Statement by Ambassador Syed Akaruddin,  Permanent Representative at United Nations Security Council Open Debate 'The Role of Women in Prevention and Resolution of Conflict in Africa' on March 28, 2016

Mr. President, 
 

1.    We appreciate the initiative by Angola in convening today's debate on a subject of widespread concern. We have carefully noted the issues raised in the Concept Paper and by all the distinguished briefers today.
 

2.    While we take note that advances have been made in Africa through the several laudable regional and state-level initiatives in gender empowerment, including in the context of prevention and resolution of conflict, there is no denying the considerable challenges ahead. 
 

3.    Despite the increased focus on the Women Peace and Security agenda alongwith the evolving normative framework during the last decade and a half, women and girls continue to be major victims. 
 

4.    According to various UN reports, women globally constitute less than 4% of signatories to peace agreements and less than 10% of negotiators at peace tables.  Also, women constitute only 3% of the military and 10% of the police who are deployed by the UN in Peace Missions. These numbers reflect the enormity of the challenges that we are confronted with. 
 

5.    The Concept Paper speaks of several short term and long term measures that may be needed to improve the condition of women in the context of what we are discussing today. 
 

6.    We agree that in the shorter term there is a need to increase and institutionalize the involvement of women in conflict prevention and resolution. This requires not only normative advice but capacity building and institution building at the ground level. 
 

7.    Therefore, the issue of Women Peace and Security cannot be seen in isolation from the wider societal context involving gender and development issues.
 

Mr. President,

8.    Over the years, the international community has been addressing the issues of gender equality, empowerment and development, now in an increasingly holistic manner. 

9.    The Commission on the Status of Women that had a high profile and successful Ministerial segment in its 60th anniversary year just days back here in New York and the work done by the Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women continue to make significant progress in pushing the gender empowerment agenda that in itself has a transformative impact on societies. 

10.    The Agenda 2030 that builds upon the earlier MDGs also highlights the importance of sustainable development for ensuring peace and security. India has been an active participant in the comprehensive deliberations on women related issues at the various UN bodies.  India is also among the major contributors towards the UN Women since its inception. 

Mr. President, 

11.    In the specific context of UN Peacekeeping, India has been the lead troop contributor with participation in 48 of the 69 peacekeeping Missions, out of which 22 are in Africa. 

12.    While there has been only a marginal increase overall in the number of women peacekeepers, the first ever Female Formed Police Unit for UN was provided by India for deployment in Liberia. The unit has been widely appreciated for its work and for setting a pioneering example. India has also contributed lady officers as Military Observers and Staff Officers in addition to deployment with the Medical Units.

13.    In another significant capacity-building initiative, the New Delhi based Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in partnership with the UN Women, is now conducting the 3rd United Nations Female Military Officers Course (UNFMOC) for 40 women military officers from 26 countries.

Mr. President,

14.    India remains ready to contribute further internationally both to the normative and the practical aspects relating to women empowerment including in matters of peace and security. 

Thank you.