UNGA 76
UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting on Closing the Protection Gap for Widows in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings
Statement by DPR Andre Lipand
November 15, New York
I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of Niger for convening this discussion. Estonia is glad to co-sponsor today’s meeting. We welcome the contributions of the briefers as well as of the African Union and the European Union.
Estonia continues to stand up for gender equality and the rights of women and girls. These are core values and driving principles for us also as a member of the Security Council.
They have also underpinned our support for an integral and strong Women, Peace and Security agenda. We believe that the Council should maintain a sustained focus on the implementation of the agenda through all of its activities.
Women, Peace and Security agenda includes women and girls in all their diversity. They can act as powerful change-makers and their full, equal and meaningful participation is crucial for political and peace processes. They are also subject to gender-based and sexual violence as well as exclusion and violation of their rights.
Today’s meeting puts a spotlight on widows who can be subject to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. The basis for this are the continuing gender inequalities, harmful gender norms and stereotypes.
The potential for violations of the rights of widows, including to inheritance and documentation can often undermine their possibilities to participate in decision-making processes and increase their vulnerability for violence. Widows often act as heads of households, playing a key role in securing income, access to health and education as well as assistance. Discriminatory legislation and policies, such as the restrictions on the employment of women and of movement for unaccompanied women seen in Afghanistan, significantly undermine this.
Gender equality has emerged as one of the strongest indicators for the stability and peacefulness of societies. Good governance, human rights and the rule of law are crucial to protect those who are the most excluded and marginalised, including in many situations – the widows. The importance of inclusion has been starkly underlined by the experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We welcome the increased awareness and attention to the role and challenges faced by widows and their protection needs in conflict and post-conflict settings. We firmly agree with the need to be inclusive and address the diverse needs of the most vulnerable affected by conflict. We also note the calls for more quantitative and qualitative data in this regard. As always, to count you need to be counted.
Thank you.
