United Nations Security Council
Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security „Women`s participation in international peace and security – From theory to practice“
Statement by the Republic of Estonia, delivered by Ms Kristel Lõuk, Deputy Permanent Representative
25 October 2023
Mr. President,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union.
Estonia welcomes the Security Council’s debate on Women, Peace and Security and affirms its dedication in advancing the Agenda.
Mr. President,
Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since the adoption of the Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Despite that, it appears that globally, we stand far from achieving gender equality. In fact, we are moving backwards, as the report of the Secretary General indicates.
Implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda requires comprehensive, all-inclusive efforts. This comprises small steps we have to take every day, everywhere. We are all responsible for achieving gender equality and, each of us in our own way, the implementation of the resolution 1325.
Mr. President,
Estonia is currently in the process of composing a mid-term review of our third National Action Plan for implementing the resolution on Women, Peace and Security. Our National Action Plan includes a reference to women’s involvement in peacekeeping and peace negotiations. This involves planned activities, increasing women’s representation in political life as well as their participation in military service. Recently, annual conference on Women, Peace and Security took place in Tallinn, this year focused on Ukraine.
Amidst the horrors that Russian armed forces and affiliated mercenaries commit against the women and girls of Ukraine, we want to commend the incredible leadership Ukrainian women have exemplified by taking assertive roles in the political, military and humanitarian spheres in resisting Russia’s heinous war. Russia must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Estonia stands tirelessly in solidarity with Ukraine and reiterates that women are the driving force of change. Women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership is the only way to achieve sustainable and lasting peace. That said, we should rather focus on conflict prevention than dealing with the aftermath. In this regard, the change cannot happen without the engagement of men and boys as crucial contributors.
Mr. President,
We are deeply worried about the impact of increasing number of military conflicts on the situation of women and girls around the world. We follow the developments in Israel and Gaza with great concern. We condemn the brutal attacks by the terrorist organization Hamas against Israel. The solving of this crisis must be fully in line with the International Humanitarian Law. The protection of civilians should be imperative.
Estonia admires the bravery and resilience of women and girls world-wide, in our common pursuit to build societies that are safe, resilient, inclusive and peaceful. Estonia will continue to support UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA and the offices of the Secretary General’s Special Representatives on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Children and Armed Conflict in their activities.
I thank you!