Madame President,

I thank you for organising this important debate.

I also thank the High Commissioner and the distinguished briefers for sharing their insights.

Furthermore, I avail myself of this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to the women peacekeepers around the world for their service.

Madame President,

Two decades ago the Security Council adopted Resolution 1325.

In doing so, the Council made it known to the world that there could not be lasting peace without gender equality.

Yet, despite subsequent resolutions and best efforts, the implementation of this agenda has fallen short.

Stalled progress coincided with and was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A shadow pandemic of intensified violence against women and girls emerged.

Humanitarian workers in conflict zones across the world report new cases of violence against women and girls daily.

The recent report of the Secretary-General outlines the violence, intimidation and reprisals women endure in response to their engagement in peace processes around the world.

We need to take immediate action now to reverse this deeply worrying trend.

Madame President,

To date, numerous Council resolutions have called for the implementation of peace agreements, as well as for ensuring enhanced participation of women in all stages of peace processes.

However, the onus is upon all Member States to ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in decision-making at all levels, everywhere.

We must support women peacebuilders, human rights defenders, and civil society representatives so that they can fully and meaningfully engage and take part in all aspects of public and political life.

Only then, can we achieve truly inclusive societies that allow for progress in maintaining peace and security, upholding human rights, and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Madame President,

Türkiye has actively contributed to the development of recently adopted NATO policies related to women, peace and security.

We also continue to implement gender-responsive training for security personnel deployed domestically, as well as at the NATO Mission Iraq, KFOR, and other peacekeeping missions and operations.

In Afghanistan, Türkiye currently operates 45 schools across the country - 14 of which are girls’ schools.

We have also been reiterating the importance of political inclusivity, and the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms to the Caretaker Government.

The fundamental rights of Afghan women and girls must be respected. This includes the right of every woman and girl in Afghanistan to access employment and education respectively.

These are non-negotiable.

Madame President,

Türkiye continues to make every effort to support women and girls who have fled Syria.

Since 2014 we have provided psychological and social support to more than 400,000 Syrian refugees in Türkiye.

All necessary legal steps are being taken to protect refugee women who have experienced violence.

Refugee women who identify as victims of violence have the right to stay in women’s shelters and receive much needed assistance.

Further, Syrian women under temporary protection benefit from the same healthcare services as Turkish citizens.

We sincerely hope that our efforts will enable Syrian women to participate in the rebuilding of post-conflict Syria in the future.

Madame President,

I applaud the brave women peacebuilders around the world.

They press forth in the face of danger in the hope of creating a more peaceful society for all.

We thank those fearless women.

And we promise to continue our work to implement with determination the women, peace and security agenda.

I thank you.