On the occasion of International Women’s Day, this Friday, March 8, the belgian minister of foreign affairs Didier Reynders wants to emphasize his commitment and that of Foreign Affairs for the promotion and protection of women’s rights. Belgium continues to work on all forms of discrimination and violence against women, both in the context of the foreign policy of our country and in personnel policy within the department.

International action

The minister attended last week   the Council of Human Rights in Geneva: Belgium is an active member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, currently focused on the issue of violence against women. Belgium strongly condemns this violence in all its forms, and calls for zero tolerance towards it. Violence against women constitutes a violation of their fundamental human rights.

Every day, in areas of conflict, women are victims of sexual violence atrocious. Violence often taboo, hidden and unpunished. We must protect these women and include policies to prevent and resolve situations of (post-) conflict. Belgium faced this challenge by supporting advocates of women’s rights, as Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege to Panzi Hospital. In this regard, I am particularly concerned about the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where serious violations and multiform human rights, including sexual violence, persist.

Belgum supported Resolution 1325 of the Security Council and developed the first national action plan in 2009. A second national action plan “Women, Peace and Security” is in preparation. It focuses on the protection and participation of women in the reconstruction and peacebuilding.

Foreign Affairs

Taking into account the specificity of external careers, it is essential, says the minister, to promote a  better balance between men and women in the organization of Foreign Affairs. Personnel policy has been adapted to allow a better balance between  working life and family life. A working group is responsible for proposing additional measures, a specific audit is being finalized.