UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security

UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk, New York, 25 October : Addressing the Security Council during an open debate on “Women, Peace and Security: Implementing the Common Agenda”, today, Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations said that Bangladesh remains committed to enhancing the role and participation of women, including in our national contingents. Bangladesh has so far had 1,047 women peacekeepers in various Missions, including 774 police personnel.

The Permanent Representative further added, “Our peacekeepers remain sensitized to taking decisive action to prevent and combat sexual and gender-based violence, as part of their broader mandate on protection of civilians. We unequivocally condemn allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers, and have demonstrated our resolve to extend necessary cooperation in this regard”.

He said, “Having played a catalytic role behind the adoption of Resolution 1325 during Bangladesh’s membership in the Council in 2000-2001, it has been particularly encouraging for us to see the unprecedented level of interest generated in the Global Study and the Review of its implementation last year”.

The Permanent Representative mentioned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s initiatives for combating terrorism and extremism. In this regard, he said, “Our Government has made it a priority to further mainstream women’s participation in our multi-dimensional efforts to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism. Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made an appeal to mothers to work as sentinels within their families, and has urged female teachers, elected representatives as well as women working at the grassroots to actively contribute to the ‘whole-of-society’ response against violent extremism and radicalization. We remain determined to forge ahead with our women’s development and empowerment efforts to defeat the violent extremists and terrorists”. Press Release.