United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the importance of women's role in peace processes, and saluted the Colombian case, speaking to the Security Council open debate on Women, Peace and Security.

He stressed that in spite of the many challenges there are positive signs.

“We see more inclusive peace processes and peace agreements. The Colombian peace talks included a group dedicated to gender perspectives and women’s rights,” Ban said.

He also highlighted that national and international tribunals have been issuing verdicts that are historic milestones for gender justice. He added that many countries have committed to action to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence.

“More women than ever before are making decisions for peace and security in the halls of governments and international organizations. 

I am painfully aware that despite all these steps, the situation remains far from equitable. I am ashamed of the many atrocities that continue to be committed against women and girls, including by some of our own peacekeepers,” Ban alerted.

“I am angered by the continued political exclusion of women. Peace processes, humanitarian programmes and peacebuilding plans ignore them and fail to meet their needs and protect their rights,” he added.

He also called on countries to hold UN peacekeeping operations accountable to place women and girls at the centre of their work.

“I encourage you, the members of this Council, to listen to civil society, and particularly women’s groups, in all your deliberations on conflict prevention and peacebuilding (and) I urge you to make sure that there are funds available for these activities.”

Ban Ki-moon also encouraged Member States to consider ways to make peace negotiations more diverse.

“After more than fifteen years of advocacy, this has not happened. Clearly, new ideas and stronger action are needed. In failing to include women and girls in peacemaking and peacebuilding processes, we are not only failing women and girls. We are failing the world.” 

Read his remarks.