Women representation vital to agreement, says peacekeeping chief

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The basic involvement of women is vital to ensure that South Sudan political leaders fulfill their responsibilities, UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations told the Security Council.
 
Jean-Pierre Lacroix said it is crucial that women be represented in ceasefire and transitional mechanisms.
 
He told the UN Security Council on Saturday that there are still deep challenges and skepticism over whether South Sudanese party leaders will follow their commitments.
 
Lacroix called on the Council and the regional partners to ensure accountability to agreement violators.
 
Permanent adherence to the ceasefire and creation of structures that meet the 35 percent women’s representation in the pre-transitional institutions is critical, he stressed.
 
The Executive Director of UN Women said the signing of the Revitalized Agreement with 35 percent for women in the transitional government structures raised hope.
 
She urged Council members, IGAD colleagues and the African Union to hold the parties to account.