Monthly Action Points (MAP) for the Security Council: February 2010

Central African Republic / Chad

The forthcoming Humanitarian Situation Report on Chad and the Mission Report for the Central African Republic should provide analysis on the ongoing problems faced by the under-resourced MINURCAT mission. With women’s protection a key security issue for the mission, the levels of sexual violence – particularly in refugee camps – remains high. The reports should specify what action needs to be taken regarding women’s empowerment and protection.

The forthcoming Humanitarian Situation Report on Chad and the Mission Report for the Central African Republic should provide analysis on the ongoing problems faced by the under-resourced MINURCAT mission. With women’s protection a key security issue for the mission, the levels of sexual violence – particularly in refugee camps – remains high. The reports should specify what action needs to be taken regarding women’s empowerment and protection.

Darfur / Sudan

The next report on the UN Hybrid Operation mission in Darfur, UNAMID, should follow up on several outstanding requests from the Council, and on information requested in previous reports. In line with OP 14 of SCR 1881, the report should articulate a comprehensive strategy regarding sexual violence, including progress on the UNAMID workplan’s call to work with the security sector to improve its response to sexual and gender-based violence. Specifically, the next report should detail how and to what extent women – as recommended in SCR 1881 (OP 8) – have been consulted in the recent civil society consultation process called for in the most recent Secretary General’s report (S/2009/592). It should continue to report on concrete progress and remaining challenges faced by the Gender Crimes Special Investigation Unit; the re-opening of the women’s center in Abu Shouk; and the outcome of the human rights-monitoring mission.

The next report on the UN Hybrid Operation mission in Darfur, UNAMID, should follow up on several outstanding requests from the Council, and on information requested in previous reports. In line with OP 14 of SCR 1881, the report should articulate a comprehensive strategy regarding sexual violence, including progress on the UNAMID workplan’s call to work with the security sector to improve its response to sexual and gender-based violence. Specifically, the next report should detail how and to what extent women – as recommended in SCR 1881 (OP 8) – have been consulted in the recent civil society consultation process called for in the most recent Secretary General’s report (S/2009/592). It should continue to report on concrete progress and remaining challenges faced by the Gender Crimes Special Investigation Unit; the re-opening of the women’s center in Abu Shouk; and the outcome of the human rights-monitoring mission.

Guinea

The Security Council has received the report of the Commission of Inquiry regarding the violence on the 28th September, 2009. Action regarding Guinea must include accountability for crimes of international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of witnesses to these crimes and of human rights defenders. In addition, key actors in Guinea have signed a framework power-sharing agreement: women must be meaningfully included in future negotiations, and their rights and concerns included in any further agreements.

Iraq

The previous report from UNAMI, the UN mission in Iraq, only briefly mentioned women. The next report should provide information on: the challenges facing women in electoral processes, both as candidates and voters; progress made in ensuring better participation of Iraqi women in the peace process and national reconciliation efforts; the extent of gender based violence in Iraq and the specific protection interests of women, including UN efforts in providing technical support and expertise to the Iraqi government and civil society organizations on providing protection for women victims of violence, including sexual violence; the progress of UN support to the State Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and civil society organizations in the process of developing a “National Strategy for the Advancement of Iraqi women;” and progress made to enhance Iraqi women’s access to justice.

Liberia

In the next report on the UN mission in Liberia, UNMIL should provide information on its progress in sensitizing and develop the capacity of its personnel, the Government of Liberia and civil society with regard to issues of gender, sexual and gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation and abuse. The report should include the current status of human rights in Liberia, including the weakness of rule of law institutions, economic insecurity, and the continuing limited access to social services. Finally, the report should address progress and challenges in ensuring that the Liberian National Police Gender Unit receives ongoing adequate gender training, and adequate logistical and equipment support for the unit.

Timor-Leste

The forthcoming report on the UN mission in Timor-Leste, UNMIT, should more specifically detail actions being taken in compliance with SCR 1325 and 1820, including better training with respect to women’s rights and interests for the PNTL (police); and progress on gender mainstreaming. With discussions underway regarding the mandate renewal for UNMIT, the specific entry points for the Council on women, peace and security include:

  • Establishing a long-term comprehensive plan to end impunity, including: an international criminal tribunal with jurisdiction over all crimes committed in Timor-Leste between 1975 and 1999; capacity building in both Timor-Leste and Indonesia to reform their national justice systems and establish comprehensive strategies to end impunity for crimes not within the purview of the international criminal tribunal. Judicial redress should also include full and effective reparations for victims.
  • Strengthening the responsiveness of the security sector to women’s rights and interests, including through more effective disarmament efforts; supporting the Government’s effort to develop a national gender equality policy and strategy; and increasing the number of women officers in the national and UNMIT police.
  • Consider acting upon the recommendations contained in the Independent Comprehensive Needs Assessment of the Justice System of Timor-Leste (13 October 2009), including training for all justice personnel on sexual and gender based violence and specific facilities for forensic examination and evidence for this cases.

The forthcoming report on the UN mission in Timor-Leste, UNMIT, should more specifically detail actions being taken in compliance with SCR 1325 and 1820, including better training with respect to women’s rights and interests for the PNTL (police); and progress on gender mainstreaming. With discussions underway regarding the mandate renewal for UNMIT, the specific entry points for the Council on women, peace and security include:

  • Establishing a long-term comprehensive plan to end impunity, including: an international criminal tribunal with jurisdiction over all crimes committed in Timor-Leste between 1975 and 1999; capacity building in both Timor-Leste and Indonesia to reform their national justice systems and establish comprehensive strategies to end impunity for crimes not within the purview of the international criminal tribunal. Judicial redress should also include full and effective reparations for victims.
  • Strengthening the responsiveness of the security sector to women’s rights and interests, including through more effective disarmament efforts; supporting the Government’s effort to develop a national gender equality policy and strategy; and increasing the number of women officers in the national and UNMIT police.
  • Consider acting upon the recommendations contained in the Independent Comprehensive Needs Assessment of the Justice System of Timor-Leste (13 October 2009), including training for all justice personnel on sexual and gender based violence and specific facilities for forensic examination and evidence for this cases.

There are a number of Security Council requests regarding women, peace and security that are likely to appear on the agenda in February. With the expected appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) as requested in SCR 1888 (OP 4), the Security Council and Member States should ensure support for the office and staff of the SRSG; development of the Team of Experts; and the proposals to strengthen the UN response to sexual violence in conflict (1888 OP 8 and OP 26).