Statement by H.E. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, at the UNSC VTC, Arria Formula Meeting “Call to Lead by Example: Ensuring the Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation of Women in Peace Processes”

08 March, 2021

Madam Chair,

Armenia is pleased to be part of this important conversation on the topic of full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes and to mark the International Women’s Day. I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Di Carlo, Special Envoy Pedersen and other briefers for their valuable remarks.

Resolution 1325 has been instrumental in consolidating the efforts of the international community to promote the role of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and peacemaking. The adoption of Armenia’s National Action Plan on the implementation of the Resolution has enhanced the coherence and coordination of national policies on advancing the women, peace and security agenda. The National Action Plan puts a special emphasis on the inclusive engagement of all women affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in peace and security efforts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the suffering of women and girls in situations of conflicts, humanitarian crises and other fragile contexts. Despite the call of the Secretary-General for a global ceasefire, some parts of the world, including our region became a hotbed of violence and atrocity crimes instigated amidst a global healthcare crisis. The biggest military escalation in times of pandemic, leading to thousands of deaths, 90 thousands displaced, including women and girls, causing a major humanitarian crisis was the large-scale war unleashed by Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone in September-November last year.

Targeted attacks on schools and healthcare institutions, including the maternity hospital in the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh Stepanakert, further exacerbated the suffering of women and girls, who have been affected by conflict, trapped between war and pandemic. Four months after the Trilateral Statement establishing ceasefire and termination of hostilities, Azerbaijan has yet to implement all the provisions they have committed to.

The calls of the international community including the UN human rights machinery have been loud and clear: all prisoners of war, hostages and detainees must be immediately released. However, to this date Azerbaijan is refusing to release the prisoners of war and civilian hostages, including women among them, who continue to be held in captivity, in gross violation of the legally binding obligations under international humanitarian law.

Madam Chair,

Consolidated support of the international community is crucial for ensuring that women and girls are protected in conflict settings and in situations of humanitarian crises. Full upholding of human rights and fundamental freedoms of women, residing in conflict areas is a key prerequisite for their equal and meaningful participation in peace processes.

The 65^th session of the Commission on the Status of Women that will start next week is an opportunity to further galvanize momentum for women’s rights, gender equality and addressing the persistent challenges and gaps in promoting women’s full and effective participation and decision making in public life, including in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and peacemaking. In my capacity as Chair of the CSW, I look forward to having an informative and engaging session and I count on the support and cooperation of all member states in adopting action-oriented and forward-looking Agreed Conclusions.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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