Gender & Conflict

Woman and Peace and Security

2007-10-04T06:36:00.000-01:00

Report of the Secretary-General

Published by: United Nations Security Council, 2007
Via: UNPulse

The Report of the Secretary-General on Women and peace and security is now available. The report provides an update on the implementation and integration of the UN System-wide Action Plan.

(http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N07/503/69/PDF/N0750369.pdf?OpenElement)

Race, Riches & Reporters - Do race and class impact media rape narratives?

2007-07-24T00:29:00.000-01:00

An analysis of the Duke Lacrosse case

By: Susan Hanely Kosse
Published in: Southern Illinois University Law Review, Winter 2007
Via: SSRN

Focusing on the Duke rape case as a case study, this Article analyzes magazine coverage using a labeling system from a previous study of media coverage of high profile rapes to determine whether race and class shape rape narratives. Part I of this Article is a brief background about narratives generally and their importance in the law. Part II summarizes the existing research on the topic of rape narratives and media coverage of these narratives. Part III analyzes the Duke case narratives and seeks to determine empirically whether race and class played a role in the exculpation or vilification of either party. The Article concludes by comparing the past studies of rape media coverage with this new data to provide insights and conclusions about media rape coverage today. (http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=968450)

Online discussion on elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child

2007-04-25T05:45:00.000-01:00

How can girls be protected from abuse? Contributions from an international online discussion

By: Schuepp, C
Published by: United Nations (UN) Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW), 2006
Via: Eldis

This report presents an overview of a four-week online discussion on the rights of the girl child, conducted in 2006, drawing heavily on direct quotes from participants’ contributions. The discussion covered three main topics, and concluded with the development of recommendations. The opening discussion addressed the issue of protection of the girl child and the situation facing girls in vulnerable situations, focusing on:

early marriage
female genital mutilation / cutting
female foeticide and infanticide
child labour, especially child domestic work
sexual abuse, especially of child domestic workers
girls in jail

The discussion on empowerment of the girl child addressed:

the centrality of girls’ education as a means to empower girls
changing social and community attitudes and behaviours
the positive and negative influence of the media

The final discussion topic, on monitoring progress, considered problems and practical solutions in collecting and comparing data relevant to girls. The concluding week of the online discussion developed recommendations. Key points were

the need to prevent abuses and discrimination against girls
the need for better cooperation between stakeholders
education of girls is essential, but so is education of society in general

The results of the online discussion will contribute to the Commission in the Status of Women in its deliberations on the priority theme, “The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child”, during its 51st session in 2007.

(http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/egm/elim-disc-viol-girlchild/
Online%20discussion%20report_Final.pdf)

Security equality, engendering peace: a guide to policy and planning on women, peace and security

2007-04-16T00:56:00.000-01:00

Creating action plans on women, peace and security

By: Valasek K & Nelson K
Published by: United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), 2006
Via: Eldis

In the realm of women’s rights and gender equality the commitments made at the international and national levels remain far from the day-to-day realities of women’s lives. This guide examines the formulation and implementation of concrete policies and plans. It specifically concentrates on the creation of action plans on the issue of women, peace and security (WPS). Designed as a resource for governments, United Nations and regional organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) the purpose of this guide is to help facilitate the development of realistic action plans on women, peace and security through the provision of good practices, specific recommendations and a six-step model process. Conclusions towards implementation include the importance of an inclusive, participatory process for drafting an action plan that includes clear objectives, initiatives, and accountability, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. In addition the guide points out the common challenges to the implementation of WPS plans and policies, including lacks of:

funding
political will
capacity
coordination
monitoring and evaluation

Therefore awareness raising, capacity-building, coordination, M&E and advocacy initiatives are essential for the successful implementation of WPS action plans.
(http://www.un-instraw.org/en/images/stories//1325guide-finalen.pdf)

The demobilisation and political participation of female fighters in Guatemala

2007-03-30T11:36:00.000-01:00

After the war: female ex combattants' political activities in Guatemala

By: Hauge, W
Published by: International Peace Research Institute, 2007
Via: Eldis

This report focuses on how the female fighters of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) in Guatemala fared in the demobilisation and reintegration process that began in 1997, and to what degree the women became socially and politically active afterwards. The study seeks to explain why there are quite varying levels of post conflict social and political activity among these women in 2006, ten years after the peace accord between the Guatemalan government and the URNG was signed.

(http://www.prio.no/files/file49399_hauge_mfa_female_fighters.doc)

Preventing and responding to gender-based violence in middle and low-income countries: a global review and analysis

2007-03-15T06:46:00.000-01:00

How can gender-based violence be stopped?

By: Bott S, Morrison A & Ellsberg M
Published by: World Bank, 2005
Via: Eldis

Worldwide, patterns of violence against women differ markedly from violence against men. This World Bank paper reviews what is known about more and less effective approaches to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The authors present definitions, recent statistics, health consequences, costs, and risk factors of gender-based violence. They analyse good practice initiatives in the justice, health, and education sectors, as well as multisectoral approaches. For each of these sectors, they examine initiatives that have addressed laws and policies, institutional reforms, community mobilisation, and individual behaviour change strategies. The paper identifies priorities for future research and action including:

funding research on the health and socioeconomic costs of violence against women
encouraging science-based program evaluations
disseminating evaluation results across countries
promoting investment in effective prevention and treatment initiatives
encouraging public-private partnerships

The authors point out that the best hope for reducing worldwide levels of violence against women is:

to mobilise all levels of society - from international donors and national governments, to grassroots women’s organisations, private firms and local governments and
to maintain a long-run commitment by all these actors to address gender-based violence as an impediment to economic development, a public health problem and a violation of fundamental human rights

(http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/IW3P/IB/2005/06/28/000112742_20050628084339/Rendered/PDF/wps3618.pdf)

The shame of war

2007-03-12T00:07:00.000-01:00

Sex violence against women and girls in conflict

By: Ward J, Horwood C, McEvoy C, Shipman P & Rumble L
Published by: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), March 2007
Via: IRIN

A reference book and photo essay of portraits and testimonies of the sexual violence women suffer when men go to war. It examines the scope and nature of this violence and looks at the different ways the international community is addressing sexual violence against women and girls during and after conflict

(http://www.irinnews.org/pdf/sow/IRIN-TheShameofWar-fullreport-Mar07.pdf)

United Nations Reform

2007-03-09T08:33:00.000-01:00

Improving peace operations by advancing the role of women

Published by: Stanley Foundation, November 2006
Via: Siyanda

In November 2006, over 75 experts gathered in New York and Washington to discuss barriers to women's advancement and consider concrete ways to improve the recruitment and selection of women for United Nations (UN) peace operations - as heads of mission, military personnel, civilian police, and international and national civilian staff. Their discussions revealed several trends. The UN is becoming more aware of the importance of gender balance in staffing. It also increasingly recognises the operational effectiveness of women, particularly in military and police roles in peace operations. At the same time, key policymakers and practitioners are often unwilling to act on such trends, given time constraints, the presence of competing priorities, and the hazardous environment of peacekeeping missions. In their recommendations, participants reiterated the importance of a gender perspective in peacekeeping. Experts expressed a need for more targeted recruitment of women, as well as networking opportunities for those currently serving in peace operations. Field postings should also be made more attractive to women, and their specific logistical needs must be part of mission design and operational activities to promote their full participation. (http://www.stanleyfoundation.org/publications/other/UN_Reform_Women1_07.pdf)

Has VAWA delivered on its promise to women?

2007-03-06T06:28:00.000-01:00

Special Report

Published by: Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting (RADAR), 2007
Via: Docuticker

Domestic violence laws such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) are not reducing abuse rates and may be placing women at greater risk of violence, according to a report released today. “Has VAWA Delivered on its Promises to Women?” reveals that partner homicides had already dropped 29% by 1994, the year that VAWA was enacted into law. After 2000, declines began to bottom out, according to Department of Justice statistics. Some VAWA-driven policies, such as mandatory arrest for restraining order violations, are seen as placing certain groups of women at greater risk of subsequent violence. “Get-tough domestic violence laws aren’t working the way persons had hoped,” notes RADAR spokesperson Lisa Scott. “In some areas, arrests of females have skyrocketed and 15% of restraining orders are taken out against women.”
(http://www.mediaradar.org/docs/VAWA-Has-It-Delivered-on-Its-Promises-to-Women.pdf)

Programming to address violence against women

2007-03-06T05:25:00.000-01:00

10 Case Studies

Published by: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 2007
Via: UNPulse

A study by the UNFPA shows that community-based interventions aimed at halting violence against women can yield significant results. Programming to address violence against women offers case studies to show how targeted and planned interventions can reduce gender-based violence. The 10 case studies include:

MAURITANIA: Midwives Call Attention to the Problem of Rape, and Imams Encourage Justice for its Victims
ROMANIA: Tackling Domestic Violence From Many Angles
SIERRA LEONE: Getting at the Roots of ‘Survival’ Sex
MOROCCO: Pulling Together to Protect Women’s Rights
COLOMBIA: Claiming the Right to Life and Health in a Region of Death
KENYA: Creating a Safe Haven, and a Better Future, for Maasai Girls Escaping Violence
TURKEY: Celebrities Kick Into Action to Curb Violence Against Women
MEXICO: Addressing Family and Sexual Violence Through Public Policy
BANGLADESH: Community Pressure Groups Challenge Age-old Views on Violence Against Women
GHANA: Liberating Slaves and Changing Minds, Starting at the Grass Roots

(http://www.unfpa.org/upload/lib_pub_file/678_filename_vaw.pdf)

The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child

2007-01-11T06:25:00.000-01:00

A Secretary-General report

Published by: United Nations (UN), 2006
Via: UNPulse

The Secretary-General's report on the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child (E/CN.6/2007/2) has been released. The report analyses the current situation of the girl child and proposes recommendations for consideration by the Commission. The Commission on the Status of Women is making this subject the priority theme for its 51st session which begins on 26 February. An online discussion on the girl child was held from 14 August to 8 September 2006, which was followed by an Expert Group Meeting. See the UNICEF Call to Action to end discrimination and violence against girls.

What happened to the women? Gender and reparations for human rights violations

2007-01-11T06:14:00.000-01:00

Human rights violations from a gender perspective

By: Rubio-Marín, R
Published by: Social Science Research Council (SSRC), USA , 2006
Via: Eldis

This online book chronicles human rights violations against women in the context of violent conflict, with a focus on what these crimes mean to the women themselves and what happens in their aftermath. A key subject covered in the book is that of reparations to women who have suffered, and a consideration of how these procedures can take into account the particular nature of violations suffered by women, while contributing to increasing women's status as equal citizens. The book comprises seven chapters, which are:

the gender of reparations: setting the agenda
evaluating the gender content of reparations: lessons from South Africa
Guatemala: gender and reparations for human rights violations
linking gender and reparations in Peru: a failed opportunity
women and reparations in Rwanda: a long path to travel
gender and reparations in Sierra Leone: the wounds of war remain open
learning to engender reparations in Timor-Leste: reaching out to female victims

Holliday Season!

2006-12-15T06:12:00.000-01:00

Dear Readers

Yet another year has flown by. And it was a busy year indeed! I am going to take a well-deserved break, and will start posting again at breakneck speed in the New Year.

I hope that Gender Focus and its sister blogs have been of some help to you, and will continue to do so in the future. So look forward to a bumper crop of posts early in January 2007, as I will endeavor to bring you all up to speed with what has been happening over the holiday season.

Have a great time, and a Happy New Year!

SCR 1325 and the Peacebuilding Commission

2006-12-06T05:03:00.000-01:00

Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security - Six years on report

Edited by: Torry G
Published by: NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security. October 2006
Via: International Alert

This report examines the process leading up to and the establishment of the PBC, along with a critical analysis of what this newly formed Commission means, not only for women and the implementation of SCR 1325, but for the coordination of policy and frameworks that will achieve durable peace and development in the countries where the Commission operates. It also considers key issues at stake in the implementation of SCR 1325 by the PBC such as gender-mainstreaming, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, displacement, women’s active participation in formal processes and the consequences of sexual and gender-based violence. Finally, the report makes recommendations to be urgently taken up by both the Peacebuilding Commission and advocates for gender justice and peace.

Reducing urban violence in developing countries

2006-12-05T05:23:00.000-01:00

A policy brief

Published by: The Brookings Institute, 2006
Via: Docuticker

This brief is informed by the findings from participatory urban appraisals of violence undertaken by the author in 1999 in eighteen poor urban communities in Colombia and Guatemala. These provide perception data from an extensive number of local women and men, girls and boys, whose daily lives are influenced by violence, insecurity, and fear. While participatory methodologies are now recognized as an important way of bringing the ‘voices of the poor’ to policymakers, to date they have focused on the problem of poverty. Thus this study pioneers a new violence-focused research methodology—first as a pilot project by the author in an earlier study of urban violence in Jamaica

A question of security: violence against Palestinian women and girls

2006-11-30T12:23:00.000-01:00

How can the Palestinian Authority improve the security of women and girls?

Published by: Human Rights Watch (HRW) , 2006
Via: Eldis

This report documents the problems of domestic violence against women and girls in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). The report finds that these girls and women are often victims of violence perpetrated by family members and intimate partners and indicates that the Palestinian Authority (PA) has taken little action to seriously address these abuses. Based on interviews and the other research described the report finds that two primary obstacles stand in the way of enhanced protection against domestic violence for Palestinian women and girls:

discriminatory laws that condone and perpetuate such violence
the virtual absence of institutionalised policies to prevent violence, assist victims, and hold perpetrators accountable

The report recommends the following:

the PA must commit, as a matter of urgent priority, to preventing violence against women and girls and pursuing these crimes through effective investigations and prosecutions
the PA should also train all government employees (including police officers, doctors, governors, and forensic experts) who come into contact with victims of physical and sexual violence on how to deal with such cases appropriately and establish clear and explicit guidelines of intervention in line with international standards
long-term work is needed to transform attitudes and beliefs about the acceptability of violence against women and girls, whether stemming from tribal customs or interpretations of religious norms, or other sources

Mairin iwanka raya: indigenous women stand against violence

2006-11-28T06:39:00.000-01:00

Realising the rights of Indigenous women

Published by: International Indigenous Womens Forum (FIMI) / Pan African Development Information System (PADIS) , 2006
Via: Eldis

Millions of indigenous women suffer violence in the name of tradition or as a consequence of neo-liberal economic reform. The rights framework, intended for their protection, is feeble. Persistent gaps between the global women's movement and the international Indigenous movement hamper its development. This report contributes to the advancement of a human rights debate capable of generating concrete, effective strategies to combat violence against Indigenous women. It focuses on particular contexts that give rise to such violence including migration, HIV/AIDS, armed conflict and domestic violence. Steps proposed in the report, for realising Indigenous women's right to a life free of violence include:

developing new concepts pertaining to human rights for indigenous women
strengthening indigenous women?s advocacy through education, data collection and public policy
promoting indigenous women?s leadership
advancing indigenous people?s rights

An extensive bibliography is provided along with a list of seminal documents on violence against indigenous women.

Zero tolerance: stop the violence against women and children, stop HIV/AIDS

2006-11-23T05:59:00.000-01:00

What is needed to break the link between HIV/AIDS and violence?

By: Schechtman L
Published by: Global AIDS Alliance , 2006
Via: Eldis

This document describes a framework for a comprehensive response to violence against women and children, including the resources that would be needed, political and financial, for full implementation. It discusses the various arenas and circumstances in which women and children are vulnerable to violence and to infection with HIV, using direct quotes and case studies of women and children’s experiences. It then discusses effective strategies and programmes that are needed to address violence in each situation, illustrating with the following case studies:

an holistic response to intimate partner violence in South Africa
successful legal reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo
innovative training on HIV/AIDS, sexual violence and the law in Rwanda
South Africa’s Thuthuzela care centres
engaging men and boys in Egypt to change gender norms
participatory video brings violence out of the shadows among Liberian refugees
raising awareness of Nicaraguan youth through creative media

The report also identifies six overarching areas where action is needed:

political commitment at the country, international and civil society levels. This requires further resources for programmes to address violence, a commitment to meeting existing targets, and could possibly include the formation of a specialised task force on violence against women and children
legal and judicial reform to criminalise all forms of violence against women and children, and legally mandate violence recognition, prevention and response training for judicial professionals
comprehensive reform of the health sector ensure that violence against women and children is an essential element of universal access to care
countries should establish gender and violence trainings throughout the education sector for professional certification, incorporate violence into all national education strategies, and establish schools at all levels as places of safety
local leaders and change agents should be mobilised by a decentralised network of community task forces, established by a national strategy, to identify, respond to, and speak out against violence against women and children in their communities
national strategies should include plans to conduct widespread, comprehensive mass marketing campaigns aimed at eradicating tolerance of violence and modifying harmful gender norms.

Female suicide bombers

2006-10-18T05:57:00.000-01:00

Dying for Equality?

Edited By: Yoram Schweitzer
Published by: The Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies (JCSS), 2006
Via: Docuticker

Between 1985 and 2006, there have been more than 220 women suicide bombers, representing nearly 15 percent of the overall number of actual suicide bombers around the world and those intercepted in the final stages before the attack

Securing equality, engendering peace: a guide to policy and planning on women, peace and security (UN SCR 1325)

2006-10-17T05:23:00.000-01:00

A practical guide to promoting women’s participation in peace and security initiatives

By: Valasek K & Nelson K
Published by: United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) , 2006
Via: Eldis

This guide aims to facilitate the creation of policies and concrete action plans on the issue of women, peace and security through the provision of good practices, specific recommendations and a six-step model process. It is intended as a resource for governments, United Nations and regional organisations as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who are interested in developing plans and policies on women, peace and security issues.

The guide’s approach is founded on three core methodologies: strategic planning; participatory planning; and gender/socio-economic analysis. In order to draw out lessons from previous experience, the guide describes in some detail the approaches used by other countries in drawing up action plans, in Denmark, the UK, Sweden, Norway, Canada and Switzerland, as well as regional organisations in Europe and Africa.

In-depth study on all forms of violence against women

2006-10-09T06:27:00.000-01:00

Report of the Secretary-General

Published by: United Nations, 2006
Via: UN Pulse

The Secretary-General's in-depth study on all forms of Violence against Women (A/61/221/Add.1) has been issued. To mark the study's presentation to the General Assembly (GA) on Monday, 9 October, the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW), will be organising a GA Panel discussion on The role of specific sectors in addressing, preventing and eliminating violence against women. While it will not present new data, the study analyzes existing research and makes recommendations. Background information to the in-depth study can be found in document A/61/122. Find out more on the study from the DAW Web site.

Later this month, as happens every year, the UN will promote the important role of women in peace and security on the occasion of the anniversary of the landmark Security Council resolution 1325.

Peace and security for all

2006-10-05T09:45:00.000-01:00

A feminist critique of the current peace and security policy

Discussion Paper by: Feminist Institute of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, 2006
Via: GLOW

"This paper presents the results of these discussions and processes at the Feminist Institute. We do not claim to cover the entire scholarly/empirical state of knowledge, let alone provide comprehensive answers. We sought to stimulate additional work on this subject at the Femme Globale Conference at the Humboldt University in Berlin in early September. We wanted to open our views on international and especially European peace and security policy to debate among experts and political actors from Germany and abroad, to discuss experiences and strategies, to identify deficits in knowledge and action, and to discuss further activities. The results of these activities were used to rework this paper."

Afghanistan: uncounted and discounted

2006-09-18T10:21:00.000-01:00

Revealing the facts about domestic violence in Afghanistan

Published by: UNIFEM Afghanistan / Child Rights Information Network (CRIN) , 2006
Via: Eldis

There has been limited research regarding the nature and extent of violence against women in Afghanistan. The service-based research carried out for this report seeks to begin to fill this void. For the purpose of this study, UNIFEM Afghanistan analysed data collected by organisations and agencies working throughout the country. Through this study, UNIFEM seeks to raise awareness about violence against women by shedding light on the types of violence being committed against women, the victims and perpetrators of such violence, the manner in which data is collected on violence against women, and the way referrals are being made.

Beyond victimhood: women's peacebuilding in Sudan, Congo and Uganda

2006-07-21T05:37:00.000-01:00

Involving women in peacebuiding

Published by: International Crisis Group (ICG) , 2006
Via: Eldis

This report addresses the importance of ensuring the inclusion of women in peacebuilding in Sudan, Congo (DRC), and Uganda. The report points out that one of the main hindrances to women’s inclusion is the discrimination and violence that women face in armed conflict. Furthermore, the international community has failed to keep its promise to include women in the formal peacebuilding process, and women continue to be under-represented at national and local levels, and even stated commitments to their participation in formal government structures have not been fulfilled. In spite of the resistance to include women, there are a number of women’s organisations in all three countries working to promote women’s involvement in peacebuilding. However, they lack the necessary training support and financial backing so vital to such a movement.

Policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

2006-07-17T06:28:00.000-01:00

A draft strategy from the United Nations

Published by: United Nations, 2006
Via: UN Pulse

As part of further efforts by the United Nations to enforce its “zero tolerance” policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, a draft strategy (A/60/877) on assistance and support to victims of such behaviour by UN staff and related personnel has been submitted to the General Assembly by Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The accompanying letter details the main points of the strategy and emphasizes that the “vast majority of those working under the United Nations flag proudly live up to” standards of integrity, many serving difficult and dangerous circumstances. The strategy, representing more than 12 months of wide-ranging consultations involving UN operations, Member States and various organizations, offers seven main recommendations to the General Assembly on ways to deal with the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Documenting women's rights violations by non-state actors

2006-07-04T05:57:00.000-01:00

Tools to help address violence against women by non-state actors

By: Women Living Under Muslim Laws, Bauer J & Hélie A
Published by: Rights and Democracy, International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (ICHRDD) , 2006
Via: Eldis

This manual aims to provide tools to help further the work of activists particularly those investigating and addressing violence against women perpetrated by non-state actors. It is especially designed for activists without legal backgrounds, with the aim of directing them towards legal definitions and human rights mechanisms that may help them in their efforts to ensure that states fully meet their obligation to protect. Divided into four parts the document covers:

Standards for documenting abuse by non-state actors
violence against women by non-state actors, framing the issues
human rights concepts and the human rights framework as crucial tools to address violence against women by non-state actors
documentation work from an activists perspective.

Violence against girls in Africa

2006-07-04T05:41:00.000-01:00

Girls vulnerability to violence during armed conflict or crises

By: Holst-Roness FT
Published by: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) , 2006
Via: Eldis

This paper draws attention to the many ways in which girls experience violence during armed conflict or crises, and briefly presents some of the activities carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to protect and assist them.

GEnder perspectives in peace initiatives: opportunities and challenges

2006-05-29T07:02:00.000-01:00

Women as participants and victims of conflict

By: Chhabra, S , 2006
Via: Eldis

This paper analyses the issue of women and conflicts. It looks at of women as victims of violence, and also as active participants in wars and conflict situations. The author also points out that women’s issues and rights are usually ignored in conflict situations, and in the context of post-conflict rebuilding of peace. The paper highlights several challenges to incorporating a gender perspective in peace operations, including the following:

because women are usually viewed in the peace as victims of war and conflict, they are often overlooked as active participants in the process of peace negotiations, peace building and post conflict activities
women lack the organisational force to have strategic plans to address the current situation of the country as also to present their plans in peace process
women and gender issues have generally been excluded from discussions and interventions for conflict and peace, as these are seen as predominantly male domains
the contributions of women are often overlooked because they are non-traditional or outside the formal issues of the conflict.

The paper concludes by listing some opportunities for reflecting a gender perspective in the peace process. They include:

women’s peace activism encompasses concerns for food security, access to their land, forest, water and other resources, and therefore contribute to justice and human security
numerous studies have noted that gender roles change in various ways during armed conflicts and that this can entail positive potential for social changes in gender relations
women peace negotiators understand and articulate the implications of peace processes for women better than male negotiators.

Young men and the construction of masculinity in Sub-Sharan Africa

2006-05-17T09:37:00.000-01:00

Implications for HIV/AIDS, conflict, and violence

By: Gary Barker & Christine Ricardo
Published by: World Bank, 2005
Via: Siyanda

In the literature on conflict and HIV/AIDS, African men are often presented in simplistic and overtly negative terms. It is generally taken for granted that those who use weapons are men whilst those who suffer the consequences of conflict are women, and that men always hold power in sexual relationships whilst women are uniformly powerless. This report argues that applying a more sophisticated gender analysis as it relates to conflict and HIV/AIDS is essential in order to understand how both women and men are made vulnerable by rigid ideas of masculinity and gender hierarchies. Throughout the report references are made to alternative, non-violent forms of masculinity and to elements of traditional socialisation in Africa which promote more gender-equitable attitudes on the part of young men. Included are examples of young men whose stories reveal ways in which men can question and counter prevailing norms of masculinity. Most importantly, it is crucial to recognise that gender roles are changing and that masculinities are in flux; and it is precisely this environment of change that can be used to promote greater gender equality.

Struggling to survive: children in armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2006-05-16T06:00:00.000-01:00

Children in armed conflict in DRC

Published by: Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict , 2006
Via: Eldis

This paper reports on the situation of children in the context of DRC’s humanitarian crisis. In the last few years, some progress has been achieved for children. Thousands of children have been demobilised from armed forces and groups. In some areas, the number of displaced people has dropped significantly and there has been an increase in serious efforts to confront sexual violence and exploitation. However, this report shows that violations continue against children in DRC in each of the major categories identified by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict.

The report discusses these violations, which include killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, abduction, denial of humanitarian assistance, attacks on schools and recruitment and use of children. Some of the main findings from the report include:

rape and other forms of sexual violence against girls: all armed forces and groups continue to perpetrate rape and sexual violence against girls and women. The majority of survivors of gender-based violence do not receive medical treatment after their assault. Following rape, many girls are abandoned by their families and communities and condemned to lives of poverty
denial of access to humanitarian aid: humanitarian agencies continue to face attacks and other obstacles by armed forces and groups
attacks on schools and hospitals: armed forces and groups have seriously damaged, pillaged, burned and destroyed schools in eastern DRC. Combatants have also pillaged and destroyed school supplies
abductions: various armed groups primarily in eastern DRC continue to abduct children
children associated with armed forces and groups: at least 30,000 boys and girls are estimated to be involved in combat or to be attached to armed forces and groups and used for sexual or other services. Almost all girls and some boys are sexually abused by their commanders or other soldiers. Children often fight on the frontlines and witness or are forced to participate in serious human rights abuses against civilians. The overall Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process for children has been extremely protracted.

The report urges all parties to take immediate and sustained steps to protect Congolese children and adolescents from further violations and to find remedies for those who have already endured suffering. First and foremost, it calls on all armed forces and groups in DRC to immediately halt crimes against children, and makes a number of recommendations to the government, donors, UN, and all armed groups in DRC.

Marital Rape

2006-05-05T06:23:00.000-01:00

New research and directions

Published by: National Online Resources Center on Violence Against Women, 2006
By: Raquel Kennedy Begen, Elizabeth Barnhill
Via: ResourceShelf's DocuTicker

Despite the fact that marital rape receives little public and scholarly attention, it is one of the most serious forms of violence between intimates. The research to date indicates that women who are raped by their husbands are likely to experience multiple assaults and often suffer severe long-term physical and emotional consequences. Given the serious effects, there is clearly a need for those who come into contact with marital rape survivors to provide assistance and challenge the prevailing myth that rape by one’s spouse is inconsequential.

Rape crisis counselors and advocates for battered women are in particularly important leadership positions to call attention to the problem of marital rape in society and to assist survivors of this form of violence. It is essential that those who work with men who rape and abuse speak out against this form of violence against women and challenge men’s sense of entitlement to have sex with their partners.

Researching violence against women: a practical guide for researchers and activists

2006-05-04T08:44:00.000-01:00

Manual for researching violence against women

By: Ellsberg M, Heise L
Published by: PATH / World Health Organization (WHO) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This manual has been developed in response to the growing need to improve the quality, quantity, and comparability of international data on physical and sexual abuse against women. The manual focuses primarily on the issue of violence against women by their intimate partners.
The manual outlines some of the methodological and ethical challenges of conducting research on violence against women and describes a range of innovative techniques that have been used to address these challenges.

The manual is aimed at anyone interested in the application of social science and public health research methods to the study of gender-based violence. It is designed for researchers who want to know more about adapting traditional research techniques to the special case of investigating physical and sexual abuse. And it is designed for activists, community workers, and service providers who want to become conversant in methodological issues.

Building peace out of war

2006-04-21T05:28:00.000-01:00

Children and young people as agents of peace. The young generation's challenge

Published by: Save the Children Norway / Save the Children Fund (SCF) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This paper is a report from Save the Children Norway’s workshop “Building peace out of war children and young people as agents of peace” and 2-day seminar, “Building peace out of war the young generation s challenge”. Children and young people from five country programmes took part.

The workshop participants presented their views on: what is a conflict? what is violence and what do you think about violence? how can violence be prevented? and what is peace?. The workshop also discussed issues such as: how children and young people are affected by violent conflict and war; what rights are being broken? And how children and young people are best supported during armed conflict.

DoD: Sexual Assault Report for 2005

2006-04-10T06:02:00.000-01:00

U.S. Military -- Sexual Assault

Published by: U.S. Department of Defence, 2006
Via: ResourceShelf's DocuTicker

DoD: Sexual Assault Report for 2005 (PDF; 88 KB)From press release: "The data indicate that the department has made great progress in establishing a robust and effective sexual assault prevention program. All of the military services implemented aggressive education and training programs designed to build a climate of confidence. Fundamental changes to reporting procedures were also adopted across the department. This integrated program resulted in 2,374 reported allegations of sexual assault involving a service member as either a victim or perpetrator."

Keeping an eye on the campaign: monitoring media coverage of the 16 days of activism: no violence against women and children campaign

2006-03-28T06:12:00.000-01:00

Promoting positive coverage of gender-based violence in South African media

By: Harris G & Bird W
Published by: Media Monitoring Project (MMP), South Africa , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report is an analysis of media coverage of the 2004 "16 days of Activism: No Violence Against Women" campaign in South Africa. The study also compares media coverage of gender-based violence and woman and child abuse over the last seven years. The authors also present MMP’s strategies for the campaign including their process for selecting companies as partners. At the end of the report, the authors attach a brief guide to the "16 Days" campaign

Violence against women, abandoning female genital mutilation: the role of Parliaments

2006-03-15T08:36:00.000-01:00

African Parliamentary Conference on "Violence against women, abandoning female genital mutilation: The role of Parliaments"

Dakar (Senegal), 4 and 5 December 2005

Every year, 3 million girls and women are subjected to femaile genital mutilation and cutting (FGMC). FGMC is an act of violence against women that must be combated by a number of actors, including parliaments. The regional conference entitled Violence against women, abandoning female genital mutilation: The role of parliaments was held by the National Assembly of Senegal and the African Parliamentary Union (APU) in cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). It took place in Dakar on 4 and 5 December 2005. This conference made it possible for parliamentarians from African countries to exchange views, and helped build a better understanding of the role that parliaments should play in fighting FGMC. Specifically, the conference emphasized the means available to eradicate this practice not only through laws, but also through societal changes and action at the local level.

Nothing left to lose: the legacy of armed conflict and Liberia's children

2006-03-15T07:18:00.000-01:00

Violations of Liberian children's security and rights

Published by: Women's Commission on for Refugee Women and Children; Watchlist on children and armed conflict , 2004
Via: Eldis

This report presents information on ongoing violations of Liberian children’s security and rights. Post-conflict in Liberia has seen slight improvements in the humanitarian, human rights and political situations, yet, widespread human rights violations, including abuses against children, continue to be committed with impunity, particularly in areas where peacekeepers have been late to deploy.

Ending corporal punishment of children in Swaziland

2006-03-10T05:23:00.000-01:00

Extent of corporal punishment of children in Swaziland

By: Soneson U
Published by: Save the Children (Sweden) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This publication provides information about corporal punishment and other forms of humiliating and degrading punishment of children in Swaziland. It outlines international obligations to prohibit the corporal punishment of children and to engage in public education. It provides recommendations on steps to be taken by the government and civil society to ensure that the culture of corporal punishment and other forms of humiliating and degrading punishment of children is replaced by positive, non-violent forms of discipline based on respect for children’s rights.

Combating gender-based violence: a key to achieving the MDGs

2006-03-07T06:23:00.000-01:00

Toolkit aimed at combating gender-based violence

Published by: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM); Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI) / United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This gender-based violence toolkit is aimed at policymakers to address issues of concern, advocate for the protection of women from all forms of violence, reinforce legal mechanisms that will protect women at the national level and end the impunity with which crimes are committed against women. The plan of action focuses on advocacy through public campaigns against gender- based violence to change policy and practice at the local, national and regional level. The kit is divided into four parts:

gender-based violence and poverty
gender-based violence and reproductive health
gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS
gender-based violence and conflict situations.

Violence against disabled children

2006-02-27T06:05:00.000-01:00

Report on violence against disabled children

Published by: United Nations (UN) Children's Fund (UNICEF) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report presents the findings of the Thematic Group on Violence against Disabled Children convened by UNICEF. It looks specifically at violence in the home, in educational and custodial settings, institutions, the criminal justice system, community based violence, in the workplace, and violence as a precursor to disability: an additional area of concern.

The report emphasises that while all children are at risk of being victims of violence, disabled children find themselves at significantly increased risk because of stigma, negative traditional beliefs and ignorance. Lack of social support, limited opportunities for education, employment or participation in the community further isolates disabled children and their families, leading to increased levels of stress and hardship. Disabled children are also often targeted by abusers, who see them as easy victims.

Extent, Nature, and Consequences of Rape Victimization

2006-02-23T04:51:00.000-01:00

Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey

By: Gonzales AR, Schofield RB & Schmitt GR
Published by: US Department of Justice, 2006
Via: ResourceShelf's DocuTicker

"Although the word rape is gender neutral, most rape victims are female (almost 86 percent), and most rapists are male. Female victims are significantly more likely than male victims to be raped by a current or former intimate partner and to sustain an injury during a rape. Many rape victims suffer serious mental health consequences. Only one in five adult women report their rape to the police. About half of the women raped as adults who had contact with police and about half who had contact with the courts were satisfied with their treatment."

The effects of conflict on the health and well-being of women and girls in Darfur

2006-02-21T04:40:00.000-01:00

Situational analysis of health and well-being of women and children in Darfur. Conversations with the community

Published by: United Nations (UN) Children's Fund (UNICEF) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report provides an overview of community perceptions about the risks women and girls currently face in Darfur as a result of the conflict. The study’s main objectives were to gain an increased understanding of how the conflict had affected women and girl’s health; to determine men’s perceptions on how the conflict had affected the health of women and girls , and to gain insight into the indigenous ways that the community was using to cope due to the conflict.

Intimate partner violence

2006-02-20T05:17:00.000-01:00

Results from a national gender-based violence study in Malawi

By: Pelser E, Gondwe L, Mayamba C, Mhango T, Phiri W& Burton P
Published by: Crime & Justice Statistical Division National Statistical Office / Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa , 2005
Via: Eldis

Focusing on intimate partner abuse in Malawi, this study explores sexual, emotional, and physical violence, as well as financial abuse. This on-line book presents the main findings of the study where a total of 3,546 households were sampled, and females and males interviewed. Both a male and female perspective is offered in the study in addition to recommendations and suggestions for both parties.

"Your justice is too slow"

2006-02-15T06:28:00.000-01:00

Will the ICTR fail Rwanda's rape victims?

By: Noworojee B
Published by: UNRISD, 2005
Via: UNRISD

This paper offers an examination of international justice from the perspective of rape survivors from the Rwandan genocide, and exposes the squandered opportunities that have characterized sexual violence prosecutions over the past decade at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

Securing the peace

2006-02-08T05:55:00.000-01:00

Guiding the international community towards women’s effective participation throughout peace processes

Published by: United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report argues that it is essential to ensure the active involvement of women and the articulation of gender equality from the earliest stages of peace talks through to implementation and monitoring of agreements. The authors outline ways in which women's voices can be amplified and an environment constructed to enable such a dialogue. The document considers how such an involvement can be made sustainable and provides concrete recommendations to:

support women’s effective participation at all stages of a peace process
promote gender-sensitive peace negotiations and agreements
encourage the mainstreaming of a gender perspective throughout the implementation of peace accords.

Assessing the Offending Activity of Criminal Domestic Violence Suspects

2006-02-02T05:50:00.000-01:00

Offense specialization, escalation, and de-escalation evidence from the spuce assault replication program

By: Piquero AR, Brame R, Fagan J & Moffit TE
Published by: US Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, 2005
Via: ResourceShelf's DocuTicker

"Using data from the Spouse Abuse Replication Program (SARP), this study examined the extent to which domestic-violence offenders exhibited a specialized proclivity to violence, as well as their tendencies to escalate or de-escalate the severity of their attacks against the same victim.... The study found that the majority of domestic-violence offenders with prior official criminal records had been involved in nonviolent criminal behavior in addition to domestic violence."

Good women bad women

2006-02-01T04:56:00.000-01:00

Addressing violence in women's lives by examining social constructs of gender and sexuality within CARE

By: Magar V & Storer G
Published by: CARE, 2005
Via: Siyanda

Can we empower women and protect them simultaneously? Gender-equity and sexual health programmes often focus on women's vulnerability and need for protection. But this is only part of the equation - another aspect of women's sexuality concerns their sexual pleasure. CARE's country offices in Asia are taking steps to address sexuality and pleasure in community gender programmes with the aim of promoting women's agency rather than their victimhood. For example, the CARE Columbia Play Safe Project explores concepts of pleasure and sexuality in their youth reproductive health programmes. The project encourages young men to challenge dominant ideals of masculinity and acknowledge their potential contribution to promoting gender equity. In India and Vietnam, CARE staff use cartoons to challenge widely held ideas about the “female victim” and the “violent husband.” Through these initiatives, CARE aims to transform cultural values related to women and men's sexuality, to promote sexual practices that are safer within a context of choice, less violence, and greater agency among both women and men.

Conflict prevention and transformation: women's vital contributions

2006-01-30T05:25:00.000-01:00

Women in the peace process

Published by: Women Waging Peace, Cambridge and Washington , 2005
Via: Eldis

This conference report makes the case for the inclusion of women and gender perspectives in peace processes and offers practical recommendations, guidelines, and models to assist and encourage policymakers to include women and gender perspectives in their program designs.
Women Waging Peace and the United Nations Foundation hosted a consultation on the role of women in conflict prevention in 2005. This report consists of an overview chapter identifying trends and strategies from the presentations, followed by brief excerpts of papers composed by the conference speakers

Women in an insecure world: violence against women: facts, figures and analysis

2006-01-30T05:24:00.000-01:00

Violence against women in daily life, war and post conflict situations

Published by: Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This book brings together a comprehensive list of the facts and figures regarding violence against women in daily life, during war and conflict, and in post-conflict situations. The authors map the pervasiveness of violence against women, analyse strategies to prevent and punish that violence, and highlight the key role that women play in initiatives to counter violence. The document argues that violence against women must be recognised as a key issue in its own right, as one of the significant causes of death on our planet – comparable in importance only to war, hunger and disease. The document notes that often the figures available are no more than best estimates because violence against women often goes unreported.

Pawns of politics: children, conflict and peace in Northern Uganda. 2nd ed

2006-01-24T07:35:00.000-01:00

Impact of conflict in northern Uganda on children

By: Anderson RE, Sewankambo F & Vandergrift K
Published by: World Vision International Resources on Child Rights , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report documents the impact of the war in northern Uganda, where more than 30,000 children have been abducted and forced to work as soldiers and sex slaves, and includes new information about prospects for peace. The report looks specifically at the social and economic costs of the conflict, and processes to end the conflict. It argues that the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan increases the opportunity for negotiations and multi-lateral engagement in northern Uganda.

Lessons from gender-focused international aid in post-conflict Afghanistan... learned?

2006-01-20T06:17:00.000-01:00

Need for improvement: gender-focused aid programmes in Afghanistan

By: Abirafeh L
Published by: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V. (FES) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report discusses the problems arising from gender-based international aid in post-conflict Afghanistan. It highlights the increasing disappointment expressed by Afghans with the aid community, particularly in relation to women’s issues. Problems include the neglect of men in gender programming; local perceptions of "gender" as a foreign term; and the sidelining of Afghan perspectives.

A new blog on Same-Sex Marriage

2006-01-09T13:05:00.000-01:00

Dear Readers

In the light of the recent developments regarding Same-Sex Marriage in South Africa, I have added another blog to my little family. It will deal with all matters relating to Same-Sex Marriage, especially regarding legislation.

A link to it has been added in the breadcrumb, and several links to informative websites have been added to the link menu

Guidelines for Gender-based violence interventions in humanitarian Settings

2006-01-06T05:50:00.000-01:00

Focusing on prevention of and response to sexual violence in emergencies

Produced by: Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), 2005
Via: UN Pulse

As part of the continuing fight against violence against women, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) released a new publication called Guidelines for Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings Focusing on Prevention of and Response to Sexual Violence in Emergencies

News from the Librarian

2005-12-09T12:26:00.000-01:00

Dear Reader

Yet another year has flown by. And it was a busy year indeed! I am going to take a well-deserved break, and will start posting again at breakneck speed in the New Year.

I hope that Thread and Thrum and its sister blogs have been of some help to you, and will continue to do so in the future. So look forward to a bumper crop of posts early in January 2006, as I will endeavor to bring you all up to speed with what has been happening over the holiday season.

Have a great time, and a Happy New Year!

Regards
The Librarian

WHO Multi-country study on women's health and domestic violence against women

2005-12-02T06:20:00.000-01:00

Initial results on prevalence, health outcomes and women's responses

Produced by: World Health Organization (WHO) 2005

This report presents initial results based on interviews with 24 000 women by carefully trained interviewers. The study was implemented by WHO, in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), PATH, USA, research institutions and women's organizations in the participating countries. This report covers 15 sites and 10 countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, Japan, Peru, Namibia, Samoa, Serbia and Montenegro, Thailand and the United Republic of Tanzania. Report findings document the prevalence of intimate partner violence and its association with women's physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. Data is included on non-partner violence, sexual abuse during childhood and forced first sexual experience. Information is also provided on women’s responses: Whom do women turn to and whom do they tell about the violence in their lives? Do they leave or fight back? Which services do they use and what response do they get?

Violence against children in cyberspace

2005-12-01T07:24:00.000-01:00

Protect children from violence in cyberspace

By: Muir D
Produced by: End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT International) , 2005

This report provides a global overview of violence against children and young people in relation to cyberspace and proposes recommendations to address this violence. The report stresses that weak laws and territory-bound, fragmented action by governments and industry expose children to serious violence through the Internet and other new information and communication technologies (ICTs). It argues that the violence is pervasive, causes deep and lasting physical and psychological damage to children, and is outstripping the resources of law enforcement and society’s understanding of how new ICTs work.

From local to global: making peace work for women

2005-11-21T06:38:00.000-01:00

Increasing the participation of women in decision-making and peace processes

Produced by: NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security , 2005

This report examines the progress of the Security Council Resolution 1325 (SCR 1325) and it’s call on the United Nations and Member States to increase the participation of women in decision-making and peace processes, to ensure the protection of women and girls, and to institute gender perspectives and training in peacekeeping.

In their report the NGO Working Group of Women monitor the progress of implementation, and offers strategic recommendations. The report considers the role of various UN departments and the development of national action plans in four European countries and Fiji.

Update

2005-11-14T08:02:00.000-01:00

Dear Readers

I will unfortunately not be updating the Blogs until the 21 November, due to work pressure. I apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Regards
The Librarian

Cycles of Violence

2005-11-09T05:44:00.000-01:00

Gender relations and armed conflict

By: El-Bushra J & Sahl IMG
Published by: ACORD, 2005

This book describes ACORD’s research ‘Gender-sensitive Design and planning in Conflict-Affected Situations’, carried out during 2000 and 2001 in five communities living in the shadow of violent conflict in Juba (Sudan), Gulu (Uganda), Luanda (Angola), Timbukta (Mali) and the Lower Shabelle region (Somalia). It also includes analysis of data collected earlier in Eritrea and Rwanda. Two main questions are examined in this book: what is the impact of war on gender relations? And can gender relations contribute to conflict?

Ending corporal punishment of children in South Africa

2005-11-08T12:23:00.000-01:00

Recommendations to end corporal punishment of children in South Africa

By: Soneson U & Smith C (ed)
Produced by: Save the Children (Sweden) , 2005

This publication aims to provide information about corporal punishment and other forms of humiliating and degrading punishment of children in South Africa. It outlines international obligations to prohibit the corporal punishment of children and to engage in public education.
In South Africa, interpersonal violence is widespread and conflicts are in many instances resolved by violent means. However, South Africa has taken significant measures to implement its obligations under international law to ensure that South African children can live a life free from corporal punishment.

The Constitution arguably protects children from all forms of corporal punishment and other forms of humiliating and degrading punishment by ensuring children’s rights to bodily integrity, protection from violence and abuse and everyone’s equality before the law. Corporal punishment of children in public life, i.e. as a sentence by the court, in prisons, in child care institutions and at school, has also been abolished. Despite this, however, parents are still allowed to impose corporal punishment on their children as a method of child-rearing, and 57% of parents in South Africa are still using it when disciplining their children.

Fighting back

2005-11-02T05:13:00.000-01:00

Child and community-led strategies to avoid children's recruitment into armed forces and groups in West Africa

By: Delap E
Produced by: Save the Children Fund (SCF) , 2005

This report looks at the experiences of children living in conflict situations, and focuses on strategies to prevent the recruitment of children into armed groups. Following interviews and discussions with around 200 children and 300 parents and carers in Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone, it highlights a number of preventative strategies used by children, families and communities. These include moving to a safe place and avoiding separation.

"Making their own rules": police beatings, rape, and torture of children in Papua New Guinea

2005-10-27T08:01:00.000-01:00

Children’s vulnerability to police abuse in Papua New Guinea

Produced by: Human Rights Watch (HRW) , 2005

This document reports on child abuse in Papua New Guinea perpetrated by the police. The report argues that the serious crime problem in Papua New Guinea is being met with a violent police response. The report finds that brutal beatings, rape, and torture of children, as well as confinement in police lockup, are widespread police practices. Although even high level government officials acknowledge this, almost nothing has been done to stop it.

Update

2005-10-20T16:47:00.000-01:00

Dear Readers

I will unfortunately not be able to update the Blogs until the 26th of October. Please visit next Thursday, and get the latest news and views.

I apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Regards
The Librarian

Women, Peace and Security

2005-10-19T12:03:00.000-01:00

Report of the SEcretary-General on women and peace and security

Produced by: United Nations (UN), 2005

The Report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security has been issued (S/2005/636). The report is an action plan for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 (S/RES/1325), which emphasized the importance of bringing gender perspectives to the centre of all United Nations efforts related to peace and security. More information on women, peace and security is available on a Web site maintained by UNIFEM, the women's fund at the United Nations.

Women building peace

2005-10-07T06:27:00.000-01:00

Sharing know-how. Assessing Impact: Planning for miracles

By: El Bushra J, Adrian-Paul A & Olson M
Produced by: International Alert , 2005

This report documents the workshop on assessing impact - "Women Building Peace: Sharing Know-How" in 2004. The meeting aimed to identify how women peace activists and practitioners measure the impact of their work, both for their own internal goal-setting and planning purposes, and as a means of communicating their achievements and experiences to their stakeholders. Critical questions informing the workshop included: how do women implement, monitor and evaluate their activities? What tools do they use for monitoring and evaluation? What lessons have they learned? How do women plan for miracles?

Children and Armed Conflict

2005-10-07T06:20:00.000-01:00

Overview of the agenda for war-affected children

Produced by: Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, 2005

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict has issued a report which gives an overview of the agenda for war-affected children, highlights the progress that has been achieved and describes a campaign for the enforcement of existing international child protection norms and standards on the ground (A/60/335). The report states that "in spite of the tangible progress that has been made, the situation for children in situations of conflict remains grave and unacceptable." More details are available on the Web site of the Special Representative.

Culture of Peace Decade

2005-10-04T07:15:00.000-01:00

Midterm global review of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010

Produced by: UNESCO, 2005

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) just released the Midterm global review of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010 (A/60/279). The report describes the activities related with the Decade organized by UN and NGOs all over the world, and includes the recommendations made by the Fundación Cultura de Paz on contributions by civil society organizations to the International Decade. More information at the Decade's Web Site.

Conducting a conflict assessment: a framework for strategy and program development

2005-10-04T06:30:00.000-01:00

Methods for conducting more effective conflict assessments

Produced by: USAID Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation / USA Agency for International Development (USAID) , 2005

This conflict assessment framework (CAF) is a companion document to a series of toolkits being developed by USAID's Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation. Together, the assessment framework and toolkits are designed to help relevant USAID mechanisms and implementing partners gain a deeper understanding of the forces driving violence and to develop more strategic and focused interventions in high risk environments.

The framework offers a synthesis of over a decade of recent research on the causes of internal violence. It presents the main causal arguments for why certain factors, such as ethnicity or natural resources, are linked to violence and explores interaction effects between variables.

Armed and aimless: armed groups, guns, and human security in the ECOWAS region

2005-09-30T12:19:00.000-01:00

Weapons in hands of West African youths spell trouble

By: Florquin N (Ed) & Berman EG (Ed)
Produced by: Small Arms Survey , 2005

This study looks at the armed groups and small arms in the 15 member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. Armed groups in this report are defined as groups that have the capacity to challenge the state’s monopoly of legitimate force. It provides a region-wide mapping of armed groups, covering all 15 ECOWAS member countries., including groups that have been active at any given time since 1998, when the ECOWAS Moratorium on Importation, Exportation and Manufacture of Light Weapons in West Africa was introduced.

Forgotten casualties of war: girls in armed conflict

2005-09-29T05:46:00.000-01:00

Protection requirements for girls associated with armed groups

By: Hobson M
Produced by: Save the Children Fund (SCF) , 2005

This report addresses the protection issues for children associated with armed groups and, more specifically, to the largely unrecognised protection requirements of girls. It draws on recent research conducted in the DRC, Rwanda and west Africa, as well as programme experience from Sri Lanka and many of the other countries where Save the Children works.

"Don't forget us": the education and gender-based violence protection needs of adolescent girls from Darfur in Chad

2005-09-29T04:55:00.000-01:00

Adolescents girls in Chad refugee camps: what opportunities for education and protection against violence?

By: Heninger H & McKenna M
Produced by: Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children , 2005

This document examines the conditions in a number of refugee camps for people from Darfur in Chad, focusing on education needs and protection from gender-based violence for adolescent girls.

Decades of suffering, now women deserve better

2005-09-29T04:52:00.000-01:00

Testimonials of women's experiences in Iraq under Saddam Hussein and during the American-led invasion

Produced by: Amnesty International (AI) , 2005

This paper examines women's experiences of Saddam Hussein's regime, and how they have experienced the US-led war in Iraq, which toppled this regime. The authors examine the effects of both Saddam's policies and of international sanctions and international offensives to bring "peace" to the region. The paper consists of testimony of individual women's experiences of abuse at the hands of various forces. Topics explored include the experiences of women in armed conflict, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, discrimination in national law, honour killings, political participation, and education.

Israel and the occupied territories: conflict, occupation and patriarchy

2005-09-29T04:45:00.000-01:00

Women bear a unique burden in the Occupied Territories

Produced by: Amnesty International (AI) , 2005

This report deals with the impact of violence against women in the Occupied Territories in the context of conflict, including violence committed by the Israeli state or its agents; the collapse of the rule of law within the Occupied Territories leading to a lack of implementation of existing laws; and the worsening effects of existing discrimination in both law and practice. This report highlights the gender related impact of violations committed by the Israeli forces in the context of conflict. It then looks at gender-based violence within the family and the impact of the militarization of the conflict by both sides on Palestinian women living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Women's bodies as a battleground

2005-09-29T04:42:00.000-01:00

Sexual violence against women and girls during the war in the Democratic republic of Congo

Produced by: International Alert , 2005

This report examines the use of sexual violence in the conflict in the DRC, and demonstrates how women and girls in the DRC have been exploited as producers and reproducers both in order to maintain fighters and ensure their day-to-day survival as well as to provide them with sexual services. The question addresses several key questions, including:

A window of opportunity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2005-09-29T04:38:00.000-01:00

Incorporating a gender perspective in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process

By: Schroeder E
Prduced by: Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa , 2004

Using the case study of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this paper argues that gender mainstreaming of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, repatriation and resettlement DDR(RR) processes is a transformative concept, in which equal attention to women and men in the theory, policy and practical implementation are all crucial to the success of DDR(RR) processes.

Women's contributions to South Africa's truth and reconciliation commission

2005-09-29T04:33:00.000-01:00

Truth and reconciliation in South Africa: how women contributed

By: Gobodo-Madikizela P
Produced by: Women Waging Peace, Cambridge and Washington , 2005

The study examines the South African Truth and Reconciliation Comission (TRC), paying particular attention to the qualities that women brought to the process of transitional justice. Information was gathered through interviews with different categories of participants in the TCR, with special focus on women of diverse races and classes, and who played different roles. The study concludes that the success of the TRC is due to its transparency and inclusiveness, particularly in terms of including women activists. Women's leadership contributed to a compassionate and nurturing ethic on the TRC that promoted reconciliation.

Learning in a war zone: education in northern Uganda

2005-09-29T04:26:00.000-01:00

Achieving education in conflict situations in Uganda

Produced by: Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children , 2005

This paper looks at the education situation in the north of Uganda, a region which has been and is currently in a situation of violent conflict. Interviews were conducted with NGOs, youth groups, teachers and heads of schools, local government officials, multinational actors and the children themselves.

A conference on girl mothers in fighting forces and their post-war reintegration in Southern and Western Africa

2005-09-28T13:09:00.000-01:00

Conference highlighted the issues inherent in working with child mothers in conflict

By: Robinson M & McKay S
Produced by: Rockefeller Foundation , 2005

This conference paper summarises discussions and conclusions reached at the conference on "Girl mothers in fighting forces and their post-war reintegration in southern and western Africa" held at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center, Bellagio, Italy, from April 12th through 18th 2005. The conference was intended to provide an opportunity for those directly involved with the demobilisation and community reintegration of girl mothers in African conflict situations to explore the existing research and share their practical experiences, with the "luxury" of time and space for reflection, discussion, sharing and creating possibilities - programme ideas, policy recommendations, a research agenda, and a scholarly publication.

Children's feedback committees in Zimbabwe: an experiment in humanitarian accountability

2005-09-28T13:04:00.000-01:00

Child Feedback Committees provide means for children to input on aid accountability

By: McIvor C & Myllenen K
Produced by: Save the Children Fund (SCF) , 2005

This publication chronicles the attempt by Save the Children (UK) to set up an accountability project, related to the agency’s food aid intervention in Zimbabwe, that would address some of the issues of aid worker accountability. From its conception in mid-2003, to the setting up of the project and final evaluation in May 2004, a key intention was to set up a mechanism that specifically included children in the process of creating better accountability towards communities.

Protection through participation: young people affected by forced migration and political crisis

2005-09-28T12:58:00.001-01:00

Putting protection of children into practice

By: Newman J
Produced by: Refugee Studies Centre (RSC), Oxford , 2005

This paper considers the situations of youth and adolescents affected by war and displacement throughout the world, and provides a summary of some of the key issues to be explored with regards to their protection. It draws upon insights and experience from researchers, practitioners and war-affected young people themselves in an attempt to better understand the challenges they face during war, and the resulting implications for policy and practice.

Protection through participation: young people affected by forced migration and political crisis

2005-09-28T12:58:00.000-01:00

Youth in war-to-peace transitions: approaches of international organizations

2005-09-28T12:55:00.000-01:00

Effective programmes for youth in post-conflict situations

By: Kemper Y
Produced by: Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management , 2005

This study examines youth in war-to-peace transitions and the response of international organisations to them. It specifically asks what approaches have international organisations developed regarding youth? On which assumptions about youth and their role in violent conflicts are they based? How do the different approaches affect programme development and are they are compatible?

Youth speak out: new voices on the protection and participation of young people affected by armed conflict

2005-09-28T12:48:00.000-01:00

Youth views on the problems and challenges they face associated with armed conflict

Produced by: Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children , 2005

This paper provides an overview of the problems and challenges young people face during and after armed conflict and also offers youth-driven solutions for addressing these problems. The report draws on participatory research conducted by more than 150 adolescents in Kosovo, northern Uganda and Sierra Leone. Young people interviewed their peers about a range of issues to answer questions, such as what are the main problems of adolescents in your society? What are some solutions to these problems? What is adolescence, and how does someone become an adult in your society?

Barriers and bridges: access to education for internally displaced children

2005-09-28T12:46:00.000-01:00

Overcoming barriers to education for IDP children

By: Mooney E & French C
Produced by: Brookings Institution , 2005

This paper looks at the barriers internally displaced children face in accessing education. It states that often education is treated as a secondary need, to be addressed only once conflicts have subsided. However, this leaves many IDP children to grow up without education as well as deprived of the protection and support that going to school can provide.

Child protection in the context of displacement: Ntoroko county, Bundibugyo district

2005-09-28T12:43:00.000-01:00

Child protection fails refugee children, Uganda

By: Clark C
Produced by: Refugee Law Project, Uganda , 2004

This paper examines child protection issues of refugee children living in Ntoroko County, Bundibugyo District in western Uganda, an area characterised by conflict, displacement and poverty.

The paper specifically looks at the main issues affecting children in the county, assesses community responses to date and analyses gaps in policy and programming. The aim is to understand the general context for children, as well as the specific challenges and circumstances of refugee children, including unaccompanied minors, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Adolescent programming in conflict and post conflict situations

2005-09-28T12:39:00.000-01:00

Adolescents play key roles in peace building: case studies from around the world

Produced by: United Nations (UN) Children's Fund (UNICEF) , 2004

Nine case studies are presented in this paper to demonstrate how participation in peace building enhances the protection of adolescents in conflict and post conflict situations. It also aims to illustrate how participation contributes to the success of UNICEF’s approach to human rights-based and results-based programming. The case studies show that when adolescents are involved in programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, they can play a key role in community development and peace building.