OSCE enhancing efforts to implement Women, Peace and Security agenda, Senior Gender Adviser tells UN Security Council

The OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Ambassador Miroslava Beham, attended the UN Security Council debate on Women, Peace and Security on 28 October where she presented an outline of the OSCE activities on UNSCR 1325 ranging from supporting OSCE participating States in their implementation of National Action Plans, through to gender-enhanced mediation support.

“Regional organizations, such as the OSCE, play a vital role in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the subsequent resolutions on Women, Peace and Security as we can offer a framework for sharing best practices as well as propose solutions for overcoming challenges that have been tested and tried in the region,” said Ambassador Beham. “The OSCE is especially well situated in this regard as it is the world’s largest regional security organization with hands-on practical experience of creating inclusive structures for sustainable peace, conflict-resolution and mediation efforts as well as post-conflict reconstruction.”

The OSCE and various UN structures work closely in sharing information and best practices that can assist in enhancing the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.  Ahead of the 15th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, the OSCE Gender Section has published a study on National Action Plans in the OSCE region which will feed into the UN Women-led global review of UNSCR 1325.

The Senior Adviser met representatives from UN counterparts such as the UN Department of Political Affairs (UN DPA), UNDP and UN Women and had meetings with the US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues as well as representatives of USAID and civil society organizations to discuss enhanced co-operation on gender equality issues.

UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, adopted in 2000, addresses the disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women, recognizes the importance of women's equal participation and full involvement in maintaining and promoting peace and security, and the need to enhance protection of women, girls and their rights.