WUNRN
03/26/2010
Michaela
P. del Callar
In compliance with two United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, the Philippines has finally adopted a national action plan (NAP) for the protection of women during armed conflict.
With this, the Philippines has become the first Asian country to come up with an action plan as required by the UNSC Resolutions 1325 and 1820 for UN member countries to implement measures to strengthen and protect the rights of women and ensure peace and security.
In line with this, President Arroyo has signed Executive Order 865 creating a National Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security to implement the UN resolutions and provide funds for it amounting to P5 million. Additional funding will come from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Annabelle Abaya, who led the formal launching ceremony in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women and Sulong CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law) at the ESI Building of Miriam College in Quezon City yesterday, lauded this development.
She said a national action plan is important in guaranteeing and safeguarding the rights of Filipino women, especially in times of armed conflict. She cited the crucial role of women in helping put an end to armed conflict because women, she said, “are basically compassionate, kind and understanding.”
Abaya said she will propose the establishment of an advisory group composed of civil society organizations that will help monitor and evaluate reports of the action plan.
The action plan is expected to ensure the protection and prevention of violations of women’s human rights in armed conflict and post-conflict situations.
It also seeks to empower women and ensure their active and ensure their active and meaningful participation in areas of peace building, peacekeeping, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction.
The plan also intends to promote and mainstream gender perspective in all aspects of conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and peace building, and institutionalize a monitoring and reporting system for the successful implementation of the NAP and achievement of its goals.
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