S/2020/1076 Security Council

In accordance with the procedure agreed upon by the members of the Security Council in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, as set out in the letter dated 27 March 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to all members of the Council (S/2020/253), I would like to draw your attention to the following. The members of the Council have discussed a draft resolution, submitted by the Russian Federation, in connection with the agenda item “Women and peace and security”. That draft resolution, contained in document S/2020/1054 and enclosed herewith, has been put into blue. In my capacity as President of the Security Council, I hereby put the above- mentioned draft resolution to a vote. The non-extendable 24-hour voting period for this draft resolution will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, 29 October 2020. The non-extendable 24-hour voting period will expire at 2 p.m. on Friday, 30 October 2020. Please submit your vote (in favour, against or abstention) on the draft resolution, as well as any possible explanation of vote, by sending a letter signed by the Permanent Representative or Chargé d’affaires a.i. within the non-extendable 24-hour voting period set out above to the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division in the United Nations Secretariat (egian@un.org). It is my intention to circulate a letter listing the outcome of the vote within three hours of the conclusion of the 24-hour voting period. I also intend to convene a video-teleconference of the Security Council to announce the outcome of the vote shortly after the conclusion of the voting period, on the afternoon of Friday, 30 October 2020.

We thank the Russian delegation for the organization of the open debate yesterday (S/2020/1084) on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the landmark resolution 1325 (2000). We also welcome the announcements by Russia and by China of their engagement with the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security. During negotiations for this draft resolution, Belgium, along with a majority of Council members, consistently pleaded in favour of maintaining recently agreed language on crucial aspects of the women and peace and security agenda. Indeed, our understanding of the women and peace and security agenda and gendered dynamics have evolved over the last 20 years, and the normative framework reflects these shifts. Should the draft resolution be adopted, it would erode the hard-won gains of our predecessors. This is why Belgium abstains in the voting on this draft resolution. The following issues, in particular, are of grave concern for our delegation. The text fails to meet the minimum standard with regard to civil society involvement and human rights. Member States should empower civil society and women leaders to implement the women and peace and security agenda on the ground. The language used to describe the impact of the coronavirus disease on women does not adequately reflect the leading role women have played in tackling the pandemic. The resolution inadequately reflects the normative framework, including an insufficient reference to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women and general recommendation No. 30 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. The current text is nearly devoid of meaningful language on the implementation of or on accountability for the women and peace and security agenda. Our delegation has put forward several proposals on closing data gaps, financing the agenda as well as overcoming structural barriers to gender equality, which have not been reflected in the draft resolution. The women and peace and security agenda belongs to all women, everywhere. Through their achievements, they have made the agenda their own. We are merely here to ensure that the Security Council continues to support them, in words, but foremost in action. It is important that the Council stay united as we sustain efforts to implement and strengthen the women and peace and security agenda.

We regret to see that the draft resolution on women and peace and security has not been adopted. A certain member claims that it attaches importance to the women and peace and security agenda, but its actions do not match its words. China has from the very beginning been supportive of Russia’s initiative to promote a draft resolution in commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) and give new impetus to the women and peace and security agenda. We believe this will help reaffirm our commitment to the agenda and galvanize the positive momentum for better implementation. In this spirit, China participated in the negotiations constructively, contributing to the improvement of the text and to building consensus. Had certain members shown the same spirit of unity, constructiveness and flexibility, we could have reached consensus and sent out a positive signal. Advancing the women and peace and security agenda is an evolving and enriching process. We should remain open-minded and be inclusive to new perspective and elements, putting emphasis on solving fundamental problems facing women’s development instead of clinging only to existing language and refusing improvement. On many occasions, developing countries have repeatedly stressed that the women and peace and security agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are interlinked and indivisible. The achievement of sustainable development and the economic empowerment of women are key for preventing conflict, sustaining peace and strengthening women’s protection and participation. China put forward text proposals in this regard, which were echoed by some colleagues. It is our belief that, in consultations and negotiations of the Council, members should respect each other, accommodate each other’s concerns and interests, and find common ground. This is crucial to the unity and effectiveness of the Council. We hope all Council members will join hands to strengthen unity in advancing the important work of the Council, including the women and peace and security agenda. Only in this way can we maintain the Council’s effectiveness and ability to take actions, and live up to the expectations of Member States and of the international community S/2020/1076

The Dominican Republic decided to abstain in the voting on the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/1054, presented by the Russian Federation on women and peace and security. At the outset, I would like to reiterate the strong commitment of the Dominican Republic to the advancement of the women and peace and security agenda. As the Russian Federation presented the initiative of adopting a resolution on the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) and on further implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, the Dominican Republic expressed its support, notwithstanding our belief that full focus should be directed to closing existing gaps and accelerating implementation of past commitments contained in the 10 resolutions the Security Council has already adopted on this issue. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Russian Federation on having organized this year’s debate on women and peace and security (S/2020/1084), which served as an important platform to deliberate on key issues, and to look at concerted actions towards implementation, as expressed by the distinguished briefers invited for the occasion. We also salute the announcements made by the Russian Federation and China regarding their engagement in the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security. The Dominican Republic entered the negotiation process with a constructive spirit and good faith, which we maintained throughout. In the light of the short time frame available for the negotiation of this draft resolution, the Dominican Republic, along with the vast majority of delegations, proposed to work on the basis of a concise and short text, focusing our proposals on maintaining agreed language from previous resolutions that would yield consensus and the necessary balance on a text of this nature. However, the draft resolution still fails to address key aspects that are crucial, not meeting the minimum standard in the context of the normative framework of the women and peace and security agenda, such as the inclusion of a human rights approach, and omitting reference to general recommendation No. 30 of the Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which had been agreed in past resolutions, including the last two commemorative ones. The draft resolution presented does not address major challenges to implementation, such as the inadequate financing of the agenda, structural barriers to gender equality, and lack of accountability; nor does it respect other agreed considerations, recently adopted in resolution 2493 (2019), on the role and protection of civil society and women leaders. The adoption of this draft resolution, particularly on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), would have compromised progress made over the past 20 years. There is a long history, leading up to resolution 1325 (2000), of women and women’s organizations being the ones making real change to the lives of women and girls in war-torn and post-conflict States. Any steps, decisions or initiatives that the Security Council takes forward in this regard must be directed to support them and their work and on closing the existing gaps on the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda.

Estonia is submitting the present statement in explanation of its vote on the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/1054, of 29 October 2020. Estonia considers women and peace and security an integral part of the agenda of the Security Council. We have welcomed and supported the steps forward made in its development, including by our co-sponsorship of key Council decisions on women and peace and security over more than 10 years. Estonia continues to implement the women and peace and security agenda nationally and has made it one of our priorities as an elected member of the Security Council. Estonia therefore appreciates the attention devoted by the Russian Federation to the issue of women and peace and security during its presidency, including the debate organized on 29 October (see S/2020/1084) on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). Estonia believes that the anniversary should be used to enhance the commitments made on women and peace and security and to promote the full implementation of all Security Council resolutions in this regard. While Estonia believes that the Security Council has already established a comprehensive normative framework on women and peace and security, we engaged constructively and in good faith in the negotiations on the draft resolution before us with the objective of ensuring a Council outcome that would add value to the agenda and its implementation. Our engagement has also been based on the conviction that we cannot take a step back on our commitments. We believe that the ownership of the women and peace and security agenda lies with numerous Member States, civil society organizations and women peacebuilders, who have worked with determination to advance it, and that we have no right to diminish it. Our proposals made repeatedly in the discussion of the draft before us reflect these considerations. We strongly regret that several of our suggestions, which were closely based on the Council’s agreements to date, are not reflected in the draft contained in document S/2020/1054. The text as it stands excludes key elements with respect to civil society involvement in the women and peace and security agenda, including the requirements for their protection and support. Given the serious threats and reprisals against women human rights defenders, this is a stark omission of the role of our key partners in the implementation of 1325 (2000). The text inadequately reflects the foundation of international human rights law, upon which the women and peace and security is based, including the Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women general recommendation No. 30. It fails to sufficiently address the link between the restrictions on women’s full enjoyment of human rights and the challenges related to their participation and protection. It also does not address the structural barriers faced by women. It does not adequately reflect the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women in peace processes — which is a major shortcoming in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda — and means to ensure this. The draft also discounts the role of women’s leadership in tackling the coronavirus disease epidemic. S/2020/1076 S/2020/1076 The Security Council has taken a decision to integrate women and peace and security concerns across all country-specific situations on its agenda, yet the draft fails to mention this key aspect of the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. It also overlooks the importance of gender mainstreaming in the work of the entire United Nations to support the full implementation of Council decisions on women and peace and security. We highly value the cooperation of all Council colleagues who engaged in discussions on this text. We believe that the expertise and openness brought by them to these deliberations would have provided us with solutions for a consensual Council product, which would do justice to the twentieth anniversary of the women and peace and security agenda. We regret that so many of their suggestions went unheeded throughout several rounds of negotiations. We underline the need to ensure a true dialogue, transparency and openness in any Council deliberation. We sincerely regret that the draft text fails in the objective that it set out at the start of this process. We believe that the women and peace and security agenda belongs to all of us and, therefore, it is our responsibility to make sure we stand with the commitments we have made to women as part of our goal of ensuring peace and security. For these reasons, Estonia abstained in the voting on this draft resolution.

France welcomes the commitment of the Russian Federation to the women and peace and security agenda, as reflected in its organization of the open debate on 29 October (S/2020/1084) and the announcement of its participation in the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, created in 2015. As a long-standing supporter of the women and peace and security agenda and a partner of Russia, France engaged transparently and constructively in the negotiation process on draft resolution S/2020/1054, marking the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). However, the draft resolution put to the vote by Russia does not match the challenges and ambition that are required. In particular, we regret that the requests expressed by the overwhelming majority of delegations to reaffirm what is essential, such as the indispensable role of civil society, were dismissed. The eagerness to adopt the draft resolution before the end of this month did not allow us to unite around a consensual text. However, the debate in the Security Council (S/2020/1084) unambiguously confirmed that we have a robust normative framework and that the time has come to implement every one of our resolutions. For all those reasons, France decided to abstain in the voting on this draft resolution.

For three weeks, Germany and the majority of Council members have engaged constructively with Russia as facilitator of draft resolution S/2020/1054 despite our belief that the women and peace and security agenda is based on a strong normative framework and does not need more resolutions at this point. A short commemorative text would have been the better option. What we need is action and the implementation of the entire women and peace and security agenda, not more words. We have repeatedly called for the draft resolution on women and peace and security agenda to include strong language on the human rights foundation of the women and peace and security agenda, as in all previous resolutions. We have also called for the adequate reflection of the critical role of civil society, women peacebuilders and human rights defenders in implementing the women and peace and security agenda on the ground, as in previous resolutions. And we have called for a balance in the reflection of the whole women and peace and security agenda and the inclusion of the most recently agreed standards on the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, on combating sexual violence and the rights of survivors, on accountability and on women‘s critical role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Unfortunately, our calls were not heeded, despite our efforts and those of a majority of Council members. We were very disappointed that the facilitator did not engage in a transparent manner despite many hours of consultations and bilateral discussions. Had the draft resolution been adopted, it would have eroded the hard-won gains of the women and peace and security agenda and watered down previous achievements on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). That is why Germany, along with nine other Council members, was forced to abstain in the voting on this draft resolution. There is no monopoly on women’s human rights or women and peace and security. That agenda belongs to all women, everywhere. It is our job to make it possible for all those women to finally take their rightful place. As Danai Gurira said in yesterday’s open debate: “Male-dominated rooms in the twenty-first century should be embarrassing to us all” (S/2020/1084).

We thank Russia for initiating the important draft resolution S/2020/1054 to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). We deeply regret that such a crucial draft resolution did not reach consensus at such a pivotal moment. History will record that, for the first time, there was a draft resolution under the agenda of women and peace and security that failed to be adopted. We understand that many substantial elements should have been attached as additional values into the draft resolution, as repeatedly advised by some delegations. However, it would be a disservice to gloss over and disregard the draft resolution, which has a distinct potential to advance the women and peace and security agenda constructively. It complements all previous Security Council resolutions on the women and peace and security agenda. Therefore, Indonesia firmly decided to vote in favour of it. Indonesia remains committed to strongly supporting the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), resolution 2538 (2020) and its subsequent resolutions. All such resolutions are strong foundations to promote women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in preventing conflict and sustaining peace. We are, and will continue to be, actively involved in constructive initiatives and activities, raised by States Members of the United Nations and other relevant stakeholders, that strengthen the advancement of the women and peace and security agenda. In that regard, Indonesia believes that we must work together in the spirit of unity, solidarity and mutual understanding. The women and peace and security agenda is crucial for all countries and all women across the world. All countries are therefore the owners of this important agenda. S/2020/1076 S/2020/1076

As we commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, we must aspire to the commitment of the Charter of the United Nations to building a world where all humankind is able to live in peace and enjoy the protection of their fundamental human rights, including their right to development, as guided by Declaration on the Right to Development. In that respect, it is in the interest of all humankind that for many years women across the globe have been committed to advancing the goals of equality, peace and development for all women everywhere. Despite the progress that has been made in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly following the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we must be cognizant that women continue to face discrimination and inequalities, hampering their full involvement in building sustainable societies. Women and girls continue to bear the brunt of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. In conflict situations, their personal, economic, civil and political security is persistently undermined. Regrettably, the coronavirus disease pandemic has laid bare the disproportionate impact that women face in situations of crisis. Our efforts must continue to be geared towards finding sustainable solutions to the challenges that women continue to face. Resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, adopted 20 years ago, was aimed at addressing the challenges faced by women in armed conflict and post-conflict situations. The subsequent nine resolutions adopted by the Council collectively represent the international community’s commitment to holistically addressing such challenges. In that regard, South Africa reiterates its unequivocal and firm support for the women and peace and security agenda and all resolutions adopted by the Council to further the agenda. South Africa appreciates the efforts undertaken by the Russian Federation, as President of the Security Council for October, in putting forward a draft resolution to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). The initiative to submit a draft resolution on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) is not only timely but also necessary for the Security Council to reflect on the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, as well as to reaffirm the Security Council’s commitment to all previous resolutions adopted on the matter. In our view, draft resolution S/2020/1054 safeguards the entire normative framework of the women and peace and security agenda by urging the implementation of all previous resolutions on that agenda adopted by the Council to date. It thus preserves the gains made through not only resolution 2493 (2019), which was unanimously adopted by the Security Council in 2019, but also all Security Council resolutions on the women and peace and security agenda. We are reassured by the fact that each of the resolutions on the women and peace and security agenda maintains its relevance and none are superseded by the current draft resolution. The draft resolution could have been more ambitious by advancing the framework that we already have. The references to the human rights of women and the participation and protection of civil society, including women peacebuilders, as well as initiatives to address structural and institutional barriers, could have been strengthened. S/2020/1076 In addition, the draft text should have paid attention to emerging issues that impact the women and peace and security agenda, such as the coronavirus disease pandemic, particularly as it relates to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as gender-based violence. While the draft resolution put forward does not adequately address those issues, we recognize that it reaffirms, and does not negate, all previous resolutions that already cover such matters, particularly resolution 2493 (2019), adopted unanimously by the Council a year ago. South Africa therefore regards this draft resolution as the bare minimum required for sustaining the women and peace and security agenda. It is for that reason that South Africa voted in favour of the draft resolution before us today, as it reaffirms and preserves the entire body of resolutions on the women and peace and security agenda and, importantly, commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). To conclude, it is unfortunate that petty geopolitical differences have resulted in many Council members not being willing to constructively engage and seek compromise on the draft resolution. Such differences undermine the spirit of collective multilateral action that is required for us to address the challenges facing women.

Tunisia wishes to express its appreciation to the Russian Federation for its efforts to facilitate the negotiations on draft resolution S/2020/1054, on women and peace and security. Tunisia remains committed to the women and peace and security agenda and shares the view of Council members that the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) provides a timely opportunity to recommit to its normative framework and to call for its full implementation. We believe that significant progress has been made in the past two decades and that commemorating the anniversary of the resolution 1325 (2000) needs a clear reaffirmation of commitment to those past achievements. We acknowledge the extensive efforts made by the delegation of the Russian Federation to reflect all the ideas expressed throughout the negotiation process. We specifically appreciate the reference to the need for a balanced geographical representation of women and the willingness to strengthen the language on the socioeconomic and development drivers of gender inequality and conflict. Language that has been previously agreed in recent Security Council resolutions is of the utmost importance, especially when it relates to issues pertaining to human rights, the implementation of international instruments, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the role of civil society and the full, effective, equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes. Such aspects were earned after extensive negotiations and tremendous compromise from all sides. It is also crucial to highlight the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic on women and girls, as reaffirmed in resolution 2532 (2020) and in several other United Nations resolutions and reports. From that perspective, Tunisia will continue to commit to the agenda’s normative framework, while addressing remaining gaps identified mainly in the lack of implementation and funding. Tunisia stands ready to continue to engage constructively and in full cooperation with all Council members and all its partners to advance the women and peace and security agenda in the United Nations and on the ground.

As proud champions of the women and peace and security agenda, the United Kingdom will not accept any weakening of the hard-fought progress made over the past 20 years. We have repeatedly expressed our conviction that the women and peace and security normative framework is robust. As we heard from the compelling briefers in the open debate yesterday (S/2020/1084), what remains is for us to address the implementation gap and take action. There is no need for any additional resolution unless it serves to add distinct value to the acquis. Despite our reservations on the proposal for a resolution, we have remained constructive and engaged throughout the process. We collaborated readily, compromising on some of our own women and peace and security priorities in order to reach a draft text that, at a minimum, did not set back the agenda. We voiced our concerns about draft resolution S/2020/1054 throughout the negotiations, consistently requesting recently agreed language in efforts to maintain the integrity of the normative framework. Our repeated calls for the inclusion of relevant language on women’s human rights and the protection of civil society were regrettably not met. We share the widely held view that this draft text lacks sufficient language on implementation and fails to reflect core components of the framework, such as the essential rights-based approach and the structural barriers to gender equality. For those reasons, the United Kingdom abstained in the voting on the draft resolution, which clearly lacked the support of a broad range of Council members and failed to represent a basis for achieving consensus. The adoption of this draft text would have undermined the significant achievements made on this critical agenda and the enduring efforts of so many women’s rights activists. As members of the Security Council, it is our role not only to listen to the voices of a diverse range of women, but also to stand up for their rights and enshrine their inclusion and participation at all levels. The United Kingdom will remain resolutely committed to safeguarding the progress made on the women and peace and security agenda and advancing women and peace and security substantively alongside Member States, United Nations agencies and civil society. Women’s human rights are the concern of all. The women and peace and security agenda is the result of women’s actions, and it belongs to them. It is now for the Council to take women’s lead and act. Women play a central role in delivering lasting peace and security. S/2020/1076 S/2020/1076

No nation is more committed to the women and peace and security agenda than the United States. We were the first nation to enshrine the objectives of resolution 1325 (2000) in our national legislation and develop a whole-of-Government effort to measure progress and maintain accountability across our domestic and global implementation. President Trump has an unmatched record of action in support of the women and peace and security agenda, and he understands that societies that empower women are more stable, peaceful and prosperous, both economically and politically. By abstaining in the voting on the Russian Federation’s draft resolution S/2020/1054, the United States and nine of our fellow Council members are taking a firm stand to protect this critical agenda from attack by the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. As written by Russia, with contributions from China, this draft resolution was designed to undermine and reverse the progress of the past 20 years, in a blatant misuse of the Security Council to advance their singular agendas. It is evident that our Russian and Chinese colleagues do not support the women and peace and security agenda, as defined by resolution 1325 (2000), and do not believe that women should be fully empowered to prevent conflict or sit at the table to pursue peace and reconciliation. As the voting results reveal, many other Council members share our concerns. The Russian draft resolution would have diluted the long-standing United Nations commitments to women and weakened the consensus about the role of women in conflict situations. Such efforts are disrespectful to women on the front lines of peace and security issues today and a threat to those who may follow. The United States will never support such an action. Along with our partners, we will continue to defend the aspirations and objectives enshrined in resolution 1325 (2000) against attacks aimed at undermining them, celebrate the twentieth anniversary of that landmark achievement and safeguard its purpose.

On the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), this year marks a significant milestone towards realizing global commitments on gender equality and the women and peace and security agenda. It is heartening to note that in recent years, this agenda has become an integral part of the work of the Council. Meaningful progress on the ground has also been achieved so as to lighten women’s hardship and promote their increasingly active participation in all walks of life, including in conflict prevention and resolution and sustaining peace. In order to maintain and push forward momentum, the message on the importance of this agenda in the work of the Council should continually be reinforced, reaffirmed and strengthened. With that in mind, Viet Nam supports the efforts of the international community, Member States and international partners to promote the agenda. Viet Nam therefore today voted in favour of the draft resolution on women and peace and security, as contained in document S/2020/1054. At the same time, we reaffirm our strong, consistent and unwavering commitments to the framework and achievements that the international community has strenuously built up over the years, including those elaborated in previous relevant resolutions of the Security Council, including resolutions 1889 (2009), 2122 (2013), 2242 (2015), 2467 (2019) and 2493 (2019), just to name but a few. It is regrettable that no outcome was adopted on this important anniversary. It is therefore important that all the parties, including members of the Security Council, strive further for mutual understanding and joint efforts in pursuing the women and peace and security agenda in a consistent, constructive and forward-looking manner. In this regard, Viet Nam reiterates its commitment to joining the efforts of the global partnership to continue to ensure that the voices of women are heard, their concerns and needs are addressed, and their roles and contributions to peace and security are enhanced and recognized.