Statement on behalf of the Republic of Lithuania at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate "Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment”
Statement on behalf of the Republic of Lithuania at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate "Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment” on Friday, 25 October 2024, New York.
Thank you, Ms. President.
Lithuania aligns itself with the EU statement and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity.
I would like to express my gratitude for H.E. Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, H.E. Ms. Sima Sami Bahous, Hon Lady Justice Effie Owuor for their remarks.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Women, Peace, and Security agenda remains vital in promoting women's full, equal, meaningful, and safe involvement and leadership in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and political processes. However, despite the continued reaffirmation of these principles, they risk becoming mere rhetoric. We need to take decisive actions to close the widening gap between global commitments and the actual implementation of the Resolution and the subsequent nine Security Council resolutions.
This year’s report by the Secretary General forces to take a minute and re-evaluate our actions. It highlights how decades of progress in women's inclusion in peacebuilding are being undone, exacerbated by increased violence, gender inequality, and political pushbacks.
However, the report does not provide sufficient attention to Ukraine. It falls short in providing adequate factual details about the dire situation faced by women and girls in Ukraine. Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, continue its indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure, including critical healthcare and educational facilities. These assaults have a disproportionate impact on women and girls, putting them in extremely vulnerable situations. Additionally, the report does not provide any information concerning the situation of women prisoners of war, whose conditions and treatment remain a matter of serious concern.
The report emphasizes that all countries should “Pursue all avenues for stronger international accountability for gross violations of women’s rights”. In accordance, we reiterate that Russia should be brought to justice for the gruesome acts of torture, sexual and gender-based violence against Ukrainian women and girls, amounting to war crimes. Russia must pay all the damages caused by its war of aggression. Victims deserve justice and redress.
Ms President
The situation in the Middle East remains deeply complex and fraught with challenges, particularly concerning the role of women in peacebuilding efforts. Women have been long excluded from political negotiations between Israel and Palestine, including from the ceasefire talks that started following October 7, 2023. This exclusion not only undermines the potential for sustainable peace but also ignores the unique perspectives and contributions that women can bring to the table.
Involving women in these discussions is essential for achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. Women's experiences and insights can help address the root causes of violence and promote dialogue, reconciliation, and community resilience.
Esteemed colleagues,
Lithuania remains committed to the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, actively supporting and promoting its application on an international scale while advancing national efforts by drafting third national action plan. Also, Lithuania has been continuously supporting the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund since its launch in 2016.
At the same time, as we celebrate the 15-Year Anniversary of the Establishment of the Mandate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, let us reaffirm our unwavering support for the ongoing efforts to ensure the rights and safety of women and girls.
We encourage all Member States to consider the recommendations outlined in the Secretary-General’s report to halt regression and advance toward our goal of ensuring the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding processes.
I thank you.