Bangladesh for more participation of women in UN peacekeeping

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DHAKA, Oct 24, 2020 (BSS) -“Increasing women’s leadership in
peacekeeping would require a holistic approach to women’s role in
peace as a whole” – Ambassador Rabab Fatima has said in an event.

The event entitled, “Leading from the Frontlines: Women Leaders in
UN Peacekeeping”, organized by Permanent Missions of Bangladesh,
Canada and UK in New York, in commemoration of 20th anniversary of the
landmark Security Council Resolution 1325, a press release of
Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations, New York, said
here today.

Adopted in 2000, the resolution 1325 was the first Security Council
resolution to recognize women’s role in peace and security.

Ambassador Rabab Fatima highlighted the pioneering role of
Bangladesh in women’s participation in peacekeeping.

She underlined various critical roles that women peacekeepers play
in war-ravaged countries, particularly in addressing sexual and
gender-based violence, building mutual confidence, and inspiring women
in those societies to contribute in the nation-building efforts.

She expressed regret that women’s participation in peace process
including in peacekeeping operations remains very low. Ambassador
Fatima acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the UN and other member
countries in trying to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping.

Referring to the recent Security Council Resolution 2538 on ‘Women
in Peacekeeping Operations’, she called for ensuring adequate
training, women friendly space and environment in the mission setting
to encourage greater participation of women, and implementation of the
Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

She called for accelerated efforts to implement WPS agenda at the
national level, and its internalization in the UN system including in
the country offices.

Other distinguished speakers included Under-Secretary General
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Defense Chief of Canada General Jonathan Vance,
Charge d’ Affaires of UK Ambassador Jonathon Allen, as well as several
women leaders from the field, including Deputy Force Commander from
MINURSO, Police Commissioner from UNMISS, and Regional Commander
MINUSCA in Gao.

Ambassador Anwarul K Chowdhury, former Under-Secretary-General of
the UN and President of the UN Security Council (in March 2000)
wrapped up and closed the discussion.

Ambassadors and representatives from the Permanent Missions of
Australia, Indonesia and Ireland also participated in the discussion.

The event gathered participation from a wide range of stakeholders
including from the diplomatic missions, military establishments,
academia, NGOs and civil society.

Bangladesh, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in
2000, played a leading role in the adoption of the Resolution 1325.

The government has last year launched a National Action Plan for
implementation of WPS agenda.

Bangladesh currently contributes the largest number of peacekeepers
including women to the UN peace operations.