India slammed Pakistan for raising the Kashmir issue at a United Nations Security Council debate calling it a “mischievous provocation” based on their “tested tactic of spreading misinformation. ”
Exercising its right to reply during the UN Security Council Debate on Women building peace in a changing environment, India called out Islamabad over the “deplorable” condition of women from minority communities in Pakistan.
Addressing the UN Security Council debate, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Parvathaneni Harish, said, “It is despicable, yet entirely predictable, that one delegation has chosen to indulge in mischievous provocation based on their pride and tested tactic of spreading misinformation and disinformation. It’s completely misplaced to indulge in such political propaganda at this important annual debate. We are well aware that the condition of women belonging to minority communities, notably Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians in that country remains deplorable,” he added.
His remarks came after Pakistan’s representative in his remarks during the UNSC debate made references to Jammu and Kashmir.
“According to data from the country’s Human Rights Commission, it is estimated that thousands of women from these small communities are subjected to abduction, conversion and forced marriage every year. Here . “
India thanked Switzerland for hosting an important dialogue on peace building in a volatile environment and appreciated the insightful presentations of the Deputy Secretary-General, Executive Director of UN Women and the community members.
Approaching its 25th anniversary, in Council Resolution 1325, India affirmed its continued commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. including politics, government, construction, law enforcement, security sector and economic development. It goes without saying that the economic and social well-being of the population in general and women in particular is an important part of lasting peace.
The Indian ambassador also recalled the deployment of India’s first female police force to Liberia in 2007. She said that the participation of women in our peacekeeping forces has increased and more than 100 Indian women peacekeepers are working around the world.
He also talked about the honors given to Indian women peacekeepers serving in different parts of the world.
Highlighting the participation of Indian women in peacekeeping forces, Harish said, “India has played a major role in implementing the WPS program. As the fifth largest troop contributor, India deployed the first ever all-female formed police unit to Liberia in 2007, setting a precedent in UN peacekeeping. Their work garnered tremendous appreciation within Liberia and in the UN. We have increased women’s participation in our peacekeeping contingents, with more than 100 Indian women peacekeepers currently serving worldwide, including three all-women female engagement teams. ”
“In 2023, Major Radhika Sen, who served in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was awarded the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She follows in the footsteps of her illustrious predecessor, Major Suman Gawani, who was recognized for her service with the UN mission in South Sudan, she was honoured by the UN in 2019,” Harish added.
He recalled that India passed the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, which he stressed has empowered women in the political decision-making process. Highlighting India’s efforts to increase women’s participation in decision-making, P. Harish said, “At home, India is working to increase participation role of women in decision making. In 2023, India passed a Women’s Reservation Bill, which reserved one-third of the seats in national and state legislatures for women, empowering them in political decision-making. . We have promoted women’s leadership in social activism and public relations, recognizing their role as agents of change and social cohesion. “
About the Self-Employed Women’s Association ( SEWA) in Gujarat, he said, “The model of SEWA It comes to the minds of Gujarat. It is the independent women’s movement in rural and urban India. It is also the largest trade union in the country. It has pioneered the empowerment of self-employed women, providing a voice to numerous women workers in the informal industry and promoting their leadership at all levels. ”
India’s Permanent Representative also called for making use of new technologies to increase the participation of women while guarding against online threats and disinformation.
“In a rapidly changing world, we must harness new technologies to enhance women’s participation while guarding against online threats and disinformation. We have leveraged digital technologies to minimize the gender divide, enhance financial inclusion and empower women, especially in rural India. We call upon the international community to develop robust mechanisms to address these emerging challenges,” he said.
Harish expressed India’s commitment to further increase women’s representation in peacekeeping contingents, sharing best practices and supporting capacity-building initiatives for women peacebuilders.
He emphasized India’s commitment to translate the WPS program from concept to practice and expressed its willingness to work with all stakeholders to build a peaceful, united and equality.
