STATEMENT TO PRESS BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

ON OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Following is the text of a statement to the press by Security Council President Volodymyr Yel’chenko (Ukraine), on the occasion of International Women’s Day (8 March 2001):

Members of the Security Council recall the first-ever statement by the Council on 8 March 2000 on the occasion of the International Women's Day, which highlighted the plight of women and girls in conflict situations and the role played by women in prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as peacekeeping, peace-building, reconciliation and reconstruction.

Members of the Security Council also recall the discussions of the Council on its meeting in October 2000 and the Council resolution (S/RES/1325) on women and peace and security, adopted on 31 October 2000, which recognize that an understanding of the impact of armed conflict on women and girls, effective institutional arrangements to guarantee their protection and full participation in the peace process can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.

Members of the Security Council reiterate, in particular, the call on Member States to ensure increased representation of women in decision making for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts, and the call on all parties to armed conflict to take specific measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in situations of armed conflict.

Members of the Security Council stress the need for early and full implementation of the resolution by all relevant actors and urge all relevant United Nations agencies and bodies to take into account this resolution in their respective areas of work.

Members of the Security Council note the launch of the first Millennium Peace Prize for Women, that follows directly the spirit of the resolution to recognize and highlight women’s leadership in ending war and building sustainable peace.

Members of the Security Council look forward to the report of the Secretary-General on the results of a study on the impact of armed conflict on women and girls, the role of women in peace building and the gender dimensions of peace processes and conflict resolution, to be carried out in accordance with the resolution.

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