Danish statement at the meeting on Mozambique’s Experience in Peacebuilding (PBC)

Check Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for convening this meeting. I would like to thank the briefers for their statements and the Government of Mozambique for requesting this meeting to share promising practices and lessons learned. It is important to both learn about the results and wins and the challenges and struggles that are part of the implementation of a peace process.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the efforts by Mozambique on following up on the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation and with the challenging process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR). 

I will highlight two issues relating to women's participation and DDR processes.

Firstly, women play a critical role in peacemaking and peacebuilding. This is often acknowledged, but rarely implemented successfully. Mozambique has shown determination to discuss the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes – both here, as well as in the Security Council with your presidency of the Council this month. Barriers remain for the participation of women in all parts of peace negotiations and peacebuilding, and these barriers must be addressed.  

Secondly, processes of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration are key to securing sustainable peace. What often fails to appear in war statistics is when guns are not used to kill, but to exert power and threaten individuals with sexual and gender-based violence. This is one reason why DDR processes must always be gender-responsive. And we need to do more to ensure that women are involved in shaping the political direction of DDR processes. I would like to ask: what are the main lessons learned from Mozambique in regard to tackling sexual and gender-based violence and promoting women’s participation that are relevant for others embarking on a DDR process?

I look forward to continuing the discussion and learning more about Mozambique’s work to advance sustainable development and peace across the country.

I thank you.