Guinea
The ongoing situation in Guinea should continue to be followed closely. In taking future action, the Security Council should:
- Ensure there is no impunity for perpetrators of the sexual violence and enslavement perpetrated in the events of 28th September, 2009. Concrete steps must be taken to guarantee that no such event recurs, and that there is absolute protection for human rights defenders, victims of SGBV and witnesses;
- Support steps to remove the climate of impunity for SGBV, including adherence to the women, peace and security provisions of the Guinean Penal Code, in addition to other instruments such as SCR 1325; and
- The upcoming second round of the presidential election offers opportunities to support the meaningful inclusion of women in the new government formed by the elected president; and ensure reform of the security sector to guarantee provision of security to women, especially through the reduction of threat of SGBV.
The ongoing situation in Guinea should continue to be followed closely. In taking future action, the Security Council should:
- Ensure there is no impunity for perpetrators of the sexual violence and enslavement perpetrated in the events of 28th September, 2009. Concrete steps must be taken to guarantee that no such event recurs, and that there is absolute protection for human rights defenders, victims of SGBV and witnesses;
- Support steps to remove the climate of impunity for SGBV, including adherence to the women, peace and security provisions of the Guinean Penal Code, in addition to other instruments such as SCR 1325; and
- The upcoming second round of the presidential election offers opportunities to support the meaningful inclusion of women in the new government formed by the elected president; and ensure reform of the security sector to guarantee provision of security to women, especially through the reduction of threat of SGBV.
Iraq
The previous report from UNAMI, the UN mission in Iraq, only briefly mentioned women and failed to recognize the situation of women on the ground, in which women are often subject to “honor” crimes; women’s personal freedoms are increasingly curtailed; and women and girls are trafficked for prostitution, both inside Iraq and to neighboring countries. Given the upcoming UNAMI mandate renewal, the next report should provide information on:
- 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;
- Extent of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) 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;
- 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.
The mandate renewal should include:
- Provisions for programs to protect women and girls from sexual violence;
- Women’s access to physical and mental health services;
- Women’s access to employment opportunities; provision of legal assistance to those who have experienced sexual violence;
- Appropriate training for police on violence against women; and
- Provision of sufficient support for women at risk of forced prostitution.
The previous report from UNAMI, the UN mission in Iraq, only briefly mentioned women and failed to recognize the situation of women on the ground, in which women are often subject to “honor” crimes; women’s personal freedoms are increasingly curtailed; and women and girls are trafficked for prostitution, both inside Iraq and to neighboring countries. Given the upcoming UNAMI mandate renewal, the next report should provide information on:
- 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;
- Extent of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) 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;
- 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.
The mandate renewal should include:
- Provisions for programs to protect women and girls from sexual violence;
- Women’s access to physical and mental health services;
- Women’s access to employment opportunities; provision of legal assistance to those who have experienced sexual violence;
- Appropriate training for police on violence against women; and
- Provision of sufficient support for women at risk of forced prostitution.
Kyrgyzstan
The ongoing crisis in Kyrgyzstan should be immediately addressed in order to prevent further widespread violence, including sexual violence, and address the ongoing internal displacement crisis. Human Rights Watch documented several instances of rape, and received credible information about the rapes of at least nine other women. The risk of further sexual violence, particularly for the ethnic Uzbek community, is a critical aspect of the security environment. Many women and children are severely traumatized and need access to medical assistance and psychological counseling. There is a need for an international inquiry into the recent violence, particularly in light of the potential risk the situation poses to international peace and security.
Lebanon
The previous report on UNIFIL, the UN interim force in Lebanon, did not address key women, peace and security issues, including reports of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel; any comprehensive gender-specific awareness training for peacekeepers and for national forces and police; and support for women’s involvement at all stages of peace processes in the region. In addition to including these issues, the forthcoming mandate renewal should also include an update on the landmine situation, as unexploded mines pose a significant risk to civilians, particularly women and girls. Although the most recent report addresses landmines and cluster bombs, no gendered aspect is included, and the mandate must address these concerns.
Liberia
Physical and sexual violence continue to be reported at alarmingly high levels in Liberia. The next report on UNMIL, the UN mission in Liberia, must contain information on the progress of the Liberian government’s GBV National Action Plan and whether prevention and response efforts have improved access to critical services, reduced impunity for these crimes, and improved women’s security. Furthermore, the report should indicate whether women have benefited from increased educational and economic opportunities as a means to reduce their vulnerability and ensure they benefit from peace. Additionally, the section of the report providing an overview economic situation should mention the unique aspects of the economic empowerment of adolescent girls. Member States should request information on this issue as it pertains to keeping young women from possibly having to engage in high risk activities to survive and provide for their families. It is important that the report cover these issues in light of UNMIL’s forthcoming mandate renewal, due in September.
In Presidential Statement PRST/2010/8, the Council indicated its intent to take action on the proposed indicators on SCR 1325 (as requested in OP17 of SCR 1889) on the 10th Anniversary of SCR 1325. The final set of indicators must be comprehensive and meaningful, and the Council must ensure it institutes an effective system of monitoring and implementation.