Chinese envoy calls for protection of women in conflicts

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UNITED NATIONS -- A Chinese envoy to the UN on Tuesday urged the international community to work together to protect women in conflict areas and enhance their participation in peace process and in efforts against terrorism.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the United Nation, told the UN Security Council that as the international situation is becoming increasingly complex and challenged, those women displaced by war and conflicts have to face all kinds of violence and violations, sometimes without any assistance.

"The international community needs to closely coordinate and work together to strengthen the comprehensive protection of women in conflicts," Liu said.

The envoy stressed that the issue needs to be addressed from " both its symptoms and root causes," calling on the international community to take effective measures to provide comprehensive security guarantee and humanitarian relief to women in conflicts.

"At the same time, the international community should also vigorously enhance political process, promote national reconciliation and settle differences through dialogue and consultation," Liu added.

He also called for women's full right to participation and decision-making to be guaranteed in all stages of peace process.

"The countries concerned bear the primary responsibility for the protection of women in conflicts. The international community should fully respect the leading role by the countries concerned and provide constructive support," he noted, urging the international community to increase its development assistance and technical support to developing countries.

As terrorism and extremism become rampant in some countries and regions, causing enormous harms to civilians and women in particular, the Chinese envoy asked the international community to take measures to protect women from the scourge and ensure women's full participation in international efforts against terrorism.