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FSM Delivers PSIDS Statement on Women and Peace and Security at United Nations

New York (FSM Permanent Mission to the United Nations): October 5, 2009 - In today's open debate on "Women and peace and security" at the United Nations Security Council, the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) welcomed progress made on Resolution 1325 since its drafting in 2000, but added that much work needs to be done to achieve full implementation.

In his statement on behalf of the PSIDS, FSM's Charge d'Affaires a.i., Jeem Lippwe, noted that women still do not participate equally or substantively in all levels of peace and security decision making, particularly in post-conflict situations. He added that the Pacific Islands are "gravely concerned that the negotiation of peace agreements and planning for disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration continue to take place with little consideration of Resolution 1325."

Mr. Lippwe outlined three PSIDS proposals to achieve greater worldwide success on women's participation in the future: effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms at all governmental levels; the appointment of a special representative on women, peace and security by the Secretary-General; and the consideration of conflict prevention as a first step.

In particular, Mr. Lippwe noted, conflict prevention in relation to the security implications of climate change is "critical." He described the security effects climate change has had on small island developing states in the Pacific, including their impacts on women, and thanked the Secretary-General for the work on the advance report mandated under General Assembly Resolution 63/281 on "Climate change and its possible security implications".