At the UN Security Council's open session, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet presented Estonia’s and Latvia’s joint position on the situation of women and the involvement of gender aspects in the peace process and called on the international community to condemn discrimination and human rights violations, which women living in crisis areas are exposed to on a daily basis.
“The violence against women carried out by the Iraqi terrorist group ISIL, including abductions, rapes and slavery are unacceptable,” Paet said. He added that the drawn-out conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo also need to be resolved.
According to Paet, the greatest victims in the current crisis in Ukraine are the women and children, who as internally displaced persons are forced to relocate and due to a lack of education and lack of access to basic services, may fall victim to violence and discrimination. “The international community, especially the UN Security Council, should commit to reducing the suffering of women in crisis areas of the world,” Paet stated.
The most extreme consequence for women and girls according to the foreign minister is the threat of sexual violence in conflicts, which is used extensively as a weapon in conflict. “We consider it important to fight against sexual violence, both in armed conflicts and in post-conflict situations. It is also very important to identify the perpetrators and reduce impunity,” Paet noted, adding that the International Criminal Court has an important role in bringing the accused to justice.
Next year marks 15 years since the UN Resolution 1325 on “Women, Peace and Security” was adopted. Estonia has adopted a plan of action for the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution.
Estonia's priorities in the action plan are political and diplomatic activities in international organizations, bilateral and multilateral development cooperation and humanitarian aid to improve the situation of women in post-conflict situations. “However, it is also necessary to increase the number of experts with gender knowledge and increase broader awareness-raising in the areas of women, peace and security in structures dealing with peace and security. Also to expand opportunities for women to participate in international military and civil operations, and to increase the representation of women in international positions dealing with guaranteeing peace and security,” Paet said.
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