77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security
Statement by the Republic of Estonia
20 October 2022, New York
Madame/Mr. President,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement by the European Union.
Estonia welcomes the Security Council’s annual debate on Women, Peace and Security and remains committed to stand firm in advancing women’s rights, security and leadership, as we did during our elected membership of the Security Council in 2020 and 2021.
Madame/Mr President,
In February, Ukrainians woke up to shelling by the Russian army, which initiated an imperial conquest similar to the grim practices of past centuries. As a result, over 12 million people, mostly women and children, have been forced to flee their homes. Further to their massive death toll and refugee status, women and girls have been subjected to sexual and physical violence, deportations, exploitation and abuse. Amidst these continuous horrors, Ukrainian women have exemplified incredible leadership by taking assertive roles in the political, military and humanitarian spheres in resisting the colonial ambitions of the Russian Federation.
Unfortunately, there are other ongoing distressing examples of how women are continuously forced to endure unjustified struggle even for the most basic needs and rights. Such as in Afghanistan, where women and girls are deprived of education, jobs, political and social rights or in Ethiopia, where women and girls have faced mass displacement. Regardless of all challenges, we have witnessed extraordinary examples of courage and dedication by the brave women of Iran who – at the cost of their lives – stand united in their fight for basic rights.
Madame/Mr President,
Our focus today is on women’s resilience and leadership. Estonia affirms its efforts to advance the role of women. We will continue to support UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA and the offices of the Secretary General’s Special Representatives on Sexual Violence and Children Affected by Armed Conflicts in their activities.