Create Conducive Environment For Women In Conflict Areas - M'sia's Envoy

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has emphasised on the need for the United Nations (UN) to create a conducive environment for the long-term protection of women and girls in armed-conflict and post-conflict areas. Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Hussein Haniff said in many violent crises worldwide, non-combatant women, girls and children comprised the vast majority that was in desperate need of protection and humanitarian assistance. "We are deeply disturbed by the increasing trend of deliberate targeting of women and girls by belligerents in violent conflicts," he said at the Security Council open debate on Protection of Civilians: Protection Challenges and Needs Faced by Women and Girls in Armed Conflict and Post-Conflict Setting, in New York on Friday. The text of his speech was made available to Bernama here Saturday. Hussein said Malaysia held the view that much could be done to protect women and girls in such situations, including blue helmets mandated to protect women and girls must be held to the highest standard. As such, he called for the strict implementation of the zero tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel. He said, in a post-conflict peacebuilding context, the establishment of a secure environment that would allow for development and growth and for the building of domestic institutions and capacities must be prioritised. "Properly implemented, such initiatives will positively contribute in preventing relapse into conflict," he noted. Hussein pointed out that active participation of women and girls must be encouraged to ensure they could contribute towards ensuring that adequate strategies were developed in the post-conflict setting. "For example, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programmes must be able to address the needs of former women and girl-combatants who often face stigmatisation for their non-traditional involvement in conflict. "Given that women are often thrust into positions of responsibility in times of conflict and in the post-conflict scenario, Malaysia believes that women and girls must be given the tools and opportunity to rebuild their lives through education and economic opportunities," he said. In a related note, Hussein said ensuring accountability and justice for serious violations committed was also a crucial means of guaranteeing long-term protection for women and girls. "We view that tackling impunity through strengthened justice mechanisms should be made a priority," he added. -- BERNAMA