Response on the new draft of UNSCR 1820

In light of the upcoming UNSC meeting due to pass a new resolution related to the UNSCR 1820 on sexual violence in conflict, I would like to draw Your attention to a few aspects of great importance:

1. The crucial link between UNSCR 1820 and UNSCR 1325
While UNSCR 1820 brought up the importance of providing protection and combating impunity for sexual violence used as a weapon in conflict, it did not explicitly recognize the role of women’s agency for the success of such efforts. With more than 15 years of experience of cooperating with local women’s organisations in conflict-affected areas, we have seen that women’s participation must be at the core of any initiatives to combat sexualised violence against women. Therefore, it is critical that the new draft with its suggested new mechanisms specifically connect to the UNSCR 1325 with its emphasis on women’s agency and participation.

2. The participation of local women’s organisations in conflict areas
Women’s organisations in conflict areas have in-depth knowledge and can provide pivotal information and analyses on security threats and priorities of counter-measures. Official sources might not give the full picture. Therefore, it is of key importance that local women’s organisations are involved in peace negotiations and reconstruction efforts.

You will find enclosed 20 specific recommendations connecting women’s participation to successful peace negotiations aiming at stopping sexual violence. The recommendations were brought up in the UN Colloquium for Mediators and Experts 22-24 June in New York, and, was described as very useful by our interlocutors.
3. Special measures to support and protect women human rights defenders
Local women human rights activists are at the forefront of combating violence and play a crucial role in empowering women in their communities. According to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Ms Margaret Sekaggya, women activists are particularly vulnerable. They need increased support and political acknowledgement within the policy framework of UNSCR 1325 and 1820 including the upcoming measures.

I am looking forward to Your response and further contact on these issues.

Yours Sincerely,
Lena Ag
Secretary-General of The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation