Women must be involved in peace processes

The former Finnish Minister of Defense and former Minister of Equality Affairs, Ms Elisabeth Rehn participated in a panel discussion on Sexual violence in conflict held in Zagreb on 29 May. During the panel Rehn addressed the importance of involving women in the whole peace processes that takes place after violent conflicts. She expressed that with the United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 on women and peace and security, sexual violence as a war strategy has finally been put on a table but there is still long way to go in order to involve women in peace processes. "Without women representatives on both sides of the table, we cannot ask for results", stated Rehn.

"Photo: Embassy of Finland in Zagreb"
Rehn and Rajakangas
Ambassador Timo Rajakangas and Elisabeth Rehn in Zagreb

The panel discussion was part of the Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict conference organized by the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)).

Rehn was the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYROM and United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Special Representative of Secretary-General in Bosnia and Herzegovina.