Monitoring the United Nations: Year in Review
By Farida Ismail
Panelists and event organisers at the WILPF-supported event hosted by the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations (Photo: Sarah Tunnell/WILPF/PeaceWomen)
In 2016 the work of the United Nations (UN) has been focused on the needs of the marginalised communities, including indigenous populations and refugees, as well as on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of our work to strengthen conflict prevention efforts through disarmament and investing in gender equality, WILPF/PeaceWomen has monitored and analysed the political discussions around the major forums organised by the United Nations.
In July, WILPF/PeaceWomen has attended the very first session of the High Level Political Forum (HLPF), the annual accountability mechanism for the SSDGs, and monitored the Forum for gender and conflict issues, focusing specifically on SDG 5 (empowering women and girls) and SDG 16 (stable and peaceful societies). We also leveraged this space to build momentum on strengthening accountability and financing of gender equality and peace through a two-day workshop and follow-up side side event on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Financing.
During the 2016 High-Level Summit for Refugees and Migrants, Member States adopted the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants acknowledging a shared responsibility to address the needs of refugees and migrants in a humane and people-centred manner. Later this month, the 71st Annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)General Debate took place. WILPF/PeaceWomen's analysis of the statements at the general debate reveals that there is much more work to be done to build adequate political will and commitment to gender equality and holistic understanding and implementation of the WPS Agenda.
We hope to see an increased effort by the new UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in his coming years to advance the WPS Agenda!
Find the Analysis of the 60th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women here.
Find the Analysis of the High-Level Thematic Debate on Human Rights here.
Find the Analysis of the High-Level Thematic Debate on Peace and Security here.
Find the Report on the High-Level Political Forum (HPF) here.
Find the Analysis of the High-Level Summit on Refugees and Migrants here.
FInd the Gender Index of Statements made at UNGA71 here.