UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL 28 October, 2004
Statement on 4th Anniversary of Resolution 1325: Women, Peace and Security
Statement by H.E. Mr John Dauth LVO Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
(Check against delivery)
Mr Chairman,
Thank you for convening this meeting on the fourth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325. Australia is proud to reaffirm its commitment to this resolution which remains a landmark document, both for the Council in its recognition of the true dimensions of peacebuilding, and for its international recognition of the particular burden women and girls bear as a result of conflict.
In Australia, community organisations have held public seminars to make the provisions of SCR 1325 widely known. The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom has been given government funding for a website which provides comprehensive information on SCR 1325. Through our aid program we have provided training on SCR 1325 to the Australian Defence Force and to military personnel from the Asia-Pacific region.
Australia has prepared an issues paper that outlines the latest research and best practice on women's role in peace-building in Asia and the Pacific. From our research, we are developing practical aid policy guidelines which will encourage the role of women in peace-building projects.
Mr Chairman,
In recognition of the responsibilities which individual states have, we are incorporating the concepts of SCR 1325 into our development cooperation programs. In the Philippines we are funding the implementation of a national survey on the participation of women in peace, governance and development. This survey will be a milestone in highlighting the concerns of women in peace, governance and development. We are also funding a conference bringing together women from Mindanao, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands to develop awareness of the role of women in the post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Mr Chairman,
The international community more generally has made some progress in pursuit of SCR 1325. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, for example, is the first treaty to recognise certain acts of sexual and gender violence as among the most serious crimes under international law.
So many positive steps have been taken to implement the provisions in SCR 1325. But as we have said at previous meetings, much more needs to be done. We must make sure that women participate effectively in all levels of peace operations and processes. Equally importantly, we must ensure that men receive training in understanding women's rights and the role of women in peace-building.
It is crucial that we consider gender dimensions of conflict as being integral to the achievement of sustainable and lasting peace. Only then will we achieve a balanced perspective and arrive at balanced solutions. Resolution 1325 provides the guidance to do this. We must ensure that the basic principles of conflict prevention, the participation of women in peace and security, and the specific protection needs of women are incorporated into the work of the Security Council, other agencies of the United Nations, the international community more generally and individual member states. Australia is committed to playing its part in this respect.