The UN Security Council today discussed the impact of the withdrawal of a peacekeeping mission on the role of women in peace and security and on women's rights. In New York, Switzerland emphasised how important it is to enable women to participate fully and equally in peace processes. Experience shows that this is crucial to achieving sustainable results.
Gender-specific measures must be taken to ensure that the withdrawal of peacekeeping missions does not jeopardise women's rights and equality. With Resolution 2594, the Security Council already emphasised in 2021 the importance of women's participation and special attention to gender-specific aspects during such transition processes. However, not all available instruments have been utilised optimally to date.
The integration of gender-specific criteria is central to all areas of new and existing UN missions. In this way, national security institutions on the ground can be supported in protecting the civilian population and respecting human rights. Women must be able to participate in decision-making processes for the future of their country, including in connection with the withdrawal of a peacekeeping mission. The main responsibility here lies with local governments, for example through a national action plan to implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
Documentation from past withdrawals of UN missions and the exchange of experiences are crucial to avoid negative impacts on women's rights, empowerment and security in similar scenarios. Examples such as Mali and Sudan show that the dismantling of UN structures can have negative consequences for women's rights on the ground. Transition phases must be planned accordingly in the long term and with sufficient resources.
Finally, Switzerland emphasised that the decisions taken today lay the foundations for future peace efforts. Women and girls must also be given the opportunity to fulfil their active role as architects of peace and their own future during transition phases.
