Despite broad recognition of the human rights violations suffered by women in war as well as the importance of women’s equal participation in peace-building, a new U.N. study has found that women continue to be severely under-represented in efforts to end conflict around the world. The U.N. study, Preventing Conflict, Transforming Justice, and Securing the Peace, also found that few perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence have ever been prosecuted or convicted of a crime. The U.N. published the study to review the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, originally adopted in 2000.
Among other things, the study calls on the international community and member states to “end impunity” for violence and other crimes committed against women during conflict, to reduce women’s vulnerability to conflict-related violence, and to increase funding for programs that support women’s participation in peace-building. The study also recommends the establishment of a specific “tribunal” to review allegations of sexual misconduct by UN peacekeepers and staff.
Compiled From: Peacekeepers accused of sexual abuse should face tribunal, says UN study, The Guardian (October 14, 2015).