Minister of State Ciarán Cannon, TD., Lunch discussion: Gender and Development
Speech
26 November 2018• I would like to congratulate Nadia Murad and Dr Denis Mukwege on receiving the Nobel Peace prize for their remarkable efforts in the fight against sexual violence as a weapon of war.
• Ireland recognises the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly in conflict situations. We remain committed to continuing support for accountability initiatives to end impunity for Sexual and Gender Based Violence, including through our engagement with Justice Rapid Response, UN Women and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Sexual Violence in Conflict.
• I also welcome the opportunities offered by strengthened EU coordination, to more effectively meet our commitments to prevent and combat all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
• Our new Policy on International Development, due to be published in the coming period, will see Gender Equality front and centre of our efforts to bring about a more equal, peaceful, and sustainable world.
• Reducing humanitarian need will also be a pivotal plank of our new Policy on International Development. We will increase our efforts in areas of conflict prevention, peace building and protection. We recognise the crucial role of grassroots women’s organisations in such processes.
• Ireland is embarking on the development of its third National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security. Through this process Ireland will reaffirm its commitment to preventing and combatting Sexual and Gender Based Violence in conflict and post conflict contexts.