UN calls for increased women's role in peace process in Nepal

The United Nations (UN) has called the Nepali government, the political parties and the guerrillas to promote women's role in the ongoing peace process.

"Clearly the active participation of women was crucial to the success of the recent people's movement. For the peace process to also succeed, women's participation is absolutely necessary," a statement issued by the UN on Monday quoted Junko Sazaki, the UN acting resident co-ordinator, as saying.

The UN also welcomed the House of Representatives' declaration made last month, which calls for 33 percent of civil service jobs for women and gives citizenship to children born to Nepali mothers.

"Including women in the peace process is not negotiable. It is their right," Sazaki said, adding, "This means their inclusion in the high-level peace talks, constitutional drafting committee and all other related committees, as well as in the government, the parliament and the peace secretariat must be guaranteed."

Sazaki made the remarks while meeting with members of Women in Alliance, a group representing major political parties and civil society organizations, who requested the UN's support in ensuring that Nepali women are actively engaged in the ongoing peace process on Friday, the statement said.

Source: Xinhua