Editorial
Maria Butler, Director PeaceWomen Project 
June 13, 2012 - This
edition of PeaceWomen ENews focuses on the deteriorating situation in Syria. At this time of brutal violence and gross violations,
we wanted to focus on the women, peace and security aspects of the crisis. News
with gender perspectives remains very limited but we have included below some
news sources and articles on the situation.
In a recent statement, WILPF
reiterated our call for an arms embargo on Syria and demanded that all Member States, including Russia, cease any and all military sales and assistance. The
situation is fuelled by the arms trade, both legal and illegal, which has lead
to the region being awash with weapons. As we prepare for upcoming negotiations
on the Arms Trade
Treaty, the situation in Syria must remain front and centre to remind us the ATT is
about life and death. The Arms Trade Treaty has the potential to prevent arms
transfers in situations bearing violations of international humanitarian law
(IHL) and/or human rights standards, incidents of gender-based violence, or
threats to sustainable development. We must support a strong ATT (see more on ATT
here).
WILPF also continues to reiterate the importance of women’s participation.
Women’s voices will be crucial in any attempt to find a political, peaceful and
sustainable solution to what is rapidly becoming a civil war. The importance of
meaningful participation in the region will be discussed further at WILPF
International’s upcoming conference
on the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region in Geneva on June 20-22. Women from eight countries in the MENA
region—Iraq, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen and Morocco—will participate in this meeting which follows national
consultation in each of their countries. Discussions will focus on supporting
efforts to reinforce peace and security in the region. (see more on WILPF MENA work here).
As World Refugee Day
approaches on June 20, we send our solidarity to all those displaced around the
world, including the thousands of civilians who are fleeing the shocking
violence in Syria.
This edition includes an
article with a summary of efforts by the UN and the
international community, highlighting the need for Russia and China to stop obstructing international action and some of the
new advocacy calls.
Please share any
information, resources, or news on Syria with us at info@peacewomen.org.
Click here for WILPF MENA>>
Click here
for WILPF ATT>>
