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07.08.2025  Statement by Denmark at UNSC BRIEFING ON UNOWAS

Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 07.08.2025

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Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me begin by thanking Special Representative Simão and UN Women Executive Director Bahous for their briefings and recommendations. Let me also express my deep appreciation for the perspectives shared by Executive Director, Addae-Mensah of WANEP.

 

I also want to express Denmark’s profound condolences to the people and government of Ghana after yesterday’s tragic helicopter crash.

Mr. President,

The security situation across the Sahel region is on a devastating trajectory – growing in both intensity and in geographical scope, threatening peace and security in coastal West Africa and beyond. As we have heard from our briefers today, women and girls are particularly affected by this developing security crisis.

 

Mr. President, allow me to make four points.

First, Denmark strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism.

Counter-terrorism is a shared cause. To work as intended, it must always be conducted fully in line with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

 

We are deeply concerned by reports of ethnically motivated targeting of civilians, abductions and forced disappearances in relation to counter terrorism operations.

 

We call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to hold accountable those who commit violations and abuses.

 

Second, Denmark welcomes efforts to strengthen regional security cooperation with a unified purpose and aligned strategy.

 

Regional and subregional organisations – not least ECOWAS - have a critical convening role to play as we believe solutions must be grounded in African leadership, and supported through genuine partnerships with the wider international community.

 

We commend the decision by the AU Peace and Security Council and ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council to enhance Counter-Terrorism cooperation by establishing a Joint Threat Fusion and Analysis Cell.

 

Similarly, Denmark commends the important work done by the Multi-National Joint Task Force, and welcomes the operationalization of the African Union and ECOWAS Standby Forces.

 

We encourage the AU and ECOWAS to further supplement the hard security instruments of the African Peace and Security Architecture with existing mediation and peacebuilding instruments, including women-led initiatives.

 

We also recognize the value of the Peacebuilding Commission’s engagement on the region.

 

Third,

The region’s many challenges all share a common thread:

their disproportionate impact on women and girls – and the critical role that women and girls should have in addressing them.

 

We are deeply concerned by the horrific human rights situation of women and girls across the region.

 

In the Central Sahel, women and girls are not only caught in the cross-fire. They are actively targeted and commodified:

 

Abductions; sexual slavery; forced marriage; rape.

 

This must stop.

And women must urgently receive access to justice, protection mechanisms, life-saving services, healthcare and psychosocial support.

 

However, enhancing protection is not enough.

Women’s participation must be strengthened across the board.

We urge women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation across electoral processes, peace processes - and in every single aspect of life.

 

My fourth point, Mr. President –

The humanitarian situation in the Sahel region is dire and fast deteriorating, as we have heard from our briefers this morning.

 

Vulnerabilities are compounded by a severe lack of access to basic services, schooling and healthcare. And serious funding shortfall compels humanitarian actors to prioritize between urgent needs and long-term resilience-building efforts.

 

Aid must reach those in need without interference. Restrictions on humanitarian actors is unacceptable and it exacerbates the already serious humanitarian situation. We call on all parties across the region to urgently ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.


Mr. President – to conclude,
Denmark’s long-standing partnership with the region has included support to peacekeeping, maritime security, prevention of violent extremism and peacebuilding.

We are unwavering in our continued commitment to inclusive political solutions, strengthened regional security cooperation, and support for local peacebuilders. 

As co-penholder for UNOWAS, in partnership with Sierra Leone, Denmark will seek to maintain the Council’s attention on the region. We will support the SRSG in carrying out his important mandate.

We look forward to our continued collaboration with Council members, regional stakeholders, and UN colleagues to this end.

I thank you. 

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