SC/8657
OBV/544
WOM/1550
9 March 2006
Security Council Press Statement on International Women's Day
NEW YORK, 8 March (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement to the press was delivered today by Security Council President César Mayoral (Argentina):
On the International Day of Women, the members of the Security Council reaffirm their commitment to the continuing and full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). They recognize the significant progress that has been made in its implementation and express their willingness to continue working in order to overcome remaining obstacles that restrict its full implementation.
The members of the Security Council recognize the difficult situation of women in situations of armed conflicts and their important role as peacemakers.
The members of the Security Council recognize the vital contribution of women in promoting peace and their role in reconstruction processes and reaffirm the importance of increasing the representation of women in all aspects of conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations in order to achieve a lasting and more secure peace. They express their commitment to further address obstacles limiting the empowerment and participation of women in all levels of decision-making.
The members of the Security Council recognized that one of the most devastating consequences of gender/sexual violence in armed conflict has been the transmission of HIV/AIDS. They also recognized the critical role that women play in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The members of the Security Council strongly condemn the continued acts of gender-based violence in situations of armed conflicts and stress the need to end impunity for such acts. They urge all parties to armed conflict to respect human rights of women and girls and to take into account their special needs
Furthermore, the members of the Security Council strongly condemn all acts of sexual abuse and exploitation committed by United Nations personnel. They recognize the special responsibility of troop contributors in training of their troops in gender issues, and the necessity to take preventive actions and to punish those who commit such violations. The members of the Security Council firmly support the policy of zero tolerance launched by the Secretary General.
The members of the Security Council recognize the important contribution of civil society to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and encourage Member States to intensify their interaction with civil society organizations, in particular with women's local networks and organizations, to better implement resolution 1325 (2000) at the national level.
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