Opening Video Address by the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Flavia Pensieri, to the Middle East and North Africa Forum on Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women’s Resistance against Extremism and Terrorism and their Struggle for Rights, Peace and Security,

Erbil, Iraq 10-11 May 2015

It is with great pleasure that I greet you from Geneva on the occasion of the Forum on Security Council Resolution 1325 and women’s resistance against extremism and terrorism.

Many countries in the in the Middle East and North Africa region still suffer the consequences of decades of despotic regimes, armed conflict and occupation. Women’s human rights have been and continue to be one of the defining issues of political and social struggles and tensions in the region.

Extremist and terrorist groups, such as the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, have been subjecting women to the most abominable of abuses, including sexual slavery, rape, trafficking and other forms of violence. OHCHR reported on such crimes in Iraq in March 2015, and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria is regularly reporting on similar crimes committed in Syria.

The rise of these groups does not erupt without warning. It builds up over years of deficit in human rights enjoyment, discrimination, inequalities and the denial of economic and social rights.  The same goes for the conception that these groups have of women’s and girls’ role in society – it is entrenched in preexisting stereotypes and discriminatory patterns of behavior that are used to legitimize and justify violence. Subordination of women is one of the most common components of extremists’ tactics, messaging, and violence.

To counter such extremists, governments and the international community must focus on the promotion of gender equality and women’s rights. This is one of the primary means to mitigate and prevent the spread of violent extremism.

How can we do this successfully? First, some of the structural causes that lead to discrimination and violence must be addressed. This entails repealing discriminatory legislation, addressing harmful gender stereotypes, and promoting women’s participation in power and decision-making. It also entails making sure that transitional justice processes, security sector reforms efforts and initiatives to rebuild fractured justice systems are informed by the experience and needs of women and girls.

Second, women must be at the forefront of promoting these changes and reforms. Fifteen years ago, Security Council resolution 1325 set out the imperative of women’s inclusion in any discussions on peace and security and it is critical that that resolution be a key reference point in discussions on resistance to terrorism and extremism. This year also marks twenty years since the Beijing Platform for Action clearly recognized the need to increase the participation of women in conflict resolution and peace-building, including at the highest decision-making levels.

It is only by becoming just and inclusive that societies can defy violent and discriminatory ideologies, which often prey on feelings of isolation, marginalization and injustice.  And society cannot be just if half the population is discriminated against. Human rights are universal. They are not granted by Governments, but they are inherent in each and every one of us as human beings, irrespective of our ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or other differences. Respect for women’s rights in their totality serves as the foundation on which democracy, rule of law, peace and prosperity are built.

By listening to and acknowledging the grievances and demands of women, societies can identify the steps needed to dismantle harmful stereotypes and discriminatory norms and practices. And strategies to confront attacks against women and promote peace can only be effective if developed with their full participation.  This is the vision of 1325 that we need to uphold in practice today. 

Respect for women’s rights just does not “happen”. It is often said that the only thing necessary for the victory of evil is for good people to do nothing. It is therefore our obligation to stand up and act in the face of discrimination, repression or extremism to ensure that all women can share the opportunity to enjoy their rights fully and equally. It takes is commitment and courage.

The United Nations, along with members of the international community, stand with you in your efforts to seek equal justice, equal opportunity, and equal dignity without discrimination for all women throughout the region.

I wish you every success for your discussions.

[720 words or 5 minutes]