Thank you, Secretary General, for your insightful presentation of the Annual Progress Report to the Permanent Council this morning.
Gender equality, the empowerment of women in political spheres, and the fight against violence directed towards women and girls are fundamental components of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)’s comprehensive security framework.
We wholeheartedly support the ongoing initiatives of the organisation to foster gender equality and to enhance women’s involvement in political arenas, peace negotiations, and conflict resolution efforts. The introduction of the OSCE Roadmap on Women, Peace and Security, along with the Secretary General’s endorsement of the UN Common Pledge, marks significant advancements in this regard.
Focus on Violence Against Women and Girls
The United Kingdom particularly appreciates the report’s robust emphasis on violence against women and girls. The release of the inaugural OSCE-wide report on femicide, alongside the hosting of the High-Level International Conference against Femicide, signifies crucial steps in confronting one of the most severe forms of gender-based violence. These initiatives highlight the necessity for dependable data, effective preventative measures, and accountability mechanisms.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that technology has introduced new challenges. Online harassment and abuse continue to stifle women’s voices and hinder their ability to engage fully in public life, both digitally and in person. The OSCE’s efforts to combat violence against women journalists are particularly commendable and vital in this context.
Empowering Women Leaders
The UK wishes to commend the outstanding contributions of the OSCE WIN programme, especially its support for women leaders in Ukraine and the collaborative exchanges between women activists from Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also recognise the efforts of the Women’s Peace Leadership Programme and YoungWomen4Peace, which are investing in the future generation of women peacebuilders and security leaders. Such initiatives represent tangible investments in creating more representative institutions and fostering sustainable peace.
We are also aware of the ongoing efforts to enhance gender equality within the organisation itself. While progress in recruitment is promising, there remains a noticeable underrepresentation of women in senior leadership roles. As participating States, we hold a crucial responsibility to nominate women for senior seconded positions.
Commitment to Gender Equality Goals
The United Kingdom is dedicated to collaborating with participating States, the Secretary General, and OSCE institutions to further these essential goals. We owe it to the women and girls in our region to fulfil our commitments, as doing so aligns directly with our collective security interests.
Thank you, Mr Chair.