especially women.


5.    Tackling such complex challenges demands closely coordinated and collaborative efforts among nations. Sadly, we remain far from being able to come togetherto overcome such challenges collectively. One glaring example is the lack of progress on the issue of finalizing a Comprehensive Convention to Counter International Terrorism that can strengthen the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.


6.    While the evolving normative framework suggests a number of short term measures, only a comprehensive approach facilitated by a supportive international environment can help sustain peace and security and build prosperous societies.


Mr. President,


7.    As we have pointed out on earlier occasions and at other fora, the issue of Women Peace and Security has also to be seen in the wider societal context involving gender and development issues, dealt with outside the Council.


8.    In view of the cross border dynamics of armed conflicts, it is in our collective interest to help the implementation of the sustainable development agenda that would greatly help prevent conflict situations. Gender equality and empowerment, access to healthcare, education and employment and strengthening of democratic institutions and processes are all important aspects of a holistic approach to prevent conflict. The normative work done in this regard outside the Council is as important as the need for the Council to do more.


9.    The normative work done in this regard at the Commission of Status of Women, the Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, UN Women and other agencies such as UNODC is of relevance in helping member states build capacities.


10.    While the General Assembly focuses on broader development issues that can help build peaceful and prosperous societies, the Council should push for greater cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens immediate peace and security.


11.    Over a shorter term, the need to institutionalize the involvement of women in conflict prevention and resolution is well recognized. However, such involvement will be more effective only when it emerges from local initiatives and national efforts. Their effectiveness, when imposed from outside, will remain limited. The international community has a role to assist and facilitate such efforts across regions. This requires not only normative advice but capacity building and institution building at the grass root level of governance.


Mr. President,


12.    As pointed out Secretary General's latest Report on the subject, 'prosecution is essential to prevention because it can deter potential perpetrators and contribute to restoring faith in the rule of law'. The absence, obstruction or protracted pace of justice is unhelpful. The international community has an important role in helping build adequate resources and capacities for criminal investigation, prosecution, justice delivery system, protection of victims and witnesses and legislative reform to improve accountability across countries. Also, the Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in situations of conflict related sexual violence.


Mr. President,


13.    India takes pride in its longstanding contribution to the issues of women peace and security. Our extensive record in UN Peacekeeping, including through the first ever Female Formed Police Unit is well recognized. India has partnered UN Women recently toward a capacity building initiative where the New Delhi-based Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUPNK) conducted the 3rd UN Female Military Officers Course for 40 Women military officers from 26 countries.


Mr. President,


14.    India is strongly committed to Zero Tolerance Policy on sexual violence and abuse and provides adequate pre-deployment training and gender sensitization to its peacekeeping forces. The deployment of Indian Female Police Peacekeepers in Liberia provided a  role model to the local women to participate in policing and the relevant rule of law frameworks. Such participation enables improved intelligence about conflict-related sexual violence and trafficking.


15.    As part of our continuing efforts to strengthen the relevant legal frameworks within India, earlier this week, India has unveiled a comprehensive draft legislation aimed at Prevention and Protection of Trafficking of Persons and the Rehabilitation of Trafficked persons. The draft legislation aims to unify our existing anti-trafficking laws, prioritise the needs of and protect the victims. India continues to work closely with UN agencies including UN Women and UNODC on related issues.


Mr. President,


16.    India stands ready to engage with our partners to work towards addressing the issue of sexual violence in armed conflicts and to help build sustainable peace.


Thank you.