The United Kingdom has reiterated its firm stance on the necessity of women's full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in global peace processes, during a recent UN Security Council open debate on Women, Peace, and Security. Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, highlighted that despite 26 years since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325, women continue to be largely excluded from peace negotiations and political transitions worldwide.
According to a report from the UN Secretary-General, a staggering nearly 90% of negotiation tracks in 2024 saw no women present. The UK outlined three key priorities for collective international action to address this disparity. Firstly, there is an urgent need to translate existing commitments on women's participation into tangible reality. This involves dismantling barriers that restrict women's access to political influence, financial resources, and security, while also bolstering women-led civil society organisations as vital partners in sustaining peace and security. The UK has demonstrated this commitment through over £3.7 million (approximately $4.7 million) in funding to women's rights organisations operating in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
Secondly, the UK called for enhanced efforts to prevent and respond to threats and violence against women peacebuilders and human rights defenders. Women engaged in peace and security initiatives frequently face escalating intimidation, threats, and violence. The UK urged all states to protect these women and ensure accountability for those who target them, pledging continued collaboration with partners like UN Women. In May, the Foreign Secretary launched a new International Coalition to End Violence Against Women and Girls, aimed at fostering political leadership and accelerating collective action against all forms of violence.
Finally, the statement underscored the importance of addressing the evolving nature of conflict and its specific gender-related impacts. Women and girls are often disproportionately affected by conflict and disasters, yet frequently struggle to access crucial support, including protection and reproductive health services. They also continue to endure gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. The UK is tackling these challenges through sustained humanitarian aid and by supporting locally led initiatives. In February, the Foreign Secretary announced over £20.5 million (approximately $26 million) in new funding to assist survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan, providing medical and psychological support. Furthermore, UK funding in Colombia over the past decade has advanced accountability and support for thousands of survivors, including improving access to justice within the Colombian transitional justice system.
The UK government's position, as articulated by Ambassador Kariuki, stresses that strengthening women's participation is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for achieving lasting peace and security globally. The call to action is for immediate and concrete steps to ensure women's meaningful involvement in peace processes, free from threats and reprisals.