National Action Plans for UNSCR 1325: Recent Developments
By Anna Warrington
UN Women Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Sunita Caminha speaking at the official launch of the NAP. (Photo: Media GPM 2016)
Every October, Member States are expected to strengthen their commitments to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, including by the launching and reviewing the implementation of the National Action Plans on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. However, this year only few countries have taken the opportunity to strengthen their calls for a holistic implementation of the WPS Agenda. At the annual UNSC Open Debate on WPS Kazakhstan, Czech Republic and Croatia committed to launching a NAP by the end of 2016, and Angola, Brazil, and Spain also stated that a NAP is being developed. Switzerland stated that they will be releasing a second NAP in 2017.
As one of only three countries in Southeast Asia to officially commit to the WPS Agenda, Timor Leste launched its National Action Plan (NAP) on 21 October 2016, right on time for the 16th Anniversary of the WPS Agenda. The NAP was approved by the National Council of Ministers in April of 2016 and its objectives correspond with the four pillars include: Participation, Prevention, Protection and Peacebuilding. The NAP was developed in consultations with civil society, including women's organisations and received financial and technical support from UN Women. An Independent Monitoring Committee (IMC) including members of the Parliament and NGO representatives will monitor the implementation of the Timor Leste NAP.
WILPF welcomes the recent developments with countries reaffirming their commitments to the WPS agenda through the development of new and revised NAPs dedicated to a holistic implementation of the WPS Agenda.
Find the press release presenting an official launch of the Timor Leste NAP here.