Liberia urges UN to focus attention on gender issues, appoint more women

The United Nations system is in urgent need of reform to ensure there is gender equality in all its organs and related agencies, Liberia’s Vice-President told the high-level General Assembly debate today.

Joseph Boakai also urged the world body to take action on the first-ever resolution passed by the Security Council resolution which specifically addresses the disproportionate and unique impact of war on women, and women’s contributions to conflict resolution and peace.

“We recommend that the Secretary-General appoints a special envoy on women, peace and security who would galvanize Member States to implement Security Council Resolution 1325,” said Mr. Boakai.

The resolution, passed unanimously in 2000, urges nations to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions.

It also requires parties in a conflict to respect women’s rights and to support their participation in peace negotiations and in post-conflict reconstruction.

In his message on the third day of the Assembly, Mr. Boakai spotlighted another Security Council resolution, which acknowledged also for the first time the use of sexual violence in conflict as a deliberate tactic of war.

“We also recognize that the Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008) is an important component of Security Council Resolution 1325 with regard to rape and sexual violence against girls and women,” he said.

Mr. Boakai reported that Liberia has made significant post-conflict strides in the areas of justice and the rule of law, highlighting the establishment of a special sexual and gender based crimes court, which has begun hearing cases and encouraging victims to come forward.

In addition, he noted that Liberia’s economic recovery is “shaping up to become a post-conflict success story,” due to what he said was the disciplined leadership and prudent policies of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Africa’s first democratically elected female head of State. He added the country experienced 7 per cent growth last year, and expects 5 per cent growth this year.

“We have improved our business and investment climate by establishing a ‘One Stop Shop’ concept to spur private sector growth and create jobs,” he told the Assembly, adding that “we have rehabilitated 674 miles of primary and secondary roads to link communities isolated from central administration as a result of the 14-year civil crisis.”

Moreover, the President has instituted a policy of compulsory and free primary education, with special emphasis on girls, who are often the victims of institutionalized biases and abuses, he added.