October: Anniversary Recap and Follow-Up

Friday, November 17, 2006

Issue:

1. EDITORIAL
The PeaceWomen Team

The preceding month has seen a host of activities to mark the sixth anniversary of Resolution 1325 (see Item 3). As we have noted on numerous occasions, while focused attention on the resolution and its implementation is welcome, we look forward to this being something which extends through the entire year. The 2006 Open Debate on women, peace and security, held on 26 October under the Presidency of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN (entitled Women's roles in the consolidation of peace) offered a space to reflect on this. As Spain noted, “the importance of the resolution must transcend the necessary and thought provoking celebration of the anniversary.” As we take stock of the status of implementation, despite the achievements to date, we are in agreement with Ghana's observation at the Open Debate that “on balance . . . [the UN and Member States] have only paid lip service to the aspirations underpinning this epoch-making resolution and its implementation has been inconsistent, with mixed and varying results.”

The establishment of a mechanism within the Security Council to further implementation would go some way in addressing the accountability gap. As was the case in 2004 and 2005, this year's Open Debate saw several Member States and groups, including the European Union, Finland, Fiji, Ghana, Liechtenstein, Indonesia, Kenya and Spain advocating this step. We sincerely hope that the Security Council now takes this seriously and that at the next anniversary we can be celebratingcelebrate the implementation of such a mechanism. Hopefully we will see the UN system will take seriously the challenge and innovative suggestion offered by the United Kingdom's Ambassador who posed the question: “Can we set clear objectives for each of our peace support operations in post-conflict countries? This objective is simple - to implement 1325. And in setting that objective, can we then develop an action plan, specific to each country, agreed with the government, in which individual funds, programmes and agencies assume particular responsibility for the separate elements of 1325? In looking at country situations in the Council, the Council would then be able to assess the' objectives, the intended implementation and the success in achieving precise outputs. This would result in the systematic application of the Resolution and accountability for how it was done.”

Systematic, coherent and coordinated implementation of the resolution is, of course, the responsibility of the entire UN system. The Secretary-General's 2006 report on women, peace and security, which reviews the existing UN system-wide action plan, reveals the many challenges ahead in making this action plan a viable tool to aid implementation (a PeaceWomen critique of the Report can be found under item 2).

The newly established Peacebuilding Commission, that recently held its first general and country-specific sessions, is one of the many entities within the UN system in whose work integration of 1325 is critical. As Canada noted, it also shares the responsibility of ensuring that “women participate in all levels of peace consolidation and that gender equality is integrated throughout all peace and security activities.” In its work in relation to Sierra Leone and Burundi (as the first countries with which it will work) and in the future, we hope to see the integration of 1325 and a gender perspective. Our update on the Peacebuilding Commission (see Item 7) notes the extent to which this already occurring. The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security in its new report on 1325 and the Peacebuilding Commission (see item 9) put forward several issues and recommendations to be considered in this sphere of UN activity. Several Member States expressed their support of these recommendations including the appointment of a senior level gender advisor within the Peacebuilding Support Office; participation of women's organizations in the work of the Commission; and the integration of a gender perspective in this work, in the Peacebuilding Support Office and in relation to the Peacebuilding Fund. As the United Kingdom noted, “[w]e have high expectations of the Peacebuilding Commission” and, like South Africa, “urge the Commission to pay particular attention to the knowledge and understanding that women can bring in peacebuilding processes. This is the least we can expect from this latest important organ of the United Nations.”

For all of this to be true, as is the case in relation to the Security Council, the implementation of Resolution 1325 needs to be taken seriously on all levels and at all times. We will continue to monitor progress, not just during October, but throughout the year. Our newest resource (item 5), the PeaceWomen 1325 Security Council Monitor: Resolution Watch, will hopefully serve as a useful tool in tracking the extent to which the Security Council effectively integrates women, peace and security issues in its resolutions.

The coordination and systematic implementation of 1325 is but one part of work within the UN system towards achieving gender equality and women's empowerment. In this larger sphere, we are particularly encouraged and excited by the recently released report of the Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on System-Wide Coherence which recommends the reforming and strengthening of the gender equality architecture of the UN. WILPF has, with women's groups around the world, been involved in advocacy efforts in relation to the Panel's work since early this year and, as noted by Panel member's, our voices were heard and made the difference. We look forward to Member States showing their commitment to gender equality by endorsing and making the Panel's recommendations a reality.

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As always we welcome your contributions to the newsletter's content. Contributions for the December edition, which will focus on violence against women, should be sent to enewssubmissions@peacewomen.org by Thursday 7 December 2006.

SECURITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS WOMEN'S ROLE IN PEACE PROCESS, URGES MORE INVOLVEMENT
October 26, 2006 - (UN News Centre) Highlighting the role played by women in promoting peace in countries emerging from conflict, the United Nations Security Council today stressed it was essential to promote the full participation of women in helping rebuild such societies and also encouraged more female involvement in UN peacekeeping operations.

UN GENDER ADVISER CALLS FOR MORE ACTION TO INTEGRATE WOMEN IN PEACE ISSUES
October 25, 2006 – The United Nations should do more to encourage Member States to adopt national action plans to more fully integrate women in peace and security issues, especially in countries recovering from conflict, the UN Special Adviser on Gender Issues said today.

ALGERIAN AMNESTY HEIGHTENS DANGER TO WOMEN
October 27, 2006 - (Women's ENews) Women's activists in Algeria say a sweeping 2005 amnesty, offered to most prosecutors of Algeria's decade-long "dirty war," is making the culture more dangerous for women. Reports of domestic violence, they say, are rising.

WOMEN'S ISSUES TOP THE AGENDA GLOBALLY
October 29, 2006 - (The Standard) Twenty-one years ago, women gathered in Nairobi for the first UN International Women's Conference to be held in Africa. Last week, they were back. This time to evaluate progress made over the years following the development of strategies aimed at fostering the advancement of women.

WOMEN UNDER ATTACK IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN
October 27, 2006 - (AP) Women are facing increasing violence in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, especially when they speak out publicly to defend women's rights, a senior U.N. official told the U.N. Security Council. Noeleen Heyzer, executive director of the U.N. Development Fund for Women, called on for fresh efforts to ensure the safety of women in countries emerging from conflicts, to provide them with jobs, and ensure that they receive justice, including compensation for rape.

PROPOSED UN AGENCY `DRAMATIC STEP FORWARD' FOR WOMEN
November 10, 2006 - (Toronto Star) A landmark proposal for creating a powerful new United Nations women's agency moved a giant step closer to reality yesterday, with the endorsement of a high-level panel on reforming the sprawling UN system.

WOMEN WORKING FOR PEACE SUPPORT BASQUE PROCESS
October 24, 2006 - (eitb) It's essential for women to participate in peace negotiations to find the solution to the Basque conflict, and for this process to incorporate their experiences, interests and expectations, a statement by the women read. Women in peace processes around the world endorsed a statement applauding "the process of dialogue" that has been opened up in the Basque Country "to seek peace and the solution to the Basque conflict." The statement also considers it "essential" for women "to actively participate in peace negotiations" and "to incorporate their experiences, interests and expectations, as urged by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

AFRICAN POLITICS NEEDS MORE WOMEN
October 20, 2006 - (The Namibian) African political parties must stop paying lip service to women's representation in their top echelons, Namibia's Deputy Prime Minister Libertina Amathila told a meeting in Windhoek yesterday. Politicians, researchers and other policy makers from the continent started meeting in the Namibian capital to discuss ways in which they can strengthen political parties on the continent.

NO TRUE DEMOCRACY WITHOUT WOMEN PARTICIPATION— OBASANJO
October 28, 2006 - (Vanguard) For democracy to strive and make meaningful impact in the country, there must be an appreciable number of women in all spheres of life including the top decision making positions in Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo said at the weekend.

ENCOURAGING RESULTS REGISTERED IN ENSURING WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
November 4, 2006 - (The Ethiopian Herald) An official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said encouraging results have been registered towards strengthening the role of women in national development owing to the government's due attention to gender equality.

SUDANESE WOMEN MOBILIZE FOR PEACE
November 8, 2006 – (Hunt Alternatives Fund) Women throughout Sudan are crossing party and regional lines to raise their collective voice for a more peaceful and secure Sudan. As the second anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) approaches, Sudan and its international partners are evaluating progress toward implementing that landmark accord. From November 8 through 12, The Initiative for Inclusive Security will convene some of Sudan's most distinguished women leaders, including members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), and civil society leaders.

HORRIFYING STORY FOR INCARCERATED WOMEN IN GAUTENG PRISONS
November 2, 2006 - (CAJ) Women prisoners in Gauteng are seven times more likely to have been raped as children than the general female population and they experience a higher-than-average degree of violence in their intimate relationships.

WOMEN LEGISLATORS ULULATE AS HOUSE PASSES DOMESTIC BILL
November 8, 2006 - (The Herald) The Domestic Violence Bill that seeks to provide for protection and relief to victims was yesterday passed in the House of Assembly with amendments. The proposed law now awaits transmission to the Senate for consideration. There was jubilation and ululation among female lawmakers from both sides of the House when the Bill finally sailed through.

HAITI MILITIAMAN ORDERED TO PAY £10M FOR RAPES
October 27, 2006 - (The Guardian) One of Haiti's most notorious paramilitary leaders has been ordered to pay $19m (£10m) in damages to three women who were gang-raped by members of his militia. Emmanuel "Toto" Constant, 49, was the leader of Fraph, one of Haiti's most ruthless rightwing paramilitary units, which pursued supporters of the deposed president Jean-Bertrand Aristide during the so-called reign of terror in the early 1990s.

WOMEN HOPE TO AFFECT KHARTOUM PEACE TALKS
October 16, 2006 (The Washington File) The women of Somalia have a critical role to play in laying the foundation for sustainable peace in their war-torn nation by acting as a bridge between rival political movements and clans, says Asha Elmi, a member of Parliament of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

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For more country-specific women, peace and security news, CLICK HERE

For more international women, peace and security news, CLICK HERE

UN SECURITY COUNCIL ARRIA FORMULA MEETING
United Nations Headquarters, New York, 25 October 2006

On 25 October 2006, the Government of the United Kingdom, as a member of the Security Council, hosted an Arria Formula meeting, an informal, off-the-record meeting of the Council, on the role of women in the consolidation of peace, in order to review progress made in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

The Council heard from the following speakers:

• Leymah Gbowee - Executive Director, Women in Peacebuilding Network (Liberia)
Statement: http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Arria_Statements/Leymah_gbow...

• Barbara Bangura - Coordinator, Grassroots Empowerment for Self Reliance (Sierra Leone)
Statement: http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Arria_Statements/Barbara_ban...

•Bineta Diop - on behalf of Safaa Elagib Adam, Secretary-General, Community Development Association (Sudan)
Statement: http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Arria_Statements/Safaa_Adam.pdf

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UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY
United Nations Headquarters, New York, 26 October 2006

The Permanent Mission of Japan, which held the Security Council Presidency during the month of October, organized this debate that took place on 26 October 2006. All 15 members of the Security Council, 29 Non-Security Council Member States, 4 UN Entities and 2 Civil Society representatives made interventions.

Governmental, UN and Civil Society Statements:

Security Council Members:
Argentina, China, Congo, Denmark, France, Ghana, Greece, Japan, Peru, Qatar, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States

Non-Security Council Members:
Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Comoros, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland (for EU), Germany, Guatemala, Guinea, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Lesotho (for SADC), Liechtenstein, Myanmar, Netherlands, Norway, Papua New Guinea (for Pacific Islands Forum), Slovenia (for Human Security Network), South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Uganda

UN & Civil Society:
- Rachel Mayanja, Assistant Secretary-General, Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women
- Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping
- Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
- Carolyn McAskie, Assistant Secretary-General, Peacebuilding Support Office
- Christine Miturumbwe, Coordinator, Dushirehamwe Association (Burundi)
- Maria Dias, President, East Timorese Women's Network (Timor-Leste)

For the full statements visit: http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Open_Debate/index.html

For the webcast of the Open Debate visit: http://www.un.org/webcast/sc.html

For the Presidential Statement visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Open_Debate/Presidential_sta...

For the NGOWG on Women, Peace and Security recommendations visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/NGOWG_Recommendations.pdf

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THEMATIC COMPILATION OF STATEMENTS AT UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY
The PeaceWomen Team

The PeaceWomen Project has compiled excerpts, arranged by theme, from statements made during the Security Council Open Debate held on 26 October 2006. The compilation deals with the following themes:

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Integrating 1325 in the work of the Security Council
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Women's Participation in Peace Processes
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Gender Equality & Post-Conflict Reconstruction
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Peacebuilding Commission: 1325 & Gender Perspectives
*
Gender & Peacekeeping
*
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
*
UN System-wide Action Plan & Implementation
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National Implementation Mechanisms and Policies

This resource can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/Compilationindex...

Themes and samples of excerpts featured in the compilation:

Integrating 1325 in the work of the Security Council

Ghana
The only mechanism developed by the Security Council to track its own implementation has been the annual open debate and the Arria Formula style meeting on women, peace and security. The Council should play a more proactive role by setting up a mechanism for a more systematic, effective and coordinated implementation of resolution 1325 in its work by designating a SC member to serve a s a focal point and an expert level working group on women, peace and security consisting of Council members.

Liechtenstein
While we commend the Security Council for its measures to further mainstream SCR 1325, we are concerned that six years after the adoption of this historic resolution the Council still has no systematic way to ensure the integration of a gender perspective in its work. We therefore wish to join other delegations in calling on the Council to establish a focal point or an expert level working group on women, peace and security to ensure systematic implementation and integration of SCR 1325 within its work, including in all resolutions that establish or extend peacekeeping missions and in terms of references for Security Council mission trips and mission reports.

The Netherlands
In conclusion, I would specifically like to underline the need for the Security Council to more systematically integrate resolution 1325 in its work. This could start by including a gender perspective and a reference to Resolution 1325 in all its resolutions that establish or extend mandates for peacekeeping missions.

Spain
Since 2000, only 39 of the Security Council's 261 resolutions or texts have contained any reference to gender issues. Only five of the 59 resolutions adopted in 2004 dealt with the issue of violence against women, and only eight made reference to resolution 1325 (2000). Spain attaches great importance to the effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). . . . In that same year [2004], in the Security Council, Spain highlighted the importance of the Council's giving serious consideration to the establishment of a permanent mechanism for the effective follow-up of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in the context of the various conflict situations that it deals with on an ongoing basis.

Extracts from the Open Debate on this theme can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/SC_Mechanism.html

Women's Participation in Peace Processes

Canada
In order for peace consolidation to effectively integrate gender equality and women's rights, we need to focus both on increased direct participation of women in peace processes as well as on institutional reform that is gender-aware.

Finland (EU)
Women's equal participation and full involvement is a prerequisite for achieving, maintaining and promoting sustainable peace. The importance of SCR 1325 cannot thus be emphasised enough.

The EU strongly believes in gender equality as a prerequisite for peace and security. Within the framework of the European Consensus on Development, adopted in December 2005, the EU supports conflict prevention and peacebuilding by addressing the root-causes of violent conflict, including gender inequality.

Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein has been advocating, for many years already, the appointment of women as special representatives and envoys of the Secretary General because we are convinced that such appointments can play a catalytic role for the stronger involvement of women in peace processes, especially when those reach more formal stages. They might also have a positive impact on the level of reporting on gender-related issues to the Security Council, which is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, we consider such appointments as crucial for a better implementation of SCR 1325.

Progress on the representation of women in those leadership positions has, however, again been disappointing since the last time the Council met on this topic. We are, of course, aware of the need to provide the Secretary General with the names of potential, well-qualified candidates for such posts and invite all interested States and NGOs to join forces in gathering the necessary information. There is no doubt in our mind that there are enough suitable candidates for such functions. We just have to seriously look for them.

South Africa
With the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325, we have come to realise the important contribution by women in the maintenance of peace and security. We have also come to accept that women are not simply victims of wars and conflicts, but important role-players in the resolution of conflicts. Following the passage of Resolution 1325 we have seen a growing demand for the inclusion of women in peace negotiations. Women are gradually finding a place in the implementation of peace agreements, post conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction and disarmament. What remains is still the lack of the much needed political will to allow women to fully participate and contribute in the resolution of conflicts.

Extracts from the Open Debate on this theme can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/Participation.htm

Gender Equality & Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Colombia
Colombia has also adopted laws to protect women and promote their participation. Colombia's legislation favours female-headed households and guarantees that women will fill 30 per cent of public posts at decision-making levels in the different branches and organs of public administration. The legislation has had an incremental effect on their participation.

Congo
Aware of what is at stake with regard to women's participation in the decision-making process, the Government, working through the department responsible for promoting the status of women and in cooperation with its development partners and civil society, has developed strategies to encourage the participation of Congolese women in the forthcoming elections.

Finland (EU)
Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration are cornerstones of transition from war to peaceful coexistence. The EU emphasizes that DDR programmes should allow women and girl combatants as well as supporters to combatants to register and participate in these programmes.

Kenya
Resolution 1325 emphasized the need to incorporate gender perspectives in post – conflict reconstruction and peace-building. We are grateful to note that there has been increased attention on the role of women in the post conflict rebuilding process, especially in the judicial legislative and electoral sectors as well as in restoration of the rule of law and transitional justice. Women still need considerable support and capacity building to be effective in new democratic and legal structures that were traditionally dominated by men.

Extracts from the Open Debate on this theme can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/Recon.html

Peacebuilding Commission: 1325 & Gender Perspectives

Finland (EU)
We are very pleased to see that women's role and SCR 1325 are included in the outcome documents of the first country-specific meetings. It is important that this is now operationalised and converted into concrete action. The EU believes that gender should be incorporated into every aspect of the work of the PBC and the PBSO, including the appointment of specific advisory staff. We also encourage the development of a gender policy as well as continuous gender analysis of all aspects of work of the PBC and PBSO, including regarding the use of the Peacebuilding Fund. We also believe that the PBC and PBSO should ensure open and inclusive participation and representation of women's organizations and civil society in the work of the PBC, both at the country level as well as in the discussions here in New York.

Liechtenstein
We consider it crucial that the Peacebuilding Commission establish the necessary mechanisms to facilitate, together with the countries concerned, the participation of representatives of local women's groups and networks who are able to make the voices and priorities of women from local and rural communities heard in country specific configurations. Such mechanisms will also have to encompass financial and other support to those groups and networks to enable their effective engagement with the PBC.

Papua New Guinea (Pacific Islands Forum)
Finally, Mr President, allow me to also take this opportunity to congratulate Fiji on its recent election to the newly formed Peacebuilding Commission, which we trust will provide further impetus to the full implementation of UNSCR 1325 in the Pacific. In this regard, we also welcome the creation of a senior Gender Advisor Position at the peace building support office to ensure that gender is mainstreamed into all aspects of the Peacebuilding Commission's work.

Tanzania
We are encouraged with the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission. The Commission, given adequate resources, has a significant role to play in addressing gender equality in all spheres - political, social and economic - and in particular during the process of developing country strategies for peace consolidation. The Peacebuilding Commission and the Support Office would however require capacity building and support in its endeavor to mainstream a gender perspective. In this regard, we would encourage for a gender expert to be included in the Support Office.

Extracts from the Open Debate on this theme can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/Peacebuilding_Co...

Gender & Peacekeeping

Germany
Unfortunately, even six years after the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325, sexual exploitation and abuse and the solicitation of prostitutes in peacekeeping operations is still an issue. We strongly support DPKO's “zero tolerance policy” and welcome its efforts to effectively fight sexual exploitation and abuse of the most vulnerable by those who have come with a mandate to protect. To this end, Germany has recently pledged its financial support for DPKOs Anti-Prostitution-Campaign. We are confident that this campaign will make a real impact.

Ghana
Troop contributing countries should mainstream gender issues in their recruitment, training and development, including in UN peacekeeping operations. In this respect, the particular needs of conflict ridden or post conflict countries must be taken on board in order to translate the commitments made into concrete measures that will improve the situation of women. Member States and partners must continue to give the needed financial support to the implementation of 1325. An effective and robust accountability, monitoring and reporting system should be developed. However, without timely and clearly earmarked resources, it may not move beyond the drawing table. It is also of cardinal importance that in drawing up the national action plan, women at the grassroot level or in communities are encouraged to play a positive role in this exercise in partnership with civil society.
The Netherlands
As a follow up to resolution 1325 the Netherlands, together with other partners, has provided DPKO with funds for gender expertise to integrate a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations.

In the course of this year, together with Norway and the United Kingdom, we undertook a joint donor review of DPKO's implementation of resolution 1325. Our joint findings in the DRC, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Liberia were presented to USG Guehenno this week. They include numerous good practices as well as lessons learned and remaining gaps and challenges. The overall conclusion was that significant progress towards the implementation of resolution 1325 has been made and that the Gender Advisors are doing an excellent job. However, commitment and accountability is still limited, especially at senior and middle management levels. The Netherlands welcomes the initiative of USG Gubhenno to issue a dear policy directive to his staff in this regard.

United Kingdom
The Netherlands, Norway and the UK recently participated in a joint donor review of the implementation of 1325 in the UN peacekeeping missions in the DRC, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Kosovo; I happy to note that progress is being made. But six years on, this should be the norm and not the exception;
Gender mainstreaming is not taking place, there is an absence of clear monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, so that accountability is weak. Gender is not included in a systematic or coherent way in either the establishment or running of peacekeeping missions; Another problem is implementation. This includes implementation by Member States, where national plans are much needed, implementation by the countries emerging from conflict and implementation by the UN family. We all have a responsibility;

Extracts from the Open Debate on this theme can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/Peacekeeping.htm

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

France
How can women express and take part in civic life if they have to be in contact with their former butchers and live in fear? How can we ask them to have recourse to justice if justice is synonymous with further humiliation, denial and potential reprisals? The fight against impunity and the adoption of a sex-specific approach by the judicial system are indispensable.

The Secretary-General's in-depth study on all forms of violence against women also depends on the gap between the progress that we have made in the normative sphere-be it through SCR 1325, the progress in international humanitarian law and the Statute of the International Criminal Court-and the persistence of the phenomenon on the ground. France and the Netherlands are submitting a draft resolution to the General Assembly this year in which one of the points asks each of the United Nations organs to examine respectively the means that it can employ to reduce this gap between the norms and the reality on the ground.

Peru
That is why we feel that the international community must continue to use all instruments available to it so as to put an end to violations of the human rights of women and girls in situations of armed conflict. This must be done through coordinated strategies and policies at the national and international levels. For example, although it is important that such situations be brought systematically before international tribunals, States themselves have the primary responsibility for providing justice and for punishing those responsible for crimes. Only the rule of law and justice can create a safe and sustainable environment that will enable the full participation of women in the peacebuilding process.
Slovakia
We believe that the international community and national authorities must respond more effectively to widespread, continued sexual violence in situations of conflicts including through following activities:

- training of workers in the medical, psychological and legal assistance fields,
- identification of survivors through community based networks,
- medical, psychological and legal assistance to victims,

Extracts from the Open Debate on this theme can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/GBV.htm

UN System-wide Action Plan & Implementation

China
The Secretary-General's UN System-wide Action Plan for the implementation of Resolution 1325 is a meaningful experiment as it involves dozens of UN bodies and encompasses hundreds of specific actions. We hope that the Plan will be followed through and integrated with the UN reform process in order that the different bodies within the UN system and the Secretariat are better adapted, systemically and practice-wise, to implement fully this resolution.

Denmark
Guidelines, workshops and new gender-inclusive procedures are important stepping-stones .Tools for proper implementation and for achieving the objectives. It is, however, important now to increase the visibility of the outcome and impact of such initiatives. Have they made the intended difference for women and girls on the ground! The sad answer is, that we don't really know.
According to the Report a number of gaps and challenges remain. Let me underline a few: Strong commitment, leadership and accountability at the highest level in the UN are key to progress. To this we can all agree. But what does the Report say on this: That lack of leadership and commitment to pursue the implementation of the Action Plan both in inter-governmental bodies and in the UN system is one of the serious weaknesses affecting the implementation of the resolution. Despite the Security Council's many strategic initiatives to promote gender equality and support the empowerment of women, its attention to gender issues is not systematic.
It is furthermore incomprehensible, that in the UN in 2006 there is, and I quote from the report: "...lack of a common understanding of gender and gender mainstreaming and especially their practical application.. ." The use of gender advisors in peacekeeping operations by DPKO has improved capacity. However, to really make a difference gender advisors must be appointed at senior level, and their efforts must be matched by the necessary resources. It is a management responsibility to implement SCR 1325.
The Report must be credited for unveiling weak accountability mechanisms. We all know, that what is measured gets done, and Denmark strongly endorses the recommendation to re-conceptualise the Action Plan into a result-based programming, monitoring and reporting tool.

Ghana
At the global level, in the current climate of UN reform, the time is propi1ious to thoroughly examine and strengthen the intergovernmental oversight. And provide the ultimate layer of oversight to review both national implementation of SCR 1325, and the implementation by UN entities. Further, intergovernmental oversight is woefully inadequate.
The main instrument for implementing SCR 1325 at the UN System level is the Secretary-General's System-wide Action Plan developed by the Inter-Agency task Force on Women, Peace and Security. However, its shortcomings have detracted it from its overall purpose, thereby making it ineffective in accurately tracking progress, as clearly articulated in the Secretary-General's report. It is also not encouraging to read that a third of tile entities within the UN failed to respond to the questionnaire on this issue, which may be interpreted a s lack of commitment on the part of these bodies. We fully support the Secretary General's call for the System-wide Action Plan to be revised and renewed beyond 2007 in order to remedy its shortcomings and make it more supportive of the ideals and goals of resolution 1325.

Guatemala
We also believe that heads of units, special representatives and envoys of the Secretary-General should be held responsible for mainstreaming a gender perspective into policies and programmes. Moreover, we should strengthen capacity for full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), improve coordination of the system, particularly on the ground, and provide incentives for the participation of all interested sectors of civil society
Iceland
Since the adoption of resolution 1325, considerable attention has been paid to its implementation at the UN level. Last year we welcomed the UN System Wide Action Plan for the implementation of resolution 1325, as an instrument to mainstream a gender perspective throughout the work of the organization dealing with peace and security. In order to reach the Millennium Development Goals a gender perspective must be integrated into all strategies and programmes.

Indonesia
Indonesia believe that the implementation of the action plan represents the first phase in achieving a well-coordinated, results-based, system-wide strategy. To succeed, this strategy will require committed, sensitive leadership throughout the United Nations system actively supported by women in decision-making positions whose actions will help to consolidate peace. And it would also be good protocol for the Council to interact more closely with other major United Nations organs to enrich its insights for action and achieve better decision-making.

Lesotho ( for SADC)
Member States too have the critical role of supporting the United Nations system and monitoring progress to make sure implementation is successful .We in SADC pledge to do our part. In conclusion, Mr President, we support the Secretary-General'srecommendation to the Security Council that the system-wide Action Plan be renewed beyond the year 2007.

Extracts from the Open Debate on this theme can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/UN_Mechanism.html

National Implementation Mechanisms and Policies

Argentina
Our own experience makes us recognize the importance of implement national action plans for the implementation of Resolution 1325. These plans should be elaborated through a participative process that should include monitoring and accountability mechanisms for the governments to assure not only the greatest possible number of women participation in the decision making processes of the country but also that their demands and needs are taken into consideration at all state levels, especially in the institutional reform processes, including the reform of the legislative, legal and security sectors.
Australia
In closing Mr President, I would like to congratulate our regional neighbour, Fiji, for setting an example in the region by including key elements of SCR1325 in their national women's plan of action.
Croatia
Through national mechanisms, like the recently adopted National Policy for the Promotion of Gender Equality for the period of 2006-2010, special measures for achieving integration of gender perspective in national security policy as well as the promotion of application of the SCR 1325 are being incorporated.
Fiji
We also call on the international community and partners to assist member states in need of assistance in the implementation process. An area needing immediate attention is the development of national action plans as a remedy for unsystematic and ad-hoc implementation at the national level. Small developing countries like Fiji need guidance and partnerships in areas of capacity and technical skills on the formulation and implementation of national plans and strategies on SCR 1325. Such action plans and strategies must be developed after wide consultations with civil society organizations and other stakeholders, and should include monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Finland (EU)
More needs to be done also on a national level. The integration of SCR 1325 has to be country-driven. Member States need to take responsibility for the success of SCR 1325 through ensuring that it is integrated into national policy and training programmes. A number of EU Member States as well as other countries have developed national action plans and strategies on the implementation of the resolution. We encourage countries to develop such plans and to apply a broad gender mainstreaming approach across government, for instance through a system-wide approach that links development, humanitarian and defence issues. However, all plans should include civil society consultations as well as monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Qatar
The key to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) lies in our commitment and accountability in assessing progress at all levels, helping States to establish national action plans and promoting the participation of regional commissions in the establishment and assessment of national policies, strategies and programmes to attain the major objectives of those plans.

Extracts from the Open Debate on this theme can be found at:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Compilation/National_Impleme...

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ANALYSIS: UN SYSTEM-WIDE ACTION PLAN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SCR 1325
The PeaceWomen Team

The 2006 Report of the Secretary-General on women, peace and security, released on 27 September 2006, reviews the UN System-wide Action Plan for the implementation of resolution 1325; which was developed and released in 2005. The plan, to which 39 UN entities contributed, was prepared by the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI), in cooperation with the Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender Equality (IANWGE) and its Task Force on Women, Peace and Security. The Security Council, which in 2004 called for the preparation and submission of the plan, in 2005 requested the Secretary-General to update, monitor and review the implementation and integration on an annual basis of the plan, starting in October 2006. This summary of the Report sets out the background to the Action Plan and the Review thereof and highlights what we see as some of the challenges presented.

The creation of the Action Plan was long advocated for by, amongst others, the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security (of which WILPF is a founding member). Resolution 1325 does not, in itself, contain effective monitoring, reporting and accountability mechanisms. This and the lack of a coordinated strategy for implementation has repeatedly been cited as an impediment to effective realization of the goal of bringing a gender perspective to the centre of all UN efforts in the peace and security sphere. It was hoped that the design of the Action Plan would allow for monitoring and accountability for implementation of 1325 at least in relation to the UN system's obligations.

Despite progress in implementation being made by various UN entities, the women, peace and security community has consistently highlighted the gap in systematic planning, monitoring and reporting of measures taken to ensure implementation at all levels. An extensive and far-reaching consultation process; high-level commitment to the plan; concrete time-lines and targets; and mechanisms for monitoring and reporting were seen as critical to the success of the Action Plan. These issues were taken into account at some level in the preparation of the Action Plan in 2005 – numerous UN entities, inter-governmental organizations and civil society were consulted; and it was recommended that implementation be coordinated and monitored through the UN's High-level Committee on Programs, while holding heads of entities and focal points accountable for implementation at the UN entity level. The 2005 Action Plan is based on a matrix of recommendations taken from the articles of 1325 and subsequent Security Council Presidential Statements on women, peace and security, with various UN departments and agencies providing information regarding their projected activities related to these articles up to the end of 2007.

This review of the plan was much needed as, even on its release in 2005, it displayed inherent weaknesses – weaknesses which reflected and possibly exacerbated some of the obstacles and challenges related to the implementation of 1325 overall. Examining the Plan on its release, many commented that it looked more like a laundry list of activities and proposed activities gathered together than like a high-level strategic plan for coordinated and coherent activities to further implementation. The Review implicitly admits this in that a number of respondents acknowledged that the Action Plan “was not established as an integrated United Nations system-wide strategy, but rather as a compilation of activities, planned by United Nations entities or ongoing, in those areas for action where expertise and resources were available.” That is not to say that such a list is not useful. It seemed, however, to serve the purpose of an “activities audit” to inform an Action Plan rather than being a Plan in itself. Weaknesses such as these are, to some extent, revealed in the Review but are, unfortunately, also carried through.

The Review is focused on: the level of implementation of the Plan by UN entities; an assessment of institutional capacities; and ways and means of strengthening 1325 implementation and gender mainstreaming. In preparing the review, information was sought on achievements (including good practices) in the major operational areas of action under the Plan; gaps, challenges and lessons learned in relation to institutional and organizational capacity to implement the Plan; and recommendations to address the challenges and accelerate the implementation of 1325. Again the process of review was consultative and took place through a comprehensive questionnaire, interviews and roundtable discussions with a variety of stakeholders. That only 29 of the 39 entities approached contributed to the review was noted with regret by a number of Member States during the 2006 Open Debate and is something that, in our view, reduces the potential effectiveness of the review and the Plan itself.

For the full analysis please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/WPS_Action_Plan_review.pdf

For the Secretary-General's 2006 Report on women, peace and security, please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/resources/1325/N0653084.pdf

Reforming the Gender Equality Architecture of the United Nations

Women's groups from around the world welcome the recommendations on strengthening the gender equality architecture of the UN in the report released November 9, 2006 by the Secretary-General's High-Level Panel for UN System-wide Coherence. We urge member states to adopt these recommendations during the 61st session of the General Assembly and to set up a process to ensure their full and timely implementation.

We support the Panel's proposal to establish an independent women-specific entity that will combine OSAGI, DAW and UNIFEM, have both normative and operational responsibilities, be better resourced, and be led by an Under-Secretary General. These recommendations are in line with what civil society, and in particular women's groups, have been calling for to enable governments and the UN system to better achieve their goals on gender equality, women's empowerment and human rights.

We are pleased that the Panel adopted the recommendation for a USG to head the new entity, as it will guarantee organizational stature and a voice for women at the UN decision-making tables. Women's groups called for an open, transparent and global search for a candidate who has substantive expertise in gender equality and we are pleased that the report includes this recommendation. We urge that civil society be consulted during this open search process.

The dual mandate of the new entity, which will include both policy and country-level functions, will strengthen the effectiveness of the gender mainstreaming work of other UN agencies, as well as advance women's rights directly. For this entity to function as a driving force throughout the UN system, and for it to better address women's experiences at the country level, every UN Country Team must include senior-level gender equality experts with adequate resources and support who can lead the team's efforts to fulfill and promote UN and government commitments to women's human rights.

A strong and well-resourced institutional accountability mechanism that enables women's participation and addresses women's rights in activities at the country level was one of the critical needs presented to the Coherence Panel.

The time to show support for a reformed and strengthened women's entity is now. Women's groups urge governments to demonstrate political will during the General Assembly by endorsing the Coherence Panel's recommendations on creating a stronger gender equality architecture at the UN, and by establishing and adhering to a process and time frame for implementation.

Signatories (as of 08 November 2006)
Association of Women's NGOs of Uzbekistan
Action Canada for Population and Development
Advocates for Youth
African Women's Development Fund
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Bangladesh
Amnesty International
Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)
Asia Pacific Women's Watch
Asociacion Chilena de Proteccion de la Familia (APROFA), Chile
Asociación Panameña para el Planeamiento de la Familia, Panama
Associazione Italiana Donne per lo Sviluppo (AIDOS), Italy
Australian Reproductive Health Alliance
AWID
Baha'i International
Bem-Estar Familiar no Brasil (BEMFAM), Brazil
Canadian Union of Public Employees
Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir, Mexico
Center for Reproductive Rights
Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL)
Centre for Policy Research and Analysis (CPRA), Nepal
CEPIA- Cidadania Estudos Pequisa Informaçao Açao, Brazil
Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Asia Pacific
Communication Foundation for Asia
Concertación Interamericana de Mujeres Activistas (CIMA), Costa Rica
DAWN
El Closet de Sor Juana, Mexico
Equality Now
Feminist Caucus of the American Humanist Association
Feminist League, Kazakhstan
Foro de Mujeres y Política de Población, Mexico
Fundacion Arcoiris, Mexico
Fundacion Mexicana para la Planeacion Familiar (MEXFAM), Mexico
Fundacion para Estudio e Investigacion de la Mujer (FEIM), Argentina
Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, The Philippines
Global Fund for Women
Indonesian Cener For Women in Politics (ICWIP)
INFORM, Sri Lanka
Institute for Reproductive Health, The Philippines
Instituto de Estudios Comparados en Ciencias Penales y Sociales, Argentina
International Center for Research on Women
International Indigenous Women's Forum (FIMI)
International Planned Parenthood Federation - Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF-WHR)
International Women's Health Coalition
International Women's Rights Action Watch - Asia Pacific
IPAS
Isis International
Japan Women's Watch
K.U.L.U. Women and Development, Denmark
Korea Women's Political Caucus
Kvinna till Kvinna, Sweden
MADRE
Mujer y Salud en Uruguay (MYSU)
Mulabi- Espacio Latinoamericano de Sexualidades y Derechos, Argentina
Network of Women in Politics, Indonesia
New Zealand Council for International Development
New Zealand Family Planning Association
North East Network, IndiaNorwegian Network for Women and the UN
Oxfam International
Public Services International
Radio Internacional Feminsita (FIRE)
Red de Salud de las Mujeres Latinoamericanas y del Caribe (RSMLAC)
Red por los Derechos Sexuales y Reproductivos en México
REDESS Jovenes, Peru
Rights & Democracy - Droits et Démocratie, Canada
Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre, Toronto, Canada
Rozan, Pakistan
Saathi - South Asia
Shirkat Gah-Women's Resource Center, Pakistan
South Asia Forum of Professionals Against Trafficking (SAPAT)
SouthEast Asia Women Watch (SEAWWatch)
Temiksaming Native Women's Support Group, Canada
Thai Women Watch
The Open Society Institute
Toronto Women's Call to Action, Canada
Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, Canada
UNIFEM/USA
WOMANKIND Worldwide
Women & Environments International Magazine -- Editorial Board, Canada
Women for Change, Zambia
Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF)
Women in Peacebuilding Network -- Africa (WIPNET-A)
Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch
Women's Advocacy Coalition, Vanuatu
Women's Edge Coalition
Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO)
Women's Feature Service Philippines
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
World Population Foundation
Yellowknife Women's Society, Canada
Yukon Status of Women Council

To sign on please contact Lexi Lenton, Women's Environment & Development Organization (WEDO) (lexil@wedo.org)

PeaceWomen 1325 Security Council Monitor: Resolution Watch

This 1325 Security Council Monitor is a PeaceWomen Project initiative that seeks to monitor the Security Council's efforts to incorporate Resolution 1325 in its work. Resolution Watch is a compilation of language dealing with women and gender in the Council's resolutions addressing all current and upcoming peacekeeping operations since the adoption of Resolution 1325. The first part is language across 18 specific women, peace and security themes addressed in 1325. The second examines resolutions by country. It shows the thematic areas and countries in which incorporation of 1325's provisions has been slow or where language is weak; provides examples of the language the Council uses to address the issues; and highlights gaps and weaknesses. It is provided as a resource and advocacy tool for those working in particular women, peace and security focus areas or in relation to particular country situations. It will hopefully also provide incentive for the Council to accelerate its efforts.

The online version of this tool includes cross-referenced links from country resolutions to the themes with which the language deals; and links to the resolutions from which extracts are taken, the relevant articles of 1325, and a host of related thematic resources.

PDF and full on-line version available at: http://www.peacewomen.org/un/sc/1325_Monitor/index.htm

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For NGO and civil society reports, papers and statements, UN and government reports, and books, journals and articles on women, peace and security issues,
please visit: http://www.peacewomen.org/resources/resourcesindex.html

Isha L'Isha, Haifa Feminist Center: Response to Israel's Statement at Open Debate on Women, Peace & Security
October, 2006

Isha L'Isha-the Haifa Feminist Center, was established in 1983 and is the most veteran, grassroots feminist organization in Israel, and its leading voice for women's rights. The implementation of UN Resolution 1325 has been a central activity for us since 2003, and our project has brought the resolution to the public's attention, and introduced gender mainstreaming about the violent conflict into the public discourse. Our work provides a gender perspective of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by promoting women to be represented on negotiating teams, and by strengthening the voices of women and calling attention to their unique needs and roles.

In October 2006, at the Security Council Open Debate on women, peace and security, nation states were allowed the opportunity to present their past achievements in promoting resolution 1325. When we found out that Isha L'Isha was mentioned at the event, we were delighted that our project was showcased at the UN. However, when we read the statement, we were shocked and dismayed. The official representative of the state of Israel positioned our organization as a government project, taking credit for our dedicated, hardworking efforts, as if to imply that our achievements belong to the state and its institutions.

For the full statement please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/campaigns/Israel/2006_OD_response.html

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For more women, peace and security initiatives – in country, regional, global and international, visit: http://www.peacewomen.org/campaigns/global/index.html

Peacebuilding Commission: Report Of Country-Specific Meetings On Burundi And Sierra Leone
October 12 -13, 2006

On October 12th and 13th 2006, the new UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held its first two country specific meetings focused on the processes of post-conflict reconstruction in Sierra Leone and Burundi. Participants at the consultations included representatives of the Sierra Leone and Burundi governments, members of the Commission's organizational committee, the World Bank, IMF and other donors, regional organizations such as the African Union, neighboring countries, and Representatives of the Secretary General in the two countries. Also in attendance were representatives of civil society coalitions in the two countries.

For the full report please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/women_reform/PBC/country_specific_Oct06.html

For the Chairman's summary of the PBC meeting on Sierra Leone, please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/women_reform/PBC/Chair_summary_SL.pdf

For the Chairman's summary of the PBC meeting on Burundi, please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/women_reform/PBC/Chair_summary_Burundi.pdf

The potential role of civil society in the PBC's work in Burundi and Sierra Leone was also the focus of an informal meeting between members of the Commission and a number of Non-governmental Organizations, held on October 11, 2006.

For a summary of the recommendations made by NGOs during this meeting, please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/women_reform/PBC/NGO_recommendations.pdf

8.GENDER AND PEACEKEEPING UPDATE

Peacekeeping Watch: news & resources

Women Want More Leadership Roles In UN Peacekeeping Missions
31 October 2006 (Voice of America) Today (October 31st) is the sixth anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security. Adopted in 2000, the resolution deals with the role of women in peacekeeping and peace building. One of the largest UN peacekeeping operations to date is in Africa. Uganda-born Rachel Mayanja is the special advisor to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on gender issues and advancement of women. She tells VOA English to Africa reporter James Butty that women are underrepresented at all levels of UN peace support operations.

A Review and Evaluation of Gender-Related Activities of UN Peacekeeping Operations and their Impact on Gender Relations in Timor Leste
Department of Peacekeeping Operations July 2006
This report is the result of an evaluation on the gender impacts of the UN peacekeeping missions in Timor Leste, mandated by the DPKO Headquarters in October 2005, under the direction of the Gender Unit. The evaluation was informed by qualitative interviews and an extensive desk review of relevant documents produced by UNTAET, UNMISET, the multi- and bi-lateral agencies, the Government and NGOs.

Evaluation of Gender Mainstreaming Work and impact of United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
Department of Peacekeeping Operations April 2006
This report is an evaluation of UNAMSIL's gender mainstreaming work and impact. It is based on qualitative and quantitative data and insights, generated (October and November 2005) from face-to-face interviews of a sample of UNAMSIL staff, local stakeholders as well as representatives of other UN bodies, in addition to desk research.

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For PeaceWomen's Peacekeeping Watch index, visit: http://www.peacewomen.org/un/pkwatch/pkwatch.html

For more gender and peacekeeping news, visit PeaceWomen's Gender and Peacekeeping News Index:

http://www.peacewomen.org/un/pkwatch/pknews.html

9. NGOWG UPDATE

New Report: SCR 1325 and the Peacebuilding Commission

The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security has released a 6 Years On Report on SCR 1325 and the Peacebuilding Commission. The report examines the recent establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission (a body intended to advise and propose integrated peacebuilding, development and reconstruction strategies for countries emerging from violent conflict), its structure, mandate and obligation to implement SCR 1325 in the achievement of durable peace and development.

For the full report please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/un/6thAnniversary/Reports_Events/NGOWG_Report.pdf

To be mailed a copy of the report, please send an e-mail to Info@womenpeacesecurty.org.

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The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security (NGOWG) was established in May 2000 to call for a United Nations Security Council resolution on women, peace and security. Following the unanimous adoption of resolution 1325 in October 2000, the group began the difficult work of pressing for its full implementation. The NGOWG currently consists of Amnesty International, Femmes Africa Solidarité, Gender and Security International Research Network, Hague Appeal for Peace, International Alert, International Women's Tribune Center, Women's Action for New Directions, the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children, Women's Division of General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church, Women's Environment and Development Organization, and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

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For more information about the NGOWG, CLICK HERE.

Uganda Civil Society Women's Peace Coalition: A Voice for Women in Juba Peace Negotiations

In an unprecedented move for organizations in Uganda and under the guidance of SCR 1325 and the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (2004), five women's organizations with UNIFEM's support and under the leadership of the Uganda Women's Network (UWONET) came together as a Civil Society Women's Peace Coalition to jointly advocate for increased visibility and voice for women in the peace negotiations taking place in Juba. Between July and October 2006, the women's movement began to mobilize in solidarity with the women of northern Uganda, working to build national momentum for peace. Three themes have featured prominently in this area: consultations with the women of northern Uganda to gather their views on the ongoing peace talks and the substantive issues contained therein, how conflict has impacted them as women, and how they see themselves contributing to peacebuilding. Substantial advocacy is currently underway to build national-level momentum to support women's engagement at the peace table.

Among the activities undertaken were the arrival of a Women's Peace Torch in Uganda, and the organization of a Women's Peace Caravan to carry the Torch from Kampala to Juba. The Women's Peace Torch arrived in Kampala on October 27th for the launch of the Women's Peace Caravan, demonstrating regional and global solidarity for peace in Uganda. The Torch traveled to more than 10 countries in preparation for the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa in 2003 with the message that “there is no sustainable development without peace”, to DRC during the review of the Dakar Platform for Action. Finally, the Women' Peace Torch returned to Uganda in 2006 to light the path of enduring peace.

The Women's Peace Torch was brought to Uganda by women leaders from Kenya and Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, Regional Programme Director of the East and Horn of Africa office of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). At the launch of the Women's Peace Caravan the Torch was lit by women leader and presented to the Honorable Minister of State for Gender Honorable Lukia Nakadama then entrusted to the Parliament of Uganda. The momentous handover took place following a march through the streets of Kampala to the steps of Parliament. It was there that Uganda civil society and the Kenyan delegation were received by the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), the Deputy Speaker Honorable Rebecca Kadaga and the Speaker Honorable Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. Following a moving statement from UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Honorable Phoebe Asiyo the Torch was placed in the lobby of Parliament with a solidarity book for signatures of all those committed to calling for peace in Uganda.

The Peace Torch began a 5-day journey of solidarity to Juba on Wednesday November 8th with the Civil Society Women's Peace Coalition and members of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), crossing Uganda from Kampala to Kitgum to show solidarity for peace in Uganda under the theme “Women of Uganda Want Peace and Peace Needs Women.”

The Caravan will include stopovers in Luwero, Bweyale, and Gulu, and will involve communities from Lira, Soroti, Yumbe and Kasese. The Caravan will culminate in Kitgum for a one-day Women's Peace Camp involving members of all the communities the Caravan has passed trough.

For more detail about recent UNIFEM activities in Uganda, see:
http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=530

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UNIFEM's Web Portal on Women, Peace and Security, CLICK HERE

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
25 November- 10 December 2006, Center for Women's Global Leadership

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Center for Women's Global Leadership in 1991. Participants chose the dates, November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women and December 10, International Human Rights Day, in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasize that such violence is a violation of human rights.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.cwgl.rutgers.edu/16days/home.html

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Claiming Our Rights, Defending Our Future, Celebrating 16 Years of 16 Days of Activism
December 07, 2006, Church Center at the UN, New York
Center for Women's Global Leadership joins women's rights activists throughout the world in marking the 16th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign, which runs from 25 Nove mber to 10 December. The theme of this year's 16 Days Campaign is Advance Human Rights End Violence Against Women.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/frame/calendar/fliers/Draft16DaysSavetheDate06...

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Women's Voices Illuminating Cultures in Conflict
November 28, 2006, New York State Writers Institute, Albany, New York.
A series of readings and discussions at the University at Albany. Yvette Christianse, South African novelist and poet, will read from her epic novel about slavery in Africa, "Unconfessed" (2006), on Tuesday, November 28. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.eisinc.com/release/storiesh/WRINST.607.html

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UN Documentary Film Festival
December 2, 2006, National Film Theatre, London, U.K.
United Nations Association - Westminster
The U.K's first ever UN Documentary Film Festival to be screened at an all-day marathon. Winners from the second New York UN Documentary Film Festival "Stories from the Field" will be screened.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.unawestminster.org.uk/

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Peacekeeping, Reconstruction and Stability Operations 2006
4-6 December 2006, International Quality & Productivity Center, Brussels, Belgium
The focus of this conference will be on peace support, developmental, humanitarian and civilian peacekeeping, peacebuilding operations, civil military integration, safety and security issues from a defence and a humanitarian perspective. IQPC's Peacekeeping Conference will bring together national parliaments from European, African and US countries, representatives of governments, and the military from all three continents and international and non-governmental organisations. The conference will provide an opportunity for detailed discussion of past and present joint operations and coherent integration in Africa.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.defenceiq.co.za/cgi-bin/templates/genevent.html?topic=228&eve...

To Download information, please visit:
http://www.peacewomen.org/frame/calendar/Peacekeeping.pdf

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Whither GAD? Gender and Development in a New Age of International Security
5 December 2006, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Joint Chair in Women's Studies for Carleton University and the University of Ottawa (JCWS) and The Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID) are organizing a one-day symposium which will explore the growing linkages between national security concerns and foreign aid spending, from the perspective of the impact on women in developing countries.

Abstracts of up to 200 words are invited from interested speakers. These should be sent to Hélène Boudreault, hboudre@uottawa.ca, by October 15, 2006.

Editorial:

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As always we welcome your contributions to the newsletter's content. Contributions for the December edition, which will focus on violence against women, should be sent to

enewssubmissions@peacewomen.org

by Thursday 7 December 2006.