Mr. President,
The theme of this open debate, “Women, peace and security (WPS) in the next quarter-century: fulfilling the promise through implementation” is a grim testament to how often the hard-won norms of this agenda are discarded and violated on the ground.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) sees this too often in our operations around the world. In armed conflicts today:
- Women die giving birth.
- Girls are absent from schools at higher rates than boys. They are sold or forced into marriage as families make impossible choices to survive.
- Sexual violence remains endemic in conflict, disproportionately impacting women and girls.
- Women are likely to have fewer financial resources to cope with injury, property damage and loss of income. They are also less represented in decision-making regarding humanitarian assistance in conflict and in the peace processes that can lead warring parties out of conflict.
Mr. President,
The link between the WPS agenda and international humanitarian law (IHL) is both clear and necessary to fulfil their shared object and purpose: the protection of all victims of armed conflict.
The question should thus be, what actions can States take to strengthen implementation of both IHL and each of the ten UNSC resolutions on WPS?
The ICRC presents today two practical recommendations to fulfil the promise:
First, States can take steps to incorporate WPS-related IHL obligations into military doctrine and training.
IHL requires parties to armed conflict to reduce expected civilian harm, notably as part of the principles of proportionality and precautions. Expected civilian harm is more likely to be accurately assessed if considered with a gender perspective.
The ICRC encourages States to embed express gender requirements in doctrine, for example by incorporating gender analysis in the planning of military operations, including foreseeable gendered impacts when assessing likely civilian harm prior to an attack, and incorporating meaningful non-discrimination provisions in military manuals. We also recommend appointing well-placed military gender advisers and including IHL in WPS National Action Plans.
Second, all parties to armed conflict can act to address sexual violence in armed conflict.
Sexual violence is unequivocally prohibited yet continues across conflicts. Over the past decade, the ICRC has conducted operational research on what works for prevention. We have found that changing behavior hinges on whether training bridges the gap between what the law says and “why” it matters to fighters on the frontline.
We recommend scenario-based training of weapons bearers, which can equip forces and force commanders to prevent sexual violence, respond appropriately to disclosures, and to support victims / survivors. Commanders play a critical role in enforcing rules that prohibit sexual violence across their ranks.
Mr. President,
Across each continent, the ICRC observes militaries and armed groups dedicating human resources, budget lines and leadership to end gendered harm. But we are not there yet, and more needs to be done. Achieving equal protection for all civilians is a decision. The ICRC stands ready to support States in their implementation.
Thank you.
