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Statement by H.E. Ambassador Li Baodong, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate on Women and Peace and Security

2011-10-28 21:31

(by UN PHOTO) 

 

 

China appreciates the efforts of Nigeria to convene today's open debate. I wish to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his statement. I also listened carefully to the statements by Madam Bachelet, Executive Director of UN-Women, Ambassador Kapambwe, Permanent Representative of Zambia and President of the Economic and Social Council, and Ms. Nemat of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security.

Women are vulnerable in conflict situations and therefore require special attention. Women can make unique contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security, and their potentials must be further tapped. The Security Council's adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) was important progress in the efforts of the international community to protect women's rights and interests. However, there remains a lot to do in comprehensively implementing that resolution. I wish to emphasize four points.

First, to avoid and reduce the harm suffered by women in armed conflict, it is first necessary to prevent war and reduce conflicts. The Security Council bears the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. To safeguard women's rights and interests, the Council should actively conduct preventive diplomacy and promote the means of dialogue, consultations and negotiations for peaceful settlement of disputes. The Security Council resolutions, especially its mandate for civilian protection, should be strictly implemented so as to avoid more casualties among women and children.

Secondly, ensuring the participation of women in conflict resolution and prevention and in rehabilitation and reconstruction is an important part of the efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000). China supports a bigger role for women in good offices and dispute mediation. We hope the Secretary-General will appoint more female special representatives and special envoys, and we hope to see greater participation by women in United Nations good offices and mediation concerning major international and regional hotspots.

Thirdly, in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction, national ownership of the government and people concerned must be respected. The international community can provide constructive help, but it must adhere to the United Nations Charter and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. In safeguarding the rights and interests of women and enhancing their role in peace and security, specific national conditions and historical and cultural differences must be fully taken into account. A uniform approach is not desirable.

Fourthly, in advancing the agenda of women, peace and security, the relevant United Nations organs should collaborate while working in their respective spheres of competence. The Council should, in accordance with its Charter mandate, focus its attention on situations that threaten international peace and security. At the same time, the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) also requires organs such as the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Human Rights Council to fully play their roles. China appreciates the leading role of UN-Women and looks forward to its greater contribution to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

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