FORMER NORTHERN Ireland police ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has been appointed Ireland’s Special Envoy on Women and Peace-Making.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin made the announcement yesterday to mark International Women’s Day which falls tomorrow. The appointment is part of Ireland’s action plan on the implementation of United Nations Resolution 1325.
The resolution, agreed in 2000, requires parties in a conflict to respect women’s rights and to support their participation in peace negotiations and in post-conflict reconstruction.
Part of the process in Ireland includes a cross-learning project drawing on the experiences of women in Northern Ireland, Timor-Leste and Liberia.
Ms O’Loan had been Ireland’s special envoy to Timor-Leste.
Speaking last night, Ms O’Loan said the Government had given her a wonderful opportunity. “I will be giving a voice to women in conflict and post-conflict societies and advising the Irish Government on aid action.”
Ms O’Loan, who is to take up her post immediately, said she had met women who had been through conflict and was inspired by them.
Her work focusing on aid and conflict resolution would be very challenging, but it would be worthwhile, she said.
“I hope I will have something positive to contribute,” she added.
Mr Martin said Ms O’Loan was a widely admired and respected figure who had made a significant contribution to the implementation of the Northern peace process.
“The appointment of Nuala builds on the contribution that she has made to our conflict resolution initiative in Timor-Leste,” he said.
He said with her experience of Timor-Leste and her knowledge of the Northern peace process, Ms O’Loan was a natural choice for the new role.
“Her example as a woman in a strong leadership position has particular resonance,” the Minister said.
“As societies move from conflict towards sustainable peace, Nuala can be a source of inspiration to women striving to have their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives on a daily basis,” he added.
Mr Martin said her appointment reflected Ireland’s commitment to United Nations Resolution 1325 as a tool in building sustainable peace which recognises the important role that women have to play.
