Women should be involved in conflict resolution at a global stage

Lord Ahmad expressed his concern over the stagnation of the women, peace, and security agenda and a regression in women’s rights globally.

He stated that gender is being weaponized and efforts are being made to weaken the international system and destabilize democracies worldwide.

He called on all nations to stand against the rollback of fundamental human rights and the suppression of women’s rights, which are pivotal to society’s progress and prosperity.

Lord Ahmad expressed the UK’s commitment to ensuring progress on women, peace, and security in all its aspects.

He highlighted the UK’s recent launch of its fifth National Action Plan, which aims to ensure that women are at the center of conflict resolution and peacebuilding programs over the next five years.

Lord Ahmad listed various examples of the suppression of women’s rights, such as the suppression of women’s rights in Iran, Afghanistan, Tigray, and Yemen, as well as the weaponizing of rape in Ukraine.

Lord Ahmad highlighted the importance of preventing gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, and supporting survivors in recovering and seeking justice to rebuild their lives.

He announced a new three-year Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) Strategy backed by over £12 million of new funding to build accountability and justice worldwide.

He emphasized the importance of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, which will bring together leading Member States.

Lord Ahmad called on all nations to join the UK in strengthening the alliance to ensure that survivors of sexual violence are pivotal and central in building the international strategy to prevent sexual violence in conflict.

He asked governments to embed survivor voices in their own peacebuilding systems and assured them that the UK would share its experiences.

Lord Ahmad urged all nations to put women at the heart of every conflict resolution and building stability and security around the world.

In conclusion, Lord Ahmad stated that it is our duty and obligation to act for the incredible women and girls suffering at the hands of repressive, regressive regimes worldwide.

He stated that we must not squander this opportunity and must work to ensure that we do not look back in another 23 years to say that we missed the chance to act.