NAP Update: Are Member States Prepared for the UNSCR1325 Anniversary?
By Anwar Mhajne
(Visual: WILPF)
As Member States prepare for the 72nd General Assembly General Debate in September and the 17th Anniversary of UNSCR 1325 in October, they should plan to share information on how they are scaling up action on the implementation of UNSCR 1325 National Action Plans (NAPS).
As of August 2017, 67 countries have launched their NAPs, and several Members States are in the process of reviewing and updating their NAPs (i.e.: Canada and Macedonia). Of the NAPs adopted to date, 12 NAPs have sustained and allocated budget. In the majority of cases, the NAPs however only mention specific departments in charge of the implementation. Only 17 NAPs recognise the need to strengthen disarmamentand women’s involvement in these efforts. Sadly, many NAPs demonstrate the intention of the governments to position women as key participants in the country’s defense sector.
While developing statements to the UN General Assembly and Security Council in the upcoming months, Member States should consider highlighting the structural barriers to the UNSCR1325 implementation, including by addressing updates on 2015 WPS Commitments, on UNSCR 1325 NAP financingand on how national action on 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring policy coherence with WPS commitments and goals gender equality (SDG 5) and peace (SDG 16).
Find the most recent list of UNSCR1325 National and Regional Action Plans here>>>