Madam President,
Latvia aligns itself with the statement by the European Union and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security.
Let me begin by expressing appreciation for Norway’s long-standing leadership promoting Women, Peace and Security agenda. Also, a special thanks to Ms Bachelet, Ms Yaftali and Ms Asoka for offering a comprehensive perspective on challenges and opportunities regarding women participation in peace processes.
Discussions like this are crucial to raise awareness of the obstacles women are facing daily in their efforts to contribute to the international peace and security. As outlined in the latest report of the Secretary-General on WPS, women peacebuilders and civil activists are continuously exposed to harassment and attacks. Latvia is deeply concerned about a surge of killings of women human rights defenders and journalists in 2020 – surpassing the reported numbers for 2019 and 2018. There is also an alarming underreporting and self-censorship, which results into the majority of cases being left uncovered. This is not acceptable.
We must join our efforts to counter these threats and harassment against women aimed at silencing them and precluding their participation. Silence equals powerlessness – when silencing women, we let them think that they have no rights, no value, no voice. The international community, including the Security Council, has to redouble its efforts and use all available means to reaffirm that this is not true. There should be zero tolerance towards cases when women who have previously briefed the Security Council face threats and persecution. As stated in the Secretary General’s report, relevant sanctions committees continue to be underutilized as a means to hold accountable those responsible for violations of women’s rights.
Madam President,
Latvia strongly believes that empowerment of women and their inclusive engagement, as well as gender equality is an essential foundation for a peaceful, secure and sustainable society. It also applies to all aspects of international peace and security. For these reasons, gender equality and rights of women are Latvia’s longstanding priorities.
As an elected member state to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) till 2025, and as a Vice-Chair of the CSW Bureau for the next two sessions, Latvia is committed to continue playing an active role in shaping and enforcing global standards and policies for gender equality. As of this year, Latvia has also become an elected member of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Latvia fully supports the commitment of the PBC towards strengthening the role of women in the post-conflict phase. In addition, Latvia invests in the United Nations’ efforts in a practical way by providing financial support to the UN Women. In 2021, for the first time Latvia made financial contribution to UNICEF, which in our view also plays an important role in broader WPS-related efforts.
Madam President,
Latvia recognizes that effective measures leading to global empowerment of women begin with responsive and responsible policies at home. On 14 July 2020, the Latvian Government approved Latvia’s National Action Plan on WPS for the term of 2020-2025. The Plan foresees three main tasks, which focus on: a) raising public awareness of gender equality issues and the elimination of gender-based violence, especially in the younger generation, b) training in the defence and home affairs sector, including the establishment of a gender adviser’s position, and c) transfer of Latvia’s experience and knowledge. All of these tasks are implemented in a close cooperation with non-governmental organizations, civil society and our foreign partners. For example, the Latvian NGO “Centre MARTA” is actively involved in educating young women on gender equality, in particular, in the EU Eastern Partnership countries and Central Asia.
Madam President,
Let me conclude by reiterating a simple truth - women having a voice is crucial and central premise to all of human rights. The ability of women to speak up, to participate is an essential element of prospering, equal and safe world. It is important to break the silence. When the international community witnesses violence against women and girls, we must not sit back but act decisively.
I thank you.