Resolution against sexualised wartime violence: Not a milestone, just a weak compromise
However, does this resolution really represent a milestone for women’s rights? In October 2000 the UN Security Council had already passed the resolution 1325 on “Women, Peace and Security” and with eight subsequent resolutions it created an Agenda for the protection of women and girls during armed conflicts. The resolution drafted by Germany takes up what has already been negotiated without containing any ground-breaking new aspects. Important issues such as the protection of women’s rights defenders did not find their way into the document.
“The resolution is a weak compromise,” declares Jeannette Böhme, Advocacy and Human Rights Officer at the women’s rights organisation medica mondiale. “It does not represent any significant progress for the Agenda ‘Women, Peace and Security’.” As she explains, it should be welcomed that the resolution represents an integrated approach incorporating support for survivors. The members of the Security Council commit themselves to the provision of medical care, psychosocial and economic assistance, and legal advice for survivors. However, the resolution includes no fixed level of funding for the implementation of these offers.
“The German government allowed the sexual and reproductive health and the rights of survivors to become a matter for negotiation”
Ms Böhme also criticises the lack of any mention of legal access to safe abortion. The USA had threatened to veto the resolution if reproductive rights were included. In her opinion, the German government allowed the sexual and reproductive health and the rights of survivors to become a matter for negotiation. Then, instead of defending this consistently, it capitulated to the USA. Germany should not have crossed this red line.
Author: Jeannette Böhme, Advocacy and Human Rights Officer at medica mondiale
If you have any questions, please contact:
medica mondiale
Esther Wahlen, Press and Public Relations Officer
Tel.: +49 0221 931898-50
E-mail: ewahlen@medicamondiale.org
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