WUNRN
STUDY FOR THE SLOVENIAN EU
PRESIDENCY
Enhancing the EU Response to Women
& Armed Conflict
With Particular Reference to
______________________________________________________________________
Women's
multiple and diverse roles in conflict are hidden, poorly understood and, at
times, consciously or unconsciously dismissed. Women are usually perceived as
victims and analysis tends to examine exclusively this idea.
This study concentrates on women as both being affected by and affecting armed
conflict. It focuses on women, rather than gender, and armed conflict but does
recognise the importance of gender analysis as a tool to promote a better
response to women and armed conflict (WAC).
Specifically the report looks into the EU's response to WAC, and in particular
development cooperation. It identifies and discusses international approaches
and legal obligations to WAC, provides an overview and assessment of the EU
response and concludes with findings and recommendations. Examples or cases
from Sierra Leone, Uganda,
the DRC, Kosovo and Burundi
are included as well as thematic cases on sexual and gender based violence,
local advocates for accountability on WAC, national action plans associated
with WAC and regional approaches to WAC.
Recommendations advocated in the report include:
- Improve
understanding on WAC issues: The EU should develop a comprehensive
approach to WAC-related issues that is on a scale commensurate with their
full breadth and depth. Particular attention should be paid to aspects
where a lack of understanding and commitment is seriously undermining the
EU's responses. This includes women as actors in conflict situations
- Sectoral
areas of development should genuinely integrate WAC: Sectoral areassuch as
health, education, civil society, justice and governance must include a
clearly articulated WAC dimension with the express aim of achieving gender
equality, women's empowerment and the added dimension of prevention and
protection
- The
European Commission should develop a strategy and Action Plan for
responding to women and armed conflict informed by UNSCR 1325: A specific
strategy linked to a clear plan that identifies resources and expertise
for WAC is required to ensure that the European Commission consolidates
and complies with existing commitments
- EU
members-states should develop Action Plans for UNSCR 1325 with specific
strategies and plans to guide their responses to women and armed conflict:
Action plans should include both mainstreaming efforts within wider
processes and specific programming initiatives to support women
- Prioritise
WAC within EU development, defence and diplomatic action: The EU should
prioritise WAC within wider EU development and diplomatic action by
developing a plan (as part of a 1325 NAP) to engage the political level
and senior level officials.
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