Women and girls are uniquely affected and targeted in many conflict situations where atrocity crimes are being perpetrated, and yet the frameworks that influence policymakers and actors in the field often lack a gendered lens. In all atrocity situations, as well in post-conflict settings, it remains essential to address women’s experiences and highlight women’s leadership roles in the prevention of and response to atrocity crimes. The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda have transformed the discourse on human rights and the maintenance of international peace and security, and contributed to new frameworks aimed at protecting vulnerable populations from atrocity crimes. However, consistently achieving this goal remains challenging.
This virtual event, co-hosted by the governments of Costa Rica, Croatia and Denmark and the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect presents an important opportunity for UN Member States to recommit to the mutually enforcing agendas of R2P and WPS, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to prevention, accountability and reconciliation. In doing so Member States can assess how to achieve the full, equal and meaningful participation of women during conflicts and in post-conflict resolution.
kEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu - Special Adviser of the United Nations Secretary
Ms. Wai Wai Nu - Burmese human rights activist, Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Peace Network
OPENING STATMENTS
H.E. Mr. Rodolfo Solano Quirós - Minister for Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica
H.E. Mr. Gordan Grlić-Radman - Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia
H.E. Mr. Jeppe Kofod - Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark
MODERATOR
Ms. Savita Pawnday - Deputy Executive Director, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect