09Jan2017

Sweden to focus on women and peace during UN Security Council presidency

Sweden will hold the United Nations Security Council presidency during January 2017. In her op-ed, the Swedish minister of foreign affairs, Margot Wallström highlighted three areas that will be particularly addressed - conflict prevention, inclusion of women in peace processes, and creating a "constructive new relationship" between new UN Secretary General (António Guterres) and the Security Council. By doing so, Sweden continues with its years-long foreign policy which is rooted in a solid foundation of international law, human rights, gender equality and a humanitarian approach.

By selecting these priorities, Sweden intends to improve the Security Council’s working methods and contribute to a "council that is more determined, transparent and legitimate”, as well as limit veto use, in particular when it comes to "situations of mass atrocities like in Syria", Wallström noted. Mali, Syria, Somalia, the DRC, Cyprus, Colombia and the peace process in the Middle East will be discussed during the Swedish presidency.

The Security Council, together with the General Assembly, represents the most important UN's body. It has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month. It consists of five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the USA) and non-permanent members. Ten non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two years term. The African Group is represented by three members; the Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, and Western Europe and Others groups by two apiece; and the Eastern Europe by one. Traditionally, one of the seats assigned to either the Asia-Pacific Group or the African Group is filled by a nation from the Arab countries. Sweden was elected in June as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

The source of the news is thelocal.se and it is a part of the CENTRE's weekly.