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FORWARD AND INTRODUCTION

Twenty-two years ago, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000) based on the recognition that peace and security are not achievable without the active and meaningful participation of women. Despite the passage of nine subsequent resolutions and advances in related policy and practiceall of which together comprise the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda too few women are represented in peace and security decision making. Instead, global security has deteriorated, precipitating a dramatic escalation of military expenditure. At the same time, womens peacebuilding efforts continue to be underfunded and undermined. The realization of peace and security remains distant for far too many. This report highlights areas of notable concern and of progress since that landmark resolution.

Reports of sexual violence are increasing in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Millions of civilians, mostly women, children and older persons, have fled their homes. In Afghanistan, womens rights have been deconstructed by the Taliban and women are painfully absent from public spaces. Across the world, the climate emergency continues to destabilize communities. While there is progress in some countries, in many others, womens rights are being undermined. Cumulatively, this is posing unprecedented challenges to global peace and security. These are challenges that the WPS agenda is uniquely suited to solve. Women peacebuilders are meeting these challenges head on. Despite a lack of funding and other support and, in many cases, at great personal risk, they continue to mobilize constituencies for peace, hold decision-makers accountable, mediate conflict and successfully stand up for human rights

In Colombia, the recently released report by the Truth Commission underscored the grave human rights violations that women experienced during the long years of conflict there. Women activists tireless advocacy and community mobilization have now been validated by the Government, which has committed to implementing the reports recommendations. In Ukraine, UN Womens recent rapid assessment highlighted the many women-focused civil society organizations on the frontlines that serve people even as conflict rages. In every crisis, from the Sahel to Ethiopia to Syria and Haiti and more, we must support such women leaders. We must listen to and respond to their many urgent needs, such as for funding and for a meaningful role in decision-making, whether in relation to humanitarian relief, peace talks or reconstruction plans. The progress to date that this report records is most welcome. However, in the context of the current challenges, we are all impatient for accelerated progress. We need ambitious and strategic responses that close the gender gap and move us towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

I therefore ask that all of us in the multilateral system defend our shared values and commitments with the same determination as has been demonstrated by the womens movement. In honouring womens central roles in finding peaceful solutions, we will foster and benefit from societies that are more just, inclusive and durable. Only these can stop the drivers of conflict and shape a new history, one not of constant crises but of lasting peace.

Executive Director

Ms Sima Bahous

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Women, Peace and Security Annual Report 2020 - 2021 - Afghanistan - ReliefWeb