OPEN LETTER TO MEMBER STATES OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL Re: Res 1960
7 January 2011
Subject: UNSCR 1960 and the need for focus on full implementation of UNSCR 1325
Excellency,
In October 2010 the world observed the 10th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 on Women and Peace and Security. An unprecedented number of member-states spoke in the Security Council, the majority declaring their commitment to ensuring the equal and effective participation of women in decision making for the prevention and resolution of wars and violence. Civil society also strongly reaffirmed its determination to realize in the coming years the enormous potential of that resolution in this regard.
We believe it is essential to ensure that regular consultations are undertaken with women’s civil society organizations. The implementation of UNSCR 1325 as well as of any subsequent resolutions relating to women and peace and security will only be effective through involvement of women and civil society organizations.
In that context, we are concerned that women’s right to full participation in all matters of peace and security is being overlooked as women are increasingly being seen and treated mostly as passive victims of violence and abuse. We call for women’s full equality and participation at all levels of decision making as envisaged in UNSCR 1325.
Also, as we enthusiastically welcome the establishment of UN Women, we call upon this new entity to include the full implementation of UNSCR 1325, including its financing and accountability mechanisms, as one of its top priorities. We also note with great satisfaction the appointment of SRSG Margot Wallström who has brought a passionate concern for the plight of women in times of conflict.
Rape is the worst crime that women or men can endure and survive. The trauma lasts a lifetime and has ripple consequences of ostracism from family and community as well as physical damage. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) calls rape during war a crime against humanity. It is at once a crime and a symbol of the continued objectification of women and the denial of the power and agency recognized in UNSCR 1325.
The process of the recent adoption of UNSCR 1960 sponsored by governments without consultation with women on the ground is a case in point. It speaks only of women as victims of sexual abuse during violent conflict and does not mention that if women were recognized as participants in decision making they would be less vulnerable to attack. If governments would involve more women and worked harder to prevent wars there would be less sexual abuse. If small arms were regulated and reduced by involving women in the decision making there would be less sexual violence. If the UN leadership and its member states involved women more systematically in conflict prevention and resolution – the real focus of 1325 – there would be a marked improvement in peace and security for everyone.
These issues of women’s participation, of prevention of violence and reduction of weapons cannot be left out of any resolution on women and peace and security. Reference to the full implementation of UNSCR 1325 must be substantively integral to any subsequent resolutions of the Security Council on women, not just a passing reference in preambular paragraphs to this foundational and fundamental document.
We cannot pluck rape out of war for our attention and let the war go on. We must be passionate about preventing and stopping wars, and about recognizing the equal right of women to seats at all tables where decisions are made. Rape will be reduced when violence is reduced and when women are taken more seriously and treated equally in all decisions on the fate of humanity.
If UN member states, particularly those represented in the Security Council, are serious about their commitments to women’s equality and to stopping rape and violence, they would individually and collectively ensure outreach to women and their full participation at all decision making levels in all arenas where issues of peace and security are being decided.
We thank you for your kind attention to these views with regard to your work on women and peace and security. We are willing to meet with you and discuss future course of action on this issue.
Sincerely,
- Naraghi Anderlni, Sanam; International Civil society Action Network
- Aas, Sidsel; Women, Peace and Security consultant/researcher – Norway
- A Brown
- Action Network for Migrant Workers – Sri Lanka
- Adamson, Lyn; Canadian Voice of Women for Peace
- Adda-Dontoh, Becky; Mothers for Active Non-Violence – Ghana
- Akibayashi, Kozue; Feminist Scholar/Activist Network on Demilitarization
- Alkhafaji, Layla; Al-Hakim Foundation – Iraq
- All Women Advancement and Resource Development – Pakistan
- Alton, Janis; Canadian Voice of Women for Peace
- Alzira, Reis; Fundasaun Alola – Timor Leste
- Amelia Cooper
- Anglican Women’s Empowerment – USA
- Anne Koop
- Anne Nasimiyu
- Anglican Women’s Empowerment – USA
- Akibayashi, Kozue; Feminist Scholar/Activist Network on Demilitarization
- Alton, Janis; Canadian Voice of Women for Peace
- All Women Advancement and Resource Development – Pakistan
- Ardith Toogood
- Barbara Case
- Basnet, Babita; Sancharika Samuha – Nepal
- Bhagwan Rolls, Sharon; femLINKPACIFIC – Fiji/Pacific; International Steering Group, Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict
- Biola Aelianula
- Bitsure, Jeanne; Women Peacemakers Programme, Women and Allies Peacebuilders Network – Burundi
- Breyer, Chloe; Rev. Interfaith Center of New York
- Bruce Knotts (Unitarian Universalist)
- Busran-Lao, Yasmin; Nisa Ul-Haqq Fi Bangsamoro – the Philippines
- Caley Donovan
- Carrie Diath Littauer
- Celine Pavamunda
- Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation – Malawi
- Chishti, Maliha Prof.; Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada
- Chowdhury, Anwarul; Ambassador, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and President of the Security Council (March 2000 & June 2001)
- Connie Gates
- Dharmadasa, Visaka; Association of War Affected Women – Sri Lanka
- Dominique Boutin
- van Doggenaar, Jan; ICCO and Kerk in Actie – the Netherlands
- van Lookeren, Annick; Campagne/Oxfam Novib – the Netherlands
- Dr. Kelley Ready Bravidees
- Dwyer, Tatiana; Global Justice Office, Women’s Division, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church
- Dzathor, Euphemia Akos; Women Peacemakers Program-Africa
- Edgren-Schori, Maud; Former Gender Advisor in Côte d´Ivoire
- Elisabeth K Shuman
- Feminist International Radio Endeavour (FIRE) – Costa Rica
- Fountain-ISOKO for Good Governance and the Integrated Development – Burundi
- Fone, Wenche; Norwegian Church Aid
- Fredrick Gilbert
- Friends of the Ghandi Museum; India
- Garlo, Cerue Konah, Liberia
- Gautam, Shobha; Institute of Human Rights Communication and National Women Security Watch Group – Nepal
- Geraldine Macdonald
- Guerrero, Patricia; Liga de Mujeres Desplazadas – Colombia
- Grönberg, Helena; Global Network of Women Peacebuilders
- Hans, Asha; Sansristi Center for Gender Development – India
- Hara, Hiroko; Japan Women’s Watch, Asia Pacific Women’s Watch
- Hilary Ratcliffe
- Holter, Thora; Norwegian Church Aid
- IFOR Women Peacemakers Program – the Netherlands
- International Action Network on Small Arms
- International Peace Bureau
- Jean Philippe MacKay
- Jenkins Tony; International Institute of Peace Education
- Joann Flora
- Joanne Robinson
- Judy Lermer (Peace Action)
- Kanyange, Perpetue; Centre Des Femmes Pour La Paix – Burundi
- Kari Fasting
- Korir, Selline; Rural Women Peace Link – Kenya
- Kottegoda, Sepali; Asia Pacific Women’s Watch
- Kumasi Leena
- Lauzon-Gatmaytan, Carmen; Asian Circle 1325 – Philippines
- Leanne Barrineau
- Lewis, Adjo; Mothers for Active Non-Violence (MOFAN-V) – Ghana
- Linda Belle
- Linda Nagan
- Lira Rural Women & Children Development Initiative Transit Shelter (LIRWOCDI) – Uganda
- Llarinas-Angeles, Merci; Peace Women Partners – the Philippines
- Luna Lee
- Lynch Jake; International Peace Research Association
- MacNichol, Sally N. Rev. Dr.; CONNECT, New York City
- Margaret Cook
- Margaret Houdijk
- Marge Christie
- Matriano, Estela; World Council for Curriculum and Instruction
- Mazali, Rela; Activist and Feminist Writer – Israel
- McPhedran, Marilou; Institute for International Women’s Rights
- Mertin-Ryan, Mary; CEO, and Australian Reproductive Health Alliance
- Mesa, Manuela; centro de education e investigacion para la paz – Spain
- Melkonian, Margaret; LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives – USA
- Michelle Briqnane
- Milner, Michele; University of Central Lancaster – UK/China
- Monica Willard
- Mwakasungula, Undule; Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation – Malawi
- Nakamura, Mitchiko; Japan Women’s Watch, Asia Pacific Women’s Watch
- Nario–Galace, Jasmin; Center for Peace Education, Miriam College – Philippines
- National Ethical Service of the American Ethical Union – USA
- Nazim, Afifa; Afghan Women’s Network
- Nduwayo, Gerard; International Consultant on UNSCR 1325 – Burundi and Great Lakes Region
- Ngwimeya Viviane
- Nkuuhe, Jessica B.; Urgent Action Fund – Africa
- Nyanzobe, Seconde; Fountain ISOKO for Good Governance and Integrated Development – Burundi
- Observatorio Género Democracia y Derechos Humanos – Colombia
- O’Dwyer, Barbara; WILPF – Australia
- Okioma, Mary; Women for Justice in Africa – Kenya
- Peace Women Across the Globe
- Perera, Viola; Women’s Media Collective – Sri Lanka
- Pratt, Nana; National Organization of Women, Mano River Women’s Peace Network – Sierra Leone
- Price, Lisa S; Independent researcher/writer
- Rana, Bandana; Saathi – Nepal
- Randell, Shirley; Centre for Gender, Culture and Development – Rwanda
- Rasul, Amina; Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy
- Reardon, Betty; International Institute of Peace Education
- Red Latino Americana y del Caribe para la Democracia – Colombia
- Reyes, Joeven; Sulong CARHRIHL – the Philippines
- Rev’d Rose; Mission of the Episcopal Church – United States
- Rev. Patricia Ackerman
- Rose Dyson
- Rubimbwa, Robinah; Center for Women in Governance – Uganda
- Rwanda Association of University Women
- Salamanca, Rosa Emilia; Corporación de Investigación y Acción Social y Económica – Colombia
- Samuel, Kumudini; Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era
- Sharpe, Albie; Feminist Scholar/Activist Network on Demilitarization
- Schori, Pierre; Former Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UNOCI
- Shieh, Vincent; World Council for Curriculum and Instruction
- Sister Arnold Maria Noel; SSpS – the Philippines
- Shirley Kinoshita
- Sri Lanka Women’s NGO Forum
- Suralaga, Dewi; Cordaid – the Netherlands
- Tanada, Karen; Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute – the Philippines
- Theresa D. Yeh
- Teso Women Peace Activists – Uganda
- Toupin, Sophie; Center for Peace Missions and Humanitarian Studies at the Raoul Dandurand Chair of Strategic and Diplomatic Studies at the University of Quebec at Montreal
- Urgent Action Fund – Africa
- Voice of the Voiceless – Liberia
- Wajeeha Al-Bahavina
- Wenden, Anita; International Peace Research Association
- Weiss, Cora; Hague Appeal for Peace
- Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET) – Nigeria
- Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)
- Yiping, Cai; Isis International – Philippines
- Zawilski, Valerie; University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Zedriga, Lina; Women and Peace and Security Advocate; International Consultant for Kenya NAP on UNSCR 1325
(Organizations listed for identification only)
Copy to:
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Dr. Michelle Bachelet, Under Secretary-General, UN Women
Ms. Margot Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence
Mr. B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General, UN Department of Political Affairs
H.E. Mr. John McNee, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada in his capacity as the coordinator of the Friends of 1325 with the request to circulate the letter to all members of the group
