Statement by H.E. Mr. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia at the UN Security Council Open Debate on “United Nations peacekeeping operations: Women in peacekeeping

11 April, 2019

Statement by H.E. Mr. Mher MARGARYAN
Permanent Representative of Armenia

At the UN Security Council Open Debate on “United Nations peacekeeping operations: Women in peacekeeping”

11 April 2019

Mr. President,

We would like to thank the Presidency of the Security Council for the choice of the theme for today’s open debate. We appreciate the importance that Germany attaches to the subject, demonstrated also by the participation of the Federal Minister of Defence Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen earlier today.

This meeting provides an important opportunity to reflect on the ways to strengthen the collective efforts towards more efficient and effective peacekeeping through increasing women’s participation and representation.

The Government of Armenia attaches particular importance to reforms aimed at promoting women’s representation at all decision-making levels. We firmly believe that peace and security efforts are more sustainable when women are equal partners in the prevention of conflicts, the delivery of relief and recovery efforts, as well as in contributing to the lasting and durable settlements. Ensuring solid and meaningful participation of women in conflict resolution processes is instrumental, as it has proven to amplify the chances of credible and sustainable peace.

Mr. President,

As the next year will mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), Armenia stands ready to support the implementation of the commitments towards the promotion of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. We fully support the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping Initiative and the efforts taken towards equal and meaningful participation of women in all stages of the peace processes.

In February of this year the Government of Armenia adopted a National Action Plan on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. This Action Plan was elaborated through inclusive and comprehensive process involving Government agencies, civil society and international organizations. The document prioritizes enhancement of training and career development possibilities for women with the view to increasing their participation in peacekeeping, as well as peace-building activities. Particular focus has been given to vulnerable population groups, including women from border communities and women affected by conflict.

The involvement of women in peacekeeping missions is among the priorities of reforms implemented by the Armenian Armed Forces. With the aim of promoting a greater role of women, Armenia has already deployed women peacekeepers to UN and UN mandated operations. More women will soon be deployed to UNIFIL mission during the next rotation cycle in summer 2019 in order to ensure the compliance with the 15% target set by the United Nations.

The non-governmental organizations and civil society networks have been instrumental in raising the bar for women participation in peace and security related activities. Since 2015, the HALO Trust has been training and employing local women in its humanitarian demining missions in the conflict affected areas of Nagorno-Karabakh. Initiatives like this have multiple economic, social and humanitarian benefits for local communities to overcome the effects of conflict, towards a more peaceful and secure future.

Mr. President,

The Outcome document of the seventeenth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Organization of la Francophonie held in Yerevan last October calls also for continued efforts to ensure the participation of women in peacekeeping operations and for a greater role for women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Armenia has full recognition of the importance of empowerment of women and how it is linked and intertwined with sustainable peace and development efforts, on different levels.

An important example of women’s participation in the peace building efforts is the “Women for Peace” initiative led by the spouse of the Prime Minister of Armenia, as an inclusive platform for women and mothers to promote peace and reconciliation in our region and beyond.

Mr. President,

Armenia is fully committed to the promotion of gender-sensitive policies, as a priority in our national and foreign policy agenda. As a member of the UN Commission on the Status of Women and having assumed the Chairmanship of the Commission for the upcoming session, Armenia will be supporting the efforts aimed at ensuring gender equality through enhancement of women’s participation in all areas of economic, political and social life, including through substantial involvement of women in peacebuilding and peacekeeping activities.

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