Women participate in peace talks and security plans

« I will ensure that equality will be a priority in my ministry. Unfortunately, violence against women and girls is far too common and we will fight it. «

This was stated by Thorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir Minister of Justice at the meeting Women, peace and security in a changed world in the human rights house today, according to a press release.

UN Women in Iceland and the ABI Rights Association held the meeting in collaboration with the European Union delegation in Iceland.

For discussion, women's involvement in the peace process was and that the rights of women and girls need to be safeguarded during war times.

« Women know best about their own affairs«

Thorbjörg Sigríður set the meeting and discussed the government's policy in the fight against gender -based violence.

The minister said that an action plan is being worked on, which is about increased women's participation in peace and security.

« Iceland has recently taken a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, and we intend to be the defense of equality and peace. We will be the advocates of women and girls in all their complexities, « the minister said.

Stella Samúelsdóttir, Director of UN Women in Iceland, held a meeting and managed panel discussions.

According to Stella, it is no longer possible to wait for women's, peace and security issues anymore.

« It has to be ensured that women participate in peace talks and security plans, because it needs to change the prevailing mindset and women know best about their own affairs, » she said.

Peace debate reflects the community

Clara Ganslandt, European Union Ambassador to Iceland, Jónas G. Allansson, Secretary of Defense of the Ministry of Defense, Olena Suslova, founder of Women's Information Consultative Center in Ukraine and Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir.

Clara Ganslandt emphasized that peace discussions reflect the community and in order to ensure long -term peace, women need to be involved in the process as well as access to security and education in the field of security and peacekeeping forces must be deposited and on an equal footing.

She also talked about the EU's work on the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution, which is that women need to be in the lead role in decision -making on women's and girls' rights.

« The number of women living in insecurity is growing, or about 35% of all. Women are often absent when peace talks or planning is coming, so we need to change if we are going to succeed. «

« Men in leadership talk about these issues »

Jonas then talked about the fact that the issues of the meeting, women, security and peace, have never been as important as today.

« It is therefore important that women are present in all areas. That way, we are more likely to find better solutions, ”he said.

Asked about the role of men in this discussion, Jónas said it was important not to consider the issue as a private matter.

« It is very important that men in leadership talk about these issues. »

Police have not been able to assist disabled women

Sigríður Björk, the National Commissioner of Police, oversaw the role of the police as a service institution and said that no one is left behind.

She then reviewed examples of police visits to disabled women while the pandemic was over, as the police were told that she did not have the skills and knowledge to assist disabled women.

This has made a significant difference to the police and led to a review.

« What does the story teach us? »

Olena Suslova spoke from Ukraine through teleconferencing equipment, began to thank Iceland for supporting Ukraine for the invasion of Russia. Then she discussed the genesis of her organization, Women's Information Consultative Center.

« It is important to consider the protection of everyone, and we think specifically about marginal groups and have good cooperation with the government, NGOs and institutions. What do we do? For example, we do a great deal of education about gender -based violence and harassment and try to be a force for good. «

Then she said it was important to assist those who have been on the battlefield.

« You have to think about both those who are in the battle and those who are at home. I thought to myself, what does the story teach us? We need to realize that we cannot change the past, but we can reduce the negative aftermath of the suffering that people have experienced. «

Various factors increase the marginalization of disabled women

Alma Ýr Ingólfsdóttir, chairman of the ABI Rights Association, presented the final speech of the meeting.

She said disabled women and girls face a variety of discrimination, but by their nature they are not vulnerable. However, various factors, for example, increase insufficient legislation, lack of opportunities and social attitudes, their marginalization.

« A number of states find it difficult to present tangible policies, systems and services based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Disabled people around the world will be affected by increased negative effects in humanitarian crisis. Disabled women are more affected by conflicts and face barriers to participation in the peace process, ”she said.

The solution is to remove barriers, ensure access to peace processes and to appoint disabled women in leadership roles.