Inclusion is fundamental to rebuild societies in the wake of war and achieve durable peace, UN Secretary-General told world leaders, ambassadors and prominent global citizens meeting in the Security Council on Tuesday.
The UN chief addressed an open debate on diversity, statebuilding and the search for peace, organized by Kenya, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month.
“For countries emerging from the horrors of conflict and looking to a better future – indeed for all countries – diversity must not be seen as a threat. It is a source of strength,” the Secretary-General said.
Inclusion and participation
Stressing that” peace is not found in a piece of paper”, but in people, the UN chief spoke of how inequalities and weak governance can create the space for intolerance and extremism to grow, which can spark violent conflict. Inclusion has the opposite effect.
By opening the door to inclusion and participation, “we take a giant step forward in conflict-prevention and peacebuilding,” he said.
“As countries look to build sustainable peace, they need to include and involve all segments of the population in the process of rebuilding communities and sustaining peace,” he added.
The meeting, chaired by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, was held because most situations on the Security Council‘s agenda arise from internal conflicts in which identity issues-whether ethnic, racial, religious or socioeconomic–play a part.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, as well as the first woman Deputy Speaker of Afghanistan’s Parliament, Fawzia Koofi, were among those briefing.
Promote human rights
The Secretary-General emphasized three areas for action, beginning with ensuring national institutions and laws work for all people, through protecting and promoting human rights.
“It means implementing policies and laws that protect vulnerable groups – including laws against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity,” he said.
Move people forward
Countries emerging from instability cannot afford to ignore the views of entire segments of their populations, which could fuel future resentments, the UN chief warned. Instead, they should explore ways to give greater voice to subnational regions.
“Governments must find ways to move people forward together, as one, through constant dialogue – recognizing and respecting differences – even if this means devolving some areas of authority,” said Mr. Guterres, speaking in French.
UN operations on the ground, he said, work to keep dialogue open and flowing between state institutions and local populations “so that everyone can have a hand in shaping their country’s future.”
Women and youth essential
For his third point, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of including women and young people because “building and sustaining peace requires their voices and actions.”
This is something which UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions strongly emphasize, he said.
For example, the UN mission in Somalia, UNSOM, has trained budding politicians from different political parties in the country. It also supported the authorities and women leaders in implementing a 30 per cent gender quota in national elections.
“As a global community, we must continue encouraging and supporting the full and active participation of women and young people in this journey,” the Secretary-General said.