Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s report on women, peace and security, discussed in the Security Council, says gender perspectives are not systematically included in the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of peace and security work. Although women can play a vital role in identifying and defusing tensions, they remain vastly excluded from participating in formal peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction, and continue to suffer physical and sexual violence during war. The report has been issued to measure the progress achieved since the Council adopted a resolution in 2000 calling for women to have equal participation in peace processes and underscored the violence women and girls experience during conflicts.
Mr. Annan says that there has been a collective failure to prevent gender-based violence and violations of international human rights, criminal and humanitarian law. The report found both state military organizations and rebel groups responsible for violations.
The Secretary-General’s report points to some positive signs in the four years since the passage of the Council resolution, including a greater global understanding of the specific impact of war on women and girls and the important role that women can play in resolving conflicts and re-establishing peace. Additionally, the UN and many Member States have initiated action to improve the gender balance in peacekeeping missions and to ensure that peacekeepers are trained on the protection of women.
Compiled from: “Women still excluded from peace table despite their pivotal role, says Annan,” UN News Centre, 28 October 2004.
Report of the General Secretary, Women and peace and security, S/2004/814, 13 October 2004.