OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON GENDER

UNCLAS STATE 102286 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OSCE KWMN SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON GENDER ACTION PLAN ¶1. Post is authorized to present the following statement at the September 25 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. Begin text: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The United States welcomes the Secretary General,s efforts to include gender issues in OSCE programs, policies, and activities, and commends efforts to improve women,s rights in OSCE participating States. We note that increasing numbers of OSCE staff have received training on gender issues, and welcome the small but steady increase in the proportion of women in management positions and OSCE field operations. We are pleased that activities designed to increase the participation of women in political and public life in OSCE participating States appear to be in place. We continue to commend efforts to promote non-discriminatory legal and policy frameworks and greater economic opportunities for women throughout the OSCE region. The United States recognizes progress, Mr. Chairman, but believes, along with others, that more can be done. We urge the Secretary General to extend OSCE training programs, within existing resources, and boost the recruitment and hiring of qualified female applicants. We also expect the Chairman-in-Office and participating States to strengthen and expand efforts to promote equality between women and men. We must do more to prevent violence and discrimination against women and make the fulfillment of our OSCE commitments on gender a priority. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. End text. RICE