Archb. Auza: Women's role in
peacemaking and conflict prevention
Women in front of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the wartorn Central African Republic.- AFP |
The Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations says
women must be integrated into all peacekeeping work in order to prevent sexual
violence in conflicts
By Philippa Hitchen
Women’s voices must be integrated into all aspects of
conflict prevention, peacekeeping and post-conflict operations. That was the
message of Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the
Holy See to the United Nations in New York on Monday during a Security Council
debate on Women, Peace and Security.
Addressing the discussion that focused on how to eradicate
sexual violence in conflict, Archbishop Auza noted that at international level
a strong framework has been developed to facilitate women’s increased role in
peace and security.
Step up prosecution efforts
But he stressed that far too often, women continue to suffer
from sexual violence, both in wars and in post-conflict situations. He stressed
that survivors must be supported and governments must step up efforts to
prosecute the perpetrators of such crimes.
Speaking of three areas of action, the Vatican delegate said
greater resources must be dedicated to conflict prevention, ensuring that women
are able to participate fully in this process.
Prevent sexual violence
Secondly, he said that the prevention of sexual violence and
protection of women’s rights must be an integral part of all peacekeeping
missions and operations.
Thirdly, the Archbishop called for stepped up efforts to
prevent violence against women in post-conflict situations which often remain
chaotic, lawless and dangerous. He stressed that the international community
should support post-conflict countries to promote education, as well as social
and economic development.
Promote education for women
Archbishop Auza noted that the Catholic Church has a long
history of providing women and girls with access to quality education. He said
women continue to make up the majority of students in Catholic-run
institutions, such as Bethlehem University, where almost 80 percent of students
are young Palestinian women.
Without the input and skills of women, the Archbishop
concluded, neither a comprehensive understanding of the causes of conflicts,
nor effective solutions to end them, will ever be achieved.
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