Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, em nome da Comissão de Consolidação da Paz, em debate aberto do Conselho de Segurança sobre a "Promoção da Prevenção de Conflitos" - 13 de março de 2024 (texto em inglês)

Publicado em 29/05/2024 16h16 Atualizado em 09/10/2024 17h33

The Peacebuilding Commission remarks to the Security Council
Security Council Open Debate on “Promoting Conflict Prevention – Empowering all actors, including women and youth”
March 13th, 2024

Mister President, distinguished members of the Council, on behalf of the Peacebuilding Commission, I thank you for inviting me to brief the Security Council.

1. The Commission commends Japan for organizing this open debate. Conflict prevention is a part of the comprehensive approach to sustaining peace that invites close cooperation between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council. We should never lose sight of the fact that prevention is part of the efforts to maintain international peace and security, and to pursue our common goal of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war, as expressed by the preamble of the United Nations Charter.

2. As our shared reflection on the importance of prevention has evolved, we came to recognize the centrality of a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace. The twin resolutions of the Security Council (S/RES/2282) and the General Assembly (A/RES/70/262), of the year 2016, and also resolutions S/RES/2558 and A/RES/75/201, of 2020, are a documental proof of this understanding. Among several aspects along with prevention of conflict, they recognize the importance of addressing its root causes, promoting sustained and sustainable economic growth, poverty eradication and building accountable institutions, all of that based on national ownership and the strictly voluntary adherence by states that seek the Commission’s support. The PBC and the Security Council are essential parts in supporting Member States in their paths towards implementing this vision.

3. The Commission recognizes that conflict prevention, as part of sustaining peace, requires a cross-pillar approach, and reaffirms that development, peace and security, and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. As the Concept Note for this event rightly points out, resilience comes from the combination of stable and coherent social fabrics, supported by institutions that uphold human dignity. To achieve that goal, a nationally owned and inclusive approach is crucial. Effective prevention should be inclusive and take into consideration perspectives of all segments of the society, including of women and youth.

4. In this regard, the Commission reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, underscoring that their full, equal, and meaningful participation is widely recognized as an important factor for achieving sustainable peace and social stability. As recognized by Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and resolutions 70/262, from the General Assembly, and 2282 (2016), from the Security Council,
participation of women in political processes and decision-making, and their full involvement in prevention strategies should be increased. National prevention strategies, to be effective, should seek to incorporate the understanding that women participation can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.

5. The Commission has also recognized the role youth should play in successful prevention strategies. Conflict and social instability have a considerable impact on the opportunities young people will have in their lives, both in economic and political terms. Furthermore, the lack of opportunities and proper social protection to young people make these individuals more vulnerable and exposed to violence. Therefore, their social and economic protection, coupled with their inclusion in peacebuilding processes are necessary steps to ensure that any strategy take into account their needs and ensure that their short and long-term interests are represented. The PBC has consistently valued this inclusive approach and recognizes that the adoption of resolution 2250 (2015) by the Security Council has encouraged this body to incorporate this relevant angle in its considerations.

6. As an inherently political process aimed at preventing the outbreak, escalation, recurrence, or continuation of conflict, peacebuilding encompasses a wide range of political, development, and human rights programmes and mechanisms and must be inclusive. In this sense, the Commission, in its advisory role, stresses the importance of bringing this comprehensive approach to the Security Council. We recall that more than to keep its focus in managing conflicts, this body has also responsibility to prevent them and strive for promoting building and sustaining peace. The PBC is committed to generate and bring to attention good practices and success stories in conflict prevention as a means to show that good political will coupled with generous support and guidance by the international community can work.

7. As we prepare for the Summit of the Future, in September, and to the Peacebuilding Architecture Review, in 2025, the Commission hopes that the role of the Security Council on prevention is strengthened. The Peacebuilding Commission is ready to continue to provide to Member States the political space to discuss their prevention strategies and to work as a bridge for the Security Council in its considerations on countries that are undergoing conflict or transitioning from conflict.

Thank you.