[The Hague, 13 April 2013] The member countries of the European Centre of the International Council of Women (ECICW-CECIF), a pan-European umbrella organisation working within the framework of the International Council of Women and with participative status at the Council of Europe, during the General Assembly 12 – 14th April 2013 in The Hague, participated in a seminar organised by The Netherland’s National Council of Women, Defence Women’s Network and the Platform for Women and Sustainable Peace.
The title of the Seminar was ‘Women as Powerful Agents for Peace and Security’ and the central theme was the development of National Action Plans relative to UNSCR1325 which covers three interrelated themes:
- 1. participation of women at all levels of decision making in conflict resolutions and peace building.
- 2. protection of women’s and girls’ rights.
- 3. gender dimension of peace operations.
ECICW-CECIF examined these UNSCR1325 issues and expressed concern that more action should be taken by Governments
ECICW-CECIF calls upon all European Governments:
(i) to develop National Action Plans relating to the implementation of UNSCR 1325.
(ii) to stimulate co-operation between civil society, Government and knowledge institutions in work towards peace and reconciliation in conflict and post-conflict areas.
(iii) to exchange experiences and good practice between countries and other agents in the field.
(iv) to bear in mind the importance of involving women at all decision-making levels.
