Action plan aims to help women in conflict countries
Mary Robinson - plan launch
The Government has launched a new national action plan to tackle violence against women in countries affected by conflict.
The plan comes 11 years after UN Resolution 13-25 on gender equality and women's human rights.
It says our Garda and defence forces serving abroad should be utilised more in helping women in conflict situations.
“For too long, the rights of women and girls affected by conflict have been ignored by the international community," said Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore who launched the plan today with former President and UN Human Rights High Commissioner Mary Robinson.
"Today, I commit Ireland to championing the cause of these women and I will ensure that their voices are heard."
The plan sets out how Ireland will promote the objectives of Resolution 1325, which calls for an increase in the participation of women in peace processes, the protection of women and girls in armed conflict, and recognition of the link between conflict and gender-based violence.
It was drawn up following extensive consultations with women’s groups, government departments and academia, carried out by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Ireland joins an increasing number of countries choosing to launch national plans in relation to implementation of Resolution 1325, including the UK, Norway and the Netherlands.
"We're not leaders in being the very first," said Mrs Robinson, who said it was more important to have a good national action plan on the issue.
"That was worth waiting for," she said. "I am really very happy that we have got to this stage."
The National Action Plan was launched during the annual seminar of the Irish Joint Consortium on Gender -Based Violence.
