60th session of the Human Rights Council Annual Debate on Integrating a Gender Perspective

Ministry Statements & Speeches:

Delivered by Permanent Representative Deborah Geels.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I speak today on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

We reaffirm our commitment to advancing the full, equal, and meaningful participation of all women and girls, in all their diversity, in peacebuilding and transitional justice.

Mainstreaming gender is essential to ensuring justice, accountability, and sustainable peace. UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and subsequent resolutions, recognise that not only are women and girls disproportionately impacted by conflict and violence, but that they also play critical roles as agents of peace and security. Some 25 years on, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that women’s and girls’ participation in peacebuilding and transitional justice leads to better and more sustainable outcomes, including a 35 percent greater likelihood of peace agreements lasting at least 15 years.

Transitional justice must address the causes of all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination, including sexual violence. Ensuring accountability, and advancing gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment, are fundamental to social cohesion, economic development and, in turn, long-lasting peace.

We commend the important contributions of human rights defenders and civil society organisations in transitional justice processes and remain committed to working with all partners to promote approaches that uphold justice and human rights, foster reconciliation, and build inclusive societies.

Thank you.

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