Tensions ran high between India and Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on women, peace and the global security agenda. India responded strongly to Pakistan’s outgoing UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi commenting on the situation in Kashmir, the revocation of Article 370 and women’s rights in the Valley during the debate.
Without explicitly naming Pakistan, First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Paulomi Tripathi said the country represents a system that has been exporting terrorism and “regressive” extremist ideologies and “stifling” women’s voices for narrow political gains.
In her statement at the debate, Tripathi said, “It is time to walk the talk on women, peace and security agenda.”
She added that regional initiatives ensured that women are at the forefront of building peaceful societies, spotlighting the valiant leadership of Afghan women in bringing peace to their communities.
“Violence against women and girls by terrorists remains rampant and the subjugation of women in public and private spheres continues. There must be more effective integration of women, peace and security considerations into sanctions regimes — including by listing terrorist entities involved in violence against women in armed conflicts,” Tripathi stated.
While highlighting the positive impacts of greater participation of women in UN peacekeeping initiatives she warned against giving mixed units preference — by diluting policy frameworks — in order to accommodate those who cannot fulfil the commitment of providing all‑women units.