UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security

The CRU is leading the development of Ireland’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325.  The National Action Plan is being developed in cooperation with relevant divisions of the Department of Foreign Affairs (particularly Irish Aid), and other government departments. It is also envisaged that there will be a consultation process with relevant civil society organisations.

Ireland is also engaging in a cross-learning initiative on Resolution 1325 between Liberia, Timor Leste and Northern Ireland. The cross-learning process is designed to inform the development of Ireland’s National Action Plan and to facilitate the sharing of experiences between women in conflict-affected areas.

An initial meeting between representatives from Northern Ireland, Liberia and Timor-Leste was held in Dublin in November 2008, and officials from the CRU have held further meetings in Liberia and Timor-Leste in early 2009.

A further meeting was held in July 2009, which included representatives from the governments, parliaments, and civil society organisations of Northern Ireland, Liberia and Timor-Leste. Specific models and experiences were shared and recommendations were developed for the UN. Follow-up meetings will continue in 2009 and 2010.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs recently appointed Dame Nuala O’ Loan as Ireland’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. Special Envoy O’ Loan will lead the cross-learning initiative.

The CRU also funded the research and publication of a chapter on Gender and Security Sector Reform as a supplement to the OECD DAC Handbook on SSR: Supporting Security and Justice.