The role and contribution of women in peacekeeping missions - Without women, there is no execution of peacekeeping missions

As part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the participation of BiH police officers in UN peacekeeping missions, as well as the 20th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) - Women, Peace and Security, BiH Minister of Security Fahrudin Radončić congratulates and thanks to all those who contributed to Bosnia and Herzegovina being recognized in the region, Europe and the world for the significant results in the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution- 1325- Women, Peace and Security, including the contribution of policewomen to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

We remind you that UN Security Council Resolution 1325 Women, Peace and Security was adopted unanimously at the Security Council session on October 31, 2000. This is the first Security Council Resolution to address the negative impact of armed conflict on the female population. Also, the Resolution points for the first time to the insufficiently valued contribution of women in the prevention and resolution of armed conflicts, and in building and maintaining peace, as well as the need for greater participation of women in peace and security, especially in decision-making positions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina recognized the importance of the implementation of this Resolution, and as the first country in Southeast Europe, on October 27, 2010, adopted the first Action Plan for its implementation, for the period 2010-2013. The third Action Plan for the period 2018-2021 is currently being implemented, with the expert and coordination role and support of the BiH Agency for Gender Equality.

The Ministry of Security as well as the Ministries of Interior and Law Enforcement Agencies at the state, entity, cantonal levels, and the Brčko District Police are key bearers of the implementation of several objectives and numerous activities within the implementation of the Action Plan. One of the three strategic objectives of the Action Plan relates to the increased participation of women in the military, police and peacekeeping missions, especially in decision-making areas.

The Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina pays great attention and importance to the implementation of the set goals within the Action Plan and is strongly committed to the promotion and creation of preconditions for greater participation of women in peacekeeping missions. Therefore, a positive measure is applied in order to give preference to the underrepresented sex. In this way, the aim is to ensure both equal representation of women and men and the integration of the gender dimension into procedures and activities, which are an integral part of the process of sending police officers to United Nations peacekeeping operations.







In the past ten years, the percentage of women represented in peacekeeping missions has ranged from 20 to 30 percent, thanks to the implementation of positive measures that encourage the registration and participation of women in peacekeeping missions. Currently, there are a total of 26 police officers from BiH (20 - South Sudan, 6 - Cyprus) in the missions, of which 8 women or 30.76 percent.

Policewomen  perform a variety of tasks within missions, including management positions. The BiH Minister of Security appointed them commanders and deputy commanders of BiH contingents in various missions (East Timor, Haiti, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Congo, Cyprus).

We recall that our efforts to contribute to global peace and security and through the participation of women in different parts of the world whose security is threatened by various conflicts and crises have been recognized by the United Nations. The United Nations also awarded the Ministry of Security of BiH in 2012 for its overall contribution to the promotion of the concept of gender equality and the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 - Women, Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Minister Radončić uses the opportunity to once again remind and point out the important role of police agencies in the process of sending police officers to peacekeeping missions. Without the understanding and support of the management of police agencies in this process, BiH may lose the opportunity to participate, because the UN conditions the engagement of men, if there are at least 20 percent of women among the registered candidates. Therefore, Minister Radončić appeals, encourages and motivates not only women to apply for participation in peacekeeping missions, but also the leadership of police agencies to systematically, using affirmative / positive measures aimed at empowering the underrepresented sex, create conditions for even greater response and women and men for service in future peacekeeping missions.

Source: Press release of the Ministry of Security of BiH from 01/06/2020 http://www.msb.gov.ba/vijesti/saopstenja/default.aspx?id=19397&langTag=bs-BA