Analysis: US Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

***This following statement is based on feminist - peace activist analysis from Cora Weiss (New York):

Given that the proposed focus of the Pacific Regional Action Plan has a specific focus on Participation and Preventive Action (complimenting the work of the PIFS Reference Group on SGBV), the Pacific Media and Advocacy network on UNSCR1325 welcomes the news that the USA National Action Plan, grounded in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 has 2 sections dedicated to women's participation in conflict prevention.

As members of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, we believe it is essential that more resources are invested in redefining development strategies and diverting funds from military spending to enhancing human security - health, food, economic, political and community security.

Preventive action is also included in the preamble: "...the course the government will take to advance women's inclusion in peace negotiations, peacebuilding activities, and conflict prevention; to protect women from sexual and gender based violence, to ensure equal access to relief and recovery assistance in areas of conflict and insecurity".

This clearly identifies the intersectionality of the three pillars of UNSCR1325 - Participation, Prevention and Peace-support (Peacekeeping and Humanitarian assistance).

However to advance a demilitarization approach which many peace activists believe as critical in order to reduce/eliminate weapons and arms trafficking we note that the National Action Plan does not link or support the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) currently under discussion at the UN.
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Sharon Bhagwan Rolls
Executive Director
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ENDS