On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of UNMIK, Zahir Tanin, reaffirms UNMIK’s commitment to continue supporting the advancement of women’s full and meaningful participation in peace and negotiation processes. 

“Women around the world continue to be disproportionally impacted by conflict and excluded from decision-making at multiple levels. If we are to achieve just, inclusive and peaceful societies, women’s priorities must be at the heart of peace and negotiation processes,” SRSG Tanin said.

Twenty years ago, the United Nations Security Council united under the common principle that women’s meaningful participation in decision-making is inextricably linked to long-lasting peace and reconciliation. Based on the pillars of prevention, protection, participation, and relief and recovery, the landmark resolution underscores the uneven impact of armed conflict on women and girls, the importance of their meaningful participation as active stakeholders in peace and security, and the need to take measures to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.

Referring to the ongoing EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, SRSG Tanin called on both parties to commit to concrete and decisive actions that ensure women’s meaningful participation at all levels of the talks.

“Sustainable peace and security can only be achieved when all members of society have equal opportunities, protection, access to resources and services, and participation in decision-making,” SRSG Tanin said.

Read more:

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• UN Secretary-General's call to action on women transforming peace and security