Seoul, 30 November 2021 (TDI): The Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, Chung Eui-Yong participated in the 3rd International Conference on “Action with Women and Peace.” The conference was hosted by South Korea in a hybrid format.
The theme of the conference was “Strengthening Women’s Roles and Leadership in Building and Sustaining Peace, with the Survivor-centered Approach.”
Opening Remarks by Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong at the 3rd International Conference on Action with Women and Peace pic.twitter.com/EmHSOwwh8M
— MOFA (@MOFAkr_eng) November 25, 2021
The international conference is hosted by South Korea since 2019 under the umbrella of “Action with Women and Peace Initiative.” The initiative was launched by South Korea in 2018 to eliminate sexual violence in conflict zones, across the world.
During the conference, Foreign Minister Chung underscored the Korean government’s resolve to continue contributions for developing a peace and security agenda for women. He highlighted that through the conference, Korea endeavors to contribute to the advancement of global issues.
Moreover, he expressed concern over the situation of human rights of women and girls in Myanmar and Afghanistan. He stated that Korea facilitated the safe exit of Afghans. This was the first time that foreigners who were at risk and facing a humanitarian crisis; were given refuge in the country.
Chung Eui-Yong emphasized the participation of women in the reconciliation and peace-building process as well as the survivor-centered approach, as a solution to conflict-related sexual violence.
More than 20 participants from several international organizations, governments, and civil societies participated in the conference. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security, Jacqueline O’Neill of Canada, and Minister of State Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon of the UK were some of the noteworthy participants.
Aside from the above mentioned, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Special Rapporteur on violence against women, Reem Alsalem, Executive Director of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, and UNHRC Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, Fabian Salvioli attended the conference.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet specified that unfortunately the decision-making and peace negotiation processes still lack women’s participation.
She enunciated that a decision that doesn’t reflect the needs and perspective of women is not viable. Furthermore, she underscored the significance of a collaborative effort to address the issues of women’s rights in Afghanistan and Myanmar.
Video clips of the Global Youth Video Competition were also shared at the conference to highlight opinions of the future generation on conflict-related sexual violence. South Korea will
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will endeavor to globally revitalize discussions related to the issues of conflict-related sexual violence through the “Action with Women and Peace Initiative.”
In the closing session of the conference, the Action Plan with regards to future contributions and direction of the South Korean government, was presented.
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