Bogotá, 27 October 2017. The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia joins the Security Council of the United Nations in commemorating the 17th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which highlights the importance of the participation of women in an equal manner in the construction of peace, negotiation for the termination and prevention of conflicts.

Resolution 1325 calls on all parties to armed conflicts to take special measures to protect women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence. It also urges the States Members of the United Nations to guarantee the full and active participation of women in all efforts for the maintenance of peace and the reconstruction of post-conflict societies.

The Verification Mission recognizes and values the active and meaningful participation of women in Colombia for the construction of peace. The Final Agreement for the termination of the conflict between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP has been recognized in the world as an example of a peace process with a gender focus. Incorporating the participation of plenipotentiary negotiators, expert advisors on issues of gender and women's rights and the creation of the Gender Subcommittee in the Table of Conversations of Havana. It also includes the Women's Special Instance to help ensure this focus in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The efforts of civil society women's organizations were fundamental to achieve these achievements.

The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia is committed to the implementation of Resolution 1325 and to promoting the role of women in peace processes. At present, 48% of our team consists of women - civilians, military and police, as well as international and Colombian being one of the United Nations peace missions with more women in the world. The Mission also maintains an ongoing dialogue with women's groups and civil society organizations at the national, regional and local levels to ensure that their perspectives are part of our work.

For the Mission the protection of women, girls and children against any act of sexual and gender-based violence is extremely important, which is why our protocols and verification manuals are aligned with national and international standards and norms for the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence in coordination with the competent authorities.

The Mission firmly believes that women are a fundamental pillar for the resolution of conflicts and a lasting peace. We maintain our commitment to implement resolution 1325, working in conjunction with the Government of Colombia, civil society, and the agencies of the United Nations System to ensure that women continue to play a leading role in the construction of peace in Colombia.

The Mission firmly believes that women are a fundamental pillar for the resolution of conflicts. We maintain our commitment to implement resolution 1325, working in conjunction with the Government of Colombia, civil society, and the agencies of the United Nations System to ensure that women continue to play a leading role in the construction of peace in Colombia.

*****