Statement of the African Union

In the same context as this debate, last Thursday the African Union Commission held its annual open meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on the status of women and children in conflict, under the theme “the role of the media in enhancing accountability on women, peace and security commitments in Africa”.

On the margins of the twenty-seventh African Union Summit, held in Kigali in July, the African Union launched the first report on the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda in Africa. That was primarily the result of consultative meetings with AU States members and regional economic communities that have developed national action plans for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). So far, 19 countries and two regional economic communities in Africa have developed action plans.

 The third effort involves mobilizing and supporting member States and regional economic communities to develop action plans on the women and peace and security agenda. The Republic of Namibia and the Southern African Development Community region are presently undergoing the process, with the support of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.