Burundi marks global open day

28 Sep 2012

Burundi marks global open day

27 September 2012 – What can be done by the United Nations to help improve parity in Burundi? How can the UN support peace mechanisms and security at local level? These are some questions asked by Burundian women to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of BNUB, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga at the occasion of the Global open day.

Women representatives from Burundi 17 regions gathered in Bubanza (north-west) in a ceremony chaired by the Senate's president, Gabriel Ntisezerana, and the minister of Solidatiry, Human Rights and Gender, Clotilde Niragira. The questions focused participation, prevention, protection and economic recovery.

"I've taken note of your concerns and ensure you that the UN will ensure that our assistance will meet your needs", SRSG Ananga-Onyanga said answering to the questions. In a previous statement, he reminded the UN support aimed at enhancing women's participation, particularly with respect to Arusha peace agreements. He also highlighted the progress made by Burundi towards parity and women's representation, particularly the adoption of the 1325 Resolution Action Plan.

During the meeting in Bubanza, Burundian's minister of Solidarity announced the launch of a Women Forum composed of women from various sectors to enable dialogue between women and with national institutions.

During the global open day, Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and senior UN representation at the country level meet women's peacebuilding organizations and women community leaders from all sectors to enable direct dialogue. The purpose is to seek women's views on means of improving implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325. These open and inclusive forums for women peacebuilders and activists also provided the opportunity to deepen local ownership of the resolution.