Implementation of the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in the Arab States

The United Nations Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security was adopted on 31 October 2000 (S/RES/1325). Participation is one of the four pillars of the UNSCR, stressing the importance of women’s equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. Comparative studies from across regions show that women’s decision-making power with regard to peace and conflict impact the likelihood of war. 

Since the Arab uprisings, a number of countries in the region have experienced heightened political unrest and unprecedented violent struggles, with women and girls bearing the heaviest brunt of the systematic violence committed in conflict areas. 

A 2013 UN Women reportfound “a lack of policies and actions” aimed at reducing the impact of armed conflicts on women, and little enforcement, monitoring or reporting on the relevant provisions of UNSCR 1325 among countries in the Arab region.

The e-Discussion will remain open over a period of 5 weeks (10 December 2015 – 24 January 2016). iKNOW Politics structured this e-Discussion along three main blocks, as shown below. Each block consists of a related set of questions. Respondents are invited to send contributions to as many questions as they see fit throughout the duration of this e-Discussion. 

Please click here to read the full concept note of this e-Discussion.

Access the Consolidated Reply here and the full report following this link.

QUESTIONS 

1. ADVANCING THE WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA (WPS)                             

- To what extent has UNSCR 1325 been implemented across the Arab States? What are the main implementation gaps and challenges?

-What progress has been made in promoting women’s leadership and participation at all levels in the implementation of UNSCR 1325?  What are the main limitations preventing women from having a greater role? 

-What are the most effective mechanisms and structures within Parliaments to advance the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (e.g. caucuses)? 

2. STRATEGIES AND MONITORING                                    

-Are there particular budgetary constraints related to the WPS? What mechanisms are in place to allocate budget to the WPS agenda? 

-What accountability mechanisms need to be developed to ensure monitoring and reporting on UNSCR 1325?

- National Plans of Action (NPAs): what good practices exist in the Arab States and beyond and what is the role of parliaments in calling for NPAs through their oversight function? 

 3. PARTNERSHIPS AND CAPACITY BUILDING

- What role do civil society and women's organizations play in the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and how can Parliamentarians cooperate with these stakeholders? Please share concrete examples. 

- What type of capacity-building efforts are effective and which venues/formats are best to enhance cross-regional learning and exchanges of best practices?

- Are there topics that need particular attention and capacity building in light of the recent conflicts (i.e. refugee crisis, increased radicalization and extremisms)? Are there any example already available? 

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