As nature of conflicts change, UN Women urges swifter action to protect targets of violence

NEW YORK (TIP):With the worst levels of displacement since the Second World War, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka , October 28, at the UN Security Council called upon UN Member States to address the violent extremism that is on the rise and threatens the lives and futures of women and girls worldwide. Presenting the UN Secretary-General’s Report on women, peace and security, she emphasized a shift in the nature of conflict, from Iraq to Mali, whereby women and girls are being specifically targeted by extremists.Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka further called attention to the fact that displacement is exacerbating conflicts and is compounded by the number of ongoing crisis situations, including in Afghanistan, Central African Republic, South Sudan and others.

She highlighted the need to accelerate efforts to achieve gender equality, saying “…empowered women are the best hope for sustainable development, following conflict.” The crises in Afghanistan, Syria, and Somalia created more than half of the 10.7 million persons displaced by conflict or persecution in 2013. The theme for this year’s Security Council Open Debate therefore focused on the situation of women refugees and displaced persons around the world.

Next October, the Security Council will conduct a High-level Review of the women, peace and security agenda. In his message to the Council, the UN Secretary- General welcomed the Global Study on the implementation of resolution 1325, led by a high-profile Advisory Group, which will inform next year’s Security Council debate. 2015 marks the 15th anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325, the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the start of a new global development agenda building on the Millennium Development Goals.

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