Virtual Discussion on the Role of Armed Forces in Implementing UNSCR 1325

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and S ecurity (UNSCR 1325) waspassed In October 2000. It is one of the most important international mandates covering the full andequal participation of women in all peace and security initiatives, as well as the mainstreaming ofgender issues in the context of armed conflict, peacebuilding and reconstruction processes. October 31,2010 marks the 10thanniversary of UNSCR 1325. In the past ten years, a great deal of work has beendone on UNSCR 1325, including initiatives at the local level, at the national policy-making level (namelyin the form of National Action Plans), and at the international level. Many actors have been involved inpushing forward the women, peace and security agenda, including international organizations,government bodies, armed forces, civil society organizations, and academic and research institutions.UNSCR 1325 spells out different actions for various stakeholders in the implementation of theresolution, including the United Nations Secretary-General, all parties to armed conflict, and MemberStates.

UNSCR 1325 spells out particular elements for the role of the armed forces in theimplementation of UNSCR 1325 including national armed forces and peacekeeping personnel.

There has been increasing work done to integrate gender generally and UNSCR 1325 specifically into theguidelines and policies of the armed forces. Additional work has been done to integrate gender andUNSCR 1325 into the guidelines and work of UN peacekeeping missions. Nevertheless, challengesremain, including effectively addressing the different security needs of male and female citizens,preventing sexual exploitation and abuse by members of the armed forces, and creating positiveconditions of service for all members of the armed forces.

To highlight existing efforts and to strengthen the analysis and replication of good practices, UnitedNations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW, aspart of UN Women), the Swedish National Defence College, and the United Nations Department ofPeacekeeping Operations (DPKO) hosted a virtual dialogue from 3 August to 24 August to foster thedynamic exchange of experiences and information between armed forces personnel, civil society,peacekeeping personnel, academics, policymakers, and members of INGOs with expertise, workingexperience or a general interest in the role of the armed forces in implementing UNSCR 1325.

The virtual discussion aims to identify the concrete implementation actions that have been taken,including in recruitment policies, training, and how armed forces work to prevent and respond to sexualand gender -based violence. UN-INSTRAW, the Swedish National Defence College, and DPKO willfacilitate the virtual dialogue to identify how UNSCR 1325 has been implemented by the armed forces, including in countries with National Action Plans and those without such plans. The dialogue will alsoaim to identify gaps, challenges and recommendations in the implementation of UNSCR 1325 by thearmed forces.

During the three-week virtual discussion, 115 experts from around the world exchanged experiencesand discussed good and bad practices and recommendations for integrating UNSCR 1325 into thepolicies and practices of the armed forces. This summary highlights some of the main issues that wereaddressed by participants during the discussion. Additionally, this document contains a list of peoplewho registered for the dialogue and a list of resources mentioned