UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security: “Peace is decided with women: Emerging from conflict by enhancing their participation”
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Julius Pranevičius, Permanent Representative of Lithuania of behalf of Baltic states
17 June 2026, New York
Madam President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the three Baltic States.
We align ourselves with the European Union statement and we would like to add the following remarks.
The implementation gap in the Women, Peace and Security agenda remains significant, particularly regarding women’s participation in peace processes. When women lead, peace processes deliver more inclusive and durable outcomes.
And yet in diverse armed conflict settings, women remain excluded from decision-making even though women as well as girls are disproportionately affected. From Sudan to Gaza, from Afghanistan to Myanmar, women and girls face higher risk of sexual and gender-based violence, displacement and loss of livelihoods, limited access to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services. Moreover, women human rights defenders and peacebuilders are increasingly targeted, even as they continue to sustain dialogue and resilience often where formal processes fall short.
Madam President,
As most wars, Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is not gender neutral. It has profoundly affected women and girls through displacement, economic insecurity, the erosion of basic services and protection mechanisms, and conflict-related sexual violence. According to the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, the UN has verified cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence perpetrated by Russia, including against women and men detainees. The report also documents the use of sexual violence as a method of torture against women and girls, including in private homes, during unlawful detention, and at checkpoints.
At the same time, Ukrainian women are not defined by victimhood. They are on the frontlines as soldiers, first responders, community organizers, mediators and leaders rebuilding their country under fire. They are architects of resilience and the foundation for a just and lasting peace.
Madam President,
To bridge the gap between commitments and implementation, we highlight the need for focused and sustained efforts in three key areas:
First, provide sustained and predictable funding to women-led organizations.
Second, ensure structured and accessible pathways for women’s participation in all peace processes.
Third, strengthen accountability for violations of women’s rights in the context of armed conflict, including conflict-related sexual violence.
The Baltic States remain firmly committed to advancing the WPS agenda, including through our National Action Plans. We have each adopted and implemented NAPs as practical tools to translate global commitments into concrete policy and action. Through NAPs we have strengthened coordination across institutions, integrated gender perspectives into security and foreign policy, and expanded support to partners, including women-led civil society organizations in conflict-affected regions.
Madam President,
The Baltic States stand ready to continue working with partners across regions to ensure that the WPS agenda moves from principle to practice. Because peace is not only decided at negotiation tables. It is built in communities.
I thank you.
