UNAMI holds Open Forum on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 with Iraqi Women

The Forum provided an opportunity to also assess the contributions of Iraqi women in addressing some of the critical issues in the country. Participants from areas liberated from ISIL control noted that there is a need to speed up reconstruction efforts particularly, including the provision of basic services so as to enable IDPs to return. Civil society representatives called upon the Government to include them in designing strategies on national reconciliation which conform to the tenets of SCR 1325. Participants noted the lack of payment of salaries for government employees in Mosul could result in employees joining ISIL due to economic desperation. They also called upon the international community to work on the release of the thousands of abducted women and girls, noting that the matter has not been given sufficient attention.

Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (DSRSG) Mr. Gyorgy Busztin noted that the UN is keen to continue supporting the Government of Iraq and the civil society to address violent extremism and terrorism which continue to present a serious threat to women, peace and security. He further acknowledged the contribution of Iraqi women in providing support to populations affected by the conflict with ISIL.

This month marks the 15th anniversary of SCR 1325 and provides an invaluable opportunity for all actors to renew their commitments and to define a forward-looking agenda that addresses the new challenges to women, peace and security brought about by violent extremism and terrorism.