STATEMENT BY H.E. LE HOAI TRUNG

Permanent Representative of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

at the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council

on Women, Peace and Security

New York, 23/2/2012

 

 

Mr. President,

Let me start by expressing our appreciation to you for convening this open debate on Women, Peace and Security. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his comprehensive report and the Special Rapporteur, Ms. Margot Wallstrom, for briefing us on this important issue.

Mr. President,

War has always impacted men and women differently but probably never more so in modern armed conflicts. In the recent armed conflicts, women and girls are disproportionately targeted and constitute the majority of victims. They are also more vulnerable to all forms of violence, in particular sexual violence and exploitation. The report of the Secretary-General has shown the dire plight of many women and girls and what can be done to alleviate some of these injustices. Viet Nam supports many of the Secretary-General’s recommendations in the report as well as many views expressed during this debate. As a country that has experiences in dealing with consequences of wars and the main sponsor of Resolution 1889 (2009) on Women, Peace and Security, Viet Nam would like to underline the followings:

Firstly, although the international efforts in promoting the implementation of the women, peace and security resolutions 1325 (2000) 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010) have achieved meaningful progress, challenges still remain. Viet Nam is of the view that the diverse nature of violence against women and girls requires a comprehensive approach and therefore, the United Nations plays an important role in coordinating with Member States, relevant UN bodies especialy UN Women, civil society and other stakeholders in promoting the recognition and integration of women in the area of peace and security, and intensifying the international efforts to end sexual violence against women and girls in a coherent manner and with gender sensitivity.

Secondly, stopping sexual violence against women in armed conflict is closely linked with women’s empowerment and gender equality. Only when women can play a full and equal part in peace, conflict resolution and post-conflict processes then can we build the foundation for international peace and security. Measures to protect women and girls from sexual violence in conflict situations should be designed as part of a broader comprehensive framework which covers social, economic and development issues. It is important that gender equality should be incorporated into all level and stages of policy making, reconciliation, negotiation, management of humanitarian aid and post-conflict planning. Responding to the needs of women and girls in physical security, health services and paving the way to ensure their livelihoods, land and property rights, employment, will create favorable preconditions for the coherent and long-term implementation of necessary measures.

Thirdly, United Nations bodies and donors should work in a coordinated and coherent manner to assist national Governments in building gender-related capacity in addressing the security, recovery and development needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations. The international community should also enhance its assistance to poor countries, countries afflicted with conflicts, to accelerate the economic and social development, improve the people’s livelihood, which can help prevent conflicts and lay the foundation for enduring peace and security.

Mr. President,

On this occasion, we would like to reaffirm our strong commitment to working with international community to effectively end sexual violence.

Thank you.