Janneke van der Graaff-Kukler, Deputy Regional Director of UN-Women’s Regional Office in the Arab States on Thursday praised the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for adopting an action plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

The event was organized by the KRG’s High Council for Women and Development during the 25th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which underlines the important role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts and calls for their equal participation in all peace and security efforts.

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The resolution also calls for special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence during armed conflict. In 2020, the Iraqi federal government’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the High Council for Women and Development, in cooperation with the UN, adopted a plan to implement the resolution.

“I think the action plan in Kurdistan is a great example of progress and success,” Van Der Graaf said. “I also appreciate the KRG Minister of Interior for marking this important occasion, which reflects the progress made, as well as the participation of other cabinet ministers. This is very critical because implementation cuts across different ministries and reaches into communities – taking action together and standing united in support of this plan. I’m also very happy to see our colleagues here today.”

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“I would like to thank Dr. Khanzad [Ahmed, Secretary General of the High Council for Women and Development], for her strong collaboration, partnership, and for hosting this event. I also commend the High Council for their tireless efforts in promoting women’s participation,” she added.

“We are very proud that UN Women is a longstanding partner of the High Council,” she said. “Together, we stand committed to implementing the action plan … and to advance concrete actions that support women and girls.”

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During the event, Dr. Ahmed expressed her thanks to the crucial role of UN agencies and international partnership “in making this progress possible.

“Together, we highly appreciate the participation of women in decision-making, as well as the programs and safeguards that protect survivors of violence. These are comprehensive achievements, and we recognize that we cannot take any step forward without your support,” she said.

“Today, security and peace cannot be achieved without the participation of women and communities. I am confident that together we can build a Kurdistan based on equality, pride, and opportunities for all,” she concluded.

KRG Minister of Interior Reber Ahmed underlined that the vision of the KRG is to implement the UN resolution, which embodies peace and justice, establishing the pillars of equality and promoting the active participation of women. “Throughout the history of the Kurdistan liberation movement, women have played a significant role in safeguarding the security of Kurdistan and standing firm against any injustice or violation of their rights.

“This occasion is not merely a commemoration of an international resolution – it reaffirms our firm commitment to integrating women’s participation across all government departments. This vision is strongly supported by His Excellency Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who is fully committed to advancing women’s security, peace, and the implementation of the 2023–2025 action plan.”

“Women’s participation in achieving social and national peace – and building a peaceful Kurdistan – remains a top priority of our institutions. Kurdistan’s culture of ethnic and religious coexistence is a foundation for this vision,” he underlined.

Furthermore, he added that the number and position of women in Kurdistan’s legal and government institutions is on the rise.

The KRG also has created a committee to ensure a safe environment for female candidates who participate in the Iraqi elections that will be held on November 11.

“We also emphasize the important role of Kurdish women in promoting an atmosphere of peace,” he concluded.