Australia Statement
7 October 2020
Australia is pleased to be a member of the cross-regional core-group for the resolution on Promoting and protecting the human rights of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000).
UNSC resolution 1325 and the women, peace and security agenda have played, and continue to play, an important role in promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in peace and security, including in prevention, relief and recovery. Resolution 1325 recognises women and girls as agents of change in all stages of peace processes and peacebuilding, and provides the internationally agreed framework for the protection and enjoyment of human rights by all.
Evidence shows that women’s direct and meaningful participation in peace negotiations results in durable peace, and greater inclusion and implementation of gender provisions that address inequalities.
While the women, peace and security agenda is steered by the UN Security Council, human rights are essential to its implementation. This commemorative resolution celebrates and strengthens the work of the Human Rights Council. Along with the International Conference on Population and Development Program of Action, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the outcome documents of their subsequent reviews, this resolution creates an opportunity for the Council to reflect on how it promotes gender equality and promotes and protects the rights of women and girls at all times, including in conflict and post-conflict situations.
We urge the Council to adopt this resolution by consensus. In doing so, the Council would signal its ongoing support to resolution 1325 and the women, peace and security agenda, and its commitment to ensuring gender equality and the rights of women and girls in all situations.
287 words.