UN calls for participation of women in peace process

United Nations Acting Resident Coordinator, Junko Sazaki, has asked the Nepal Government, the political parties and the CPN-Maoists to increase women's representation in decision-making bodies dealing with the peace process.

In a press statement issued after meeting with the delegation of Women in Alliance (a group of women representing major political parties and civil society organizations) on Monday Sazaki said, "The UN welcomed the House of Representatives' declaration made last month, which calls for 33 percent of civil service jobs for women and gives citizenship to children born to Nepali mothers."

"Clearly the active participation of women was crucial to the success of the recent people's movement. For the peace process to also succeed, women's participation is absolutely necessary," said Sazaki, applauding women initiatives for their rights.

Saying that including women in the peace process is not negotiable, she added, “It is their right. This means their inclusion in the high-level peace talks, constitutional drafting committee and all other related committees, as well as in the Government, the Parliament and the Peace Secretariat must be guaranteed.”

Sazaki pointed out that immediate legislative measures need to be adopted for the declaration to be realized.

One of the key subject of discussion between the UN and the members of the Alliance was the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security which spells out the importance of women's equal participation in all decision-making processes.

Chandni Joshi, the Regional Director of UNIFEM South Asia office and representatives from UNDP, UNFPA, UNIFEM, and OHCHR were also present on the occasion.

The UN is advocating and working to promote Nepali women's greater economic, social and political inclusion through numerous programmes and projects carried out by its partners and specialized UN agencies. nepalnew.com ia July 03 06