United Nations Security Council: Annual Security Council Open Debate on Women and peace and security

I would like to thank Switzerland for convening today’s important debate, and the briefers and the Secretary-General for their unwavering commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

President,

We align ourselves with the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security statement delivered by Canada. We support the call to protect and promote the human rights of women and girls in all aspects of peace and security. 

It is disappointing, but sadly not surprising, that there is a widening gap between recognition of the importance of women’s participation and protection in peace efforts and the reality on the ground.  This is especially disappointing given the number and scale of crises confronting the world in places such as Gaza, Lebanon and Israel, and in Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar to mention but a few.  

Now is not the time to shy away from supporting the participation of women and girls in quests for peace,  despite the more challenging security landscape and the negative global trends threatening women’s rights more than ever. The evidence is clear. Women’s participation in peace and security efforts is vital.  More clearly needs to be done to improve the implementation of policies and processes that address the situation. 

For our part, New Zealand remains committed to all UN-supported  processes that require and ensure women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership at all stages and all levels of UN led peace processes. This must be maintained to ensure that representation translates into meaningful participation. 

New Zealand continues to implement the removal of barriers to women’s participation in leadership in security sector institutions. For example, for the  first time, New Zealand has a female Minister of Defence, and the first woman appointed as Chief of Army. Despite these two success stories, New Zealand still has work to do to ensure that women at all levels are treated fairly, respectfully and allowed to fulfil their potential in the careers of their choice. Gender bias still exists, and New Zealand is not immune from gender-based violence within our communities. We must be particularly vigilant to all forms of gender discrimination and bias.

In closing, New Zealand is resolute in insisting on the meaningful inclusion of the voices of women and girls in UN peace processes. The UN Secretary-General has reiterated his commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda and New Zealand remains a steadfast supporter of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the Security Council’s work to fully implement the WPS agenda.  

Thank you President.