Justice, equality and human rights are foundation of lasting peace: Irene Khan

Justice, equality, human rights and the meaningful participation of all sections of society are essential to building a lasting culture of peace, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Irene Zubaida Khan has said.

She also called for stronger international efforts to increase women’s leadership and participation in peacebuilding processes.

Irene Khan made the remarks while speaking at the High-Level Forum on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday (September 2).

She outlined three key priorities for strengthening women’s role in peacebuilding.

First, women must be ensured full, equal and meaningful participation throughout peace processes, from negotiations to implementation. Second, greater investment is needed in developing the leadership of adolescent girls and young women, particularly by expanding their access to digital technology and digital skills.

Third, she called for increased long-term and needs-based support for women-led organisations working in conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, community empowerment, social cohesion and peacebuilding.

Despite international commitments under the Women, Peace and Security agenda, women remain underrepresented in peace processes, Khan said. She noted that women are also often excluded from decisions that directly affect their lives and futures.

Khan reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in building a culture of peace and highlighted the contributions of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping operations.

She also praised the role of women leaders in protecting human rights and advancing sustainable development, from grassroots communities to civil society.