10 Years On: Conflict Prevention Mechanisms for UNSCR 1325

The NGO Working Group on Peace, co-chaired by Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and Femmes Africa Solidarité), and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy Security Policy, are organising an event to mark the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in Switzerland.

A public discussion “10 Years On: Conflict Prevention Mechanisms for UNSCR 1325” will take place on Thursday 2 September 2010, 10:00 to 13:00, at the GCSP (Kruzel Hall) WMO/OMM Building- 2nd Floor 1202 Geneva, Switzerland 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.

The discussion will examine the practical implementation of the affirmations on prevention inscribed in UN SCR 1325. In particular, the issue of small arms control is relevant to discussions around conflict prevention. Key issues to be discussed include:

Once conflict indicators signal alarm, what can be done to prevent the outbreak or escalation of violent conflict?
What prevention mechanisms exist at local, national, regional, and international levels to allow women to avert violent confrontation? How can they be used?
What barriers are obstructing local women's access to these mechanisms? How might these be removed?

The panel, chaired by WILPF Secretary General Madeleiene Rees, will address these questions from their distinct vantage points:

Ms Mary Robinson: Founder of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative; former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; former President of Ireland

Ms Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda: General Secretary, World YWCA

Ms Elisabeth Rehn Board of Directors, Trust Fund for Victims, International Criminal Court

Ms Igballe Rugova Executive Director, Kosovo Women's Network

This meeting will provide an opportunity to exchange innovative views on best policy and practices in conflict prevention, and outcome documents will provide a clear framework for action.

For more information, please contact: Ms Leila Chaker, Human Rights Associate, email: leila@wilpf.ch