ANNUAL FULL-DAY DISCUSSION ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF WOMEN. (PART I) JST on Women, Peace and Security.  (24.06.2025)

59th Session of the Human Rights Council
Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women

JST on Women, Peace and Security. 

 

 

24th June 2025

I deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Colombia, Finland, Lebanon, Japan, Spainand a cross regional group of countries.

Twenty-five years ago, UNSC resolution 1325 set up a milestone in recognizing that the three pillars of the United Nations are not only interlinked but mutually reinforcing, and in acknowledging that no sustainable peace will be attainable without the participation and leadership of women and protection of their rights.

Today, women and girls in conflict, post conflict and humanitarian emergencies continue to face increased levels of sexual and gender based violence. This is unacceptable. All the while, civic space for women human rights defenders and peacebuilders is shrinking and we note with concern the persistent under-representation of women at all stages of the peace processes.

We reaffirm our collective commitment to the full implementation of the WPS agenda, which includes addressing the structural root causes of conflict, ensuring accountability for violations and promoting women's full, equal, safe and meaningful participation and leadership in peace and decision-making processes. Women’s organisations and movements, particularly at grassroots level, play a critical role and need predictable and sustainable funding.

The Human Rights Council is a key player in this agenda. By integrating WPS
commitments across its resolutions and mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic
Review, this Council can help ensure that women’s human rights and voices are at the heart of conflict prevention and response providing for effective multilateralism.

We call on all Member States to redouble efforts to achieve gender equality and the
empowerment of all women and girls and to meet their commitments to ensure that
the promise of the WPS agenda becomes a lived reality for women and girls around the world.