WPS Resolutions

About the Resolutions:
In response to the appalling situation for women in conflict, in conjunction with the persistent advocacy from civil society, the United Nations Security Council has, beginning in 2000, adopted five resolutions on “Women, Peace and Security.” These resolutions are: Security Council Resolutions 1325; 1820; 1888; 1889; and 1960.

Resolution 1325:
• The first resolution on Women, Peace and Security, it was unanimously adopted on 31 October 2000.
• Marked the first time the Security Council addressed the disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women
• Recognized the under-valued and under-utilized contributions women make to conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and peace-building.
• Stressed the importance of women’s equal and full participation as active agents in peace and security.

Resolution 1820:
• Adopted on 19 June 2008
• Recognizes sexual violence as a weapon and tactic of war.
• Notes that rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute a war crime, crime against humanity, or a constitutive act with respect to genocide

Resolution 1888:
• Adopted on 30 September 2009 to strengthen elements of the previously adopted resolutions.
• Reiterates that sexual violence exacerbates armed conflict and impedes international peace and security
• Calls for the appointment of a Special Representative on sexual violence in conflict and establishes Women Protection Advisors (WPAs) within peacekeeping missions
• Calls for a Team of Experts intended to rapidly deploy where there are cases of sexual violence.

Resolution 1889:
• Adopted on 5 October 2009
• Focused on post-conflict peacebuilding and on women’s participation in all stages of peace processes
• Calls for the development of indicators to measure the implementation of SCR 1325 both within the UN system and by Member States.

Resolution 1960:
• Adopted on 16 December 2010.
• Notes that sexual violence is rampant and systematic during times of war
• Creates institutional tools to combat impunity and outlines specific steps needed for both the prevention of and protection from sexual violence in conflict.
• Sets up a “naming and shaming” listing mechanism, sending a direct political message that there are consequences for sexual violence including: listing in Secretary-General’s annual reports, referrals to UN Sanctions Committees and to the ICC, international condemnation, and reparations.

It is clear from the Security Council’s political recognition of the Women, Peace and Security agenda that gender is indeed central to international peace and security. However, accountability, implementation and action on the ground remain seriously lacking.

The five resolutions should be taken together under a single umbrella, as they comprise the women, peace and security international policy framework. They guide work to promote and protect the rights of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. Additionally, as binding Security Council resolutions, they should be implemented by all Member States and relevant actors, including UN system entities and parties to conflict.