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Implementing Resolution 1325 in Liberia |
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After fourteen years of armed conflict in Liberia (1989-2003) has managed to establish a full functioning, democratic elected government that is highly committed to human development, equality, and sustainable peace. The only African nation that has a female head of state has proven its political will to move beyond and develop outstanding and gender friendly policies. Nonetheless, the country faces still the aftermaths of its civil conflict which resulted in atrocities such as systematic rape, recruitment of child soldiers, and the spreading of HIV and relies on the support of the international community.
In Liberia, during the conflict years, serious human rights abuses and war crimes were committed against civilians and especially against women and girls who constitute the major target of atrocities such as rape, other forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
The recovery from the armed conflict and violence experienced and the establishment on a society enjoying inclusive peace, human security and gender equality highly depends of the recognition of major challenges and the coordinated planning of activities and initiatives to respond to such. The following sections aim to outline in accordance with the three dimensions of Resolution 1325 the core gendered security issues and the existing initiatives and programmes in place. |
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Mrs. Munah Siel, Director of the Liberian National Police
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At International Women’s day and during the International Colloquium for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security, Liberia launches its National Action Plan on women, peace and security implementing UN Resolution 1325. This plan is unique due to its inclusive and participatory process, the joint effort made by the international community, civil society organizations and the Liberian government.
Beginning in August 2008, UN-INSTRAW and the Office of the Gender Advisor of the United Nations Missi
on to Liberia ( UNMIL-OGA) established an inter-agency team supporting the Liberian Ministry of Gender and Development and Development in order to lead the action planning process. A Steering Committee composed of representatives from other governmental institutions, UN agencies and civil society organizations was established in order to guide the drafting of the plan, which was also negotiated on an ongoing basis with community chiefs and organizations working outside Monrovia
The UN-INSTRAW project on the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in Liberia had the following objectives:
- To support the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in Liberia by generating a national action-planning process on women, peace and security issues.
- To conduct a women, peace and security baseline assessment of existing government initiatives, awareness and capacity that will serve as the basis for the action plan.
- To raise awareness among government policymakers and other relevant stakeholders on women, peace and security issues, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
- To build capacity on how to develop and implement a national action plan on women, peace and security in the context of Liberia.
Supporting documents and links:
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