Resolution 1325
UNSC Resolution 1325, unanimously adopted on 31 October 2000, is one of the most important international mandates that deals with issues relating to women, peace and security. It addresses the specific impact of wars on women and the latter’s contribution to conflicts settlement and lasting peace-building.
As an international instrument interrelated with other international mechanisms on women’s rights, this resolution is considered to be a platform that helps individuals, NGOs, Governments and International organisations advocate for women’s inclusion into all the processes and mechanisms dealing with conflict settlement, peacekeeping and reconstruction. It is one of the major tools for the Gender office which, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry for Gender, Family and Children, women’s networks and other MONUC sections, organises workshops and sponsors research activities for the development of a national action plan based on UNSC Resolution 1325.
Resolution 1820
On 18 June 2008, almost eight years after its historical resolution on women, peace and security, the Security Council urged all parties to armed conflicts to immediately stop acts of sexual violence against civilians”.
Resolution 1820, unanimously adopted and co-sponsored by 36 UN Member States, calls for immediate action for the protection of civilians, inter alia, women and girls from all forms of sexual violence.
This resolution is considered to be one of the most relevant documents in the development of a strategic framework for the promotion of women’s contribution to peace and security and addressing gender-based violence.
On 15 July 2009, the first report on the implementation of Resolution 1820 was presented; it highlights, amongst other issues, the challenges faced by DRC, with more than 200 thousand cases of sexual violence documented in its eastern part since armed conflicts broke out in 1996. Statistics need updating and in most cases, according to the report, victims do not survive (source: Secretary-General’s report on UNSC Resolution 1820, 15/07/2009).