CHINA SAYS WOMEN NEED PEACEFUL AND STABLE WORLD

BEIJING, OCTOBER 28 /SRNA/ - China's Permanent Representative to the UN Fu Cong told an open debate of the UN Security Council that a peaceful and stable environment must be created for women, as the international situation grows increasingly complex.

Fu said women continue to face violence, discrimination, poverty and other challenges.

A report by the UN Secretary-General stated that last year more than 700 million women and girls lived in conflict-affected areas.

In the Middle East, Haiti and parts of Africa, many women and girls have become innocent victims of armed conflict, gang violence and terrorist attacks, China Media Group reported.

Fu stressed that the international community should effectively implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and, through joint efforts, help protect women's rights and advance global action in this field.

He said development is the key foundation for solving all problems, and that the right to development is a fundamental human right.

"All countries should allocate more resources to support women's equal participation in economic and social life, and implement national strategies and plans to protect women's rights," Fu stressed.

He added that the international community should help conflict-affected areas speed up reconstruction and give women equal access to education, healthcare and employment, in order to strengthen their capacity for self-reliant development.

Fu said China has consistently and actively contributed to global efforts to advance women's rights.

"China is ready to work with all parties, through concrete action, to open a new chapter in implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda," the Chinese Ambassador to the UN concluded.