Tenth anniversary of the UN Resolution on Women, Peace and Security
The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, Security marks its tenth anniversary on 31 October. In honour of the occasion, Finland organized a national seminar at Smolna, the Government Banquet Hall, on 22 October.
Resolution 1325 stresses a gender-bound approach to analysis of conflicts and related activities, including the promotion of women’s actorship in peace processes. In addition, the Resolution emphasizes the importance of efforts to combat the threats – such as gendered violence – experienced by women during conflicts.
The tenth anniversary of this important Resolution is being noted all over the world. The UN Security Council held its official celebration in New York on 26 October. Minister of the Interior Anne Holmlund represented Finland at the celebration and presented Finland’s address. The EU Ministerial meeting noted the occasion in Brussels already on 9 September, under the leadership of High Representative Catherine Ashton.
Nationally, the Resolution is celebrated in many different ways. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs organized the a national 1325 anniversary seminar at Smolna, the Government Banquet Hall, on 22 October. The speakers at the event included President of the Republic Tarja Halonen, Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, UN Secretary General Special Representative Margot Wallström, Gender and Human Rights Advisor Johanna Valenius of the EUPOL civilian crisis management mission in Afghanistan and Eeva Koskinen, Chair of 1325 Network Finland.
Among the prestigious and international guests present at the event were members of the international diplomatic corps, representatives of civil society organizations, public officials, Minister of the Interior Anne Holmlund and Minister Elisabeth Rehn, well known for her efforts to promote the position of women. The delegation from Kenya also brought greetings to the event.
The seminar presented Finland’s views on promotion of the position of women and implementation of Resolution 1325 globally, nationally and at the level of operations. The presentations were followed by a lively discussion among the speakers and esteemed guests, who were clearly interested in the matter.
The seminar guests showed vibrant interest in Finland’s efforts, for instance, in activities relating to the role of women in peace mediation and in civilian crisis management. The event also introduced a brand new, important handbook on human rights ordered by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The handbook also contains instructions on taking the gender perspective into account.
The 1325 national action plan has been the central framework for Finland’s actions to improve the position of women in conflict situations and peace processes since 2008.