National Action Plan in the works to increase role of women in conflict situations

A preliminary draft has been completed of the island’s first ever National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of UN resolution 1325, entitled ‘Women, Peace and Security’, which reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

A month-long broad public consultation for feedback on the draft of the NAP, which will be in force for the 2020-2024 period, was launched on Wednesday by the Government’s Institution for Gender Equality.

An English language version of the draft has been uploaded onto the Institution’s website, www.institutionforgenderequality.gov.cy. Suggestions and opinions on the text can be sent via email to asavva@presidency.gov.cy, by March 5 at the latest.

A Committee for the Observation and Evaluation of the NAP will also be established by the Institution of Gender Equality, with an advisory role in view of the implementation of the Resolution.

The Government’s move to implement an NAP on Resolution 1325 constitutes “an important milestone”, the Institution for Gender Equality said, as it is the first time that the UN Security Council focuses exclusively on women and acknowledges the effects of warfare on the female population, as well as their vital role in peace-building and peacekeeping.

According to the draft, “In most cases, women were not involved in inciting historical conflicts, yet they have suffered and continue to experience the most devastating consequences following these conflicts. Women have also undertaken the burden to restore social communities and societies after conflict.”

As a country that has seen its fair share of conflict, the NAP set to be implemented by the Cyprus government could prove crucial in for the way forward in the enduring conflict that perpetuates the island’s division.

The NAP draft lists the set of actions and policies that Cyprus has already taken in line with the Resolution, as well as additional actions in view of full compliance.

Resolution 1325 was adopted unanimously by the UN in 2000 with the aim of enhancing the participation of women in creating and maintaining peace at local, national and international level.