News

On June 1, Lithuania became member of the Group of Friends of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women and peace and security. Participation in this group shows that the country fulfils its respective commitments thus contributing to the general UN women, peace and security agenda, and to the development of space of democracy, security and stability, particularly in post-conflict zones and regions.

The implementation of this resolution is important to Lithuania, first of all, because of the goal of greater representation of women in decision-making processes with regard to conflicts at all levels and aiming to ensure a more active participation of women in international peacekeeping missions.

The implementation of the resolution is also an international commitment of Lithuania, as a forthcoming Presidency of the EU Council and a candidate for a non-permanent UNSC seat.

The UNSC unanimously adopted Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security on October 31, 2000. At that time, women’s role and experience in prevention and resolution of armed conflicts was assessed for the first time in the UN history. The resolution calls on member states to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions.

In December 2011, Lithuania approved its national Action Plan for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. It is expected to help raise public awareness on gender equality, encourage training of experts who are participating in international operations and missions, expand cooperation between institutions and non-governmental organizations, provide Lithuania with its own gender experts, and promote greater participation of women in decision-making processes at all levels.