An open discussion on ‘Women in Peacekeeping’ held on 11 April at the UN Security Council where the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Ambassador Masud Bin Momen highlighted the significant contribution of Bangladeshi women’s peacekeepers in the United Nations peacekeeping operations. Mentioning our proud contribution to overall peacekeeping operations, he said, “Bangladesh now stands 5th among the TCCs/PCCs in contributing female peacekeepers. We earlier deployed two Full Contingents of All- Female Formed Police Units in Congo & Haiti. Bangladesh deployed female officers as Contingent Commander in UNOCI, Ivory Coast; MINUSTAH, Haiti; MINUSCA, Central African Republic and MONUSCO, DR Congo and deployed two female helicopter pilots in DR Congo”.
The PR noted that Bangladesh is gradually increasing its female peacekeepers in keeping with our commitment to the UN and in the light of the resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Ambassador Masud also recalled highlighted Bangladesh’s role in adopting the landmark resolution 1325 in 2000 as a member of the Council and one of the core co-sponsors of the resolution. He also informed Bangladesh’s measures undertaken so far for deploying female peacekeepers.
Highlighting the endeavors of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensure women’s political and economic participation in nation’s development and zero tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse, the PR said, “We are at the final stage of drafting our National Plan of Action Women, Peace and Security pursuant to Council Resolution 1325 and its successor Resolutions. We have always stood strongly to support SG’s zero tolerance policy against all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a member of the Circle of Leadership on the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. We are also party to the SG’s Voluntary Compact to eliminate sexual exploitation and abuse”. Ambassador Masud also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong support to SG’s A4P action plan and DPO’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy.
Ambassador Masud informed that all prohibitions have been lifted in Bangladesh for women to join combat forces. The Government is also offering women’s spouses, if they are working, to be posted in the same area, and providing child care and other female friendly facilities. Bangladesh has rewarded highest national award to one female Brigadier-General for her contribution to Army.
The PR said, “Bangladesh has been making its best efforts to increase women’s participation as uniformed and civilian peacekeepers. We are willing to replicate in our national policy, any good practices that we will come across globally. Similarly, we are ready to share our experience with others suitably”.
Around 60 member states including members of the Security Council participated in this open discussion which was convened by German Presidency.
