The Draft Australian National Action Plan implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was launched at Parliament House on 18 August 2011.
United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 was the first Security Council Resolution to specifically address the impact of war and armed conflict on women and girls and highlights the critical role of women's contribution to conflict resolution and sustainable peace.
Australia has been a strong supporter of UNSCR 1325 since its adoption in 2000, including through regional security responses and our international development assistance program. Information about the different forms this support has taken is set out in the publication, 'Women, Peace and Security: AusAID's implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325'.
The purpose of developing an Australian National Action Plan is to formalise Australia's ongoing commitment to implement UNSCR 1325, enhance the ability of Australian Government agencies to integrate gender equality in all peace and security efforts, and support work to eliminate violence against women in situations of armed conflict. The draft plan was launched by the Minister for the Status of Women, Kate Ellis along with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Defence Science and Personnel and Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon. Amanda Rishworth MP, spoke at the launch on behalf of the Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd.
The launch of the draft plan signals the beginning of the public consultation process which will provide interested parties, and in particular NGO stakeholders, with the opportunity to input into the development of the final plan. Interested individuals and organisations are now invited to review and comment on the Draft National Action Plan. Public consultation will play a vital role in the development of an effective National Action Plan that is relevant to all Australians.
Following the public consultation, an interdepartmental working group will develop the final plan including the development of a performance framework to measure actions against the plan in the future.
More information
- Australian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security: Consultation Draft [external website]
- Booklet: Women, Peace and Security: AusAID's implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325
- Media release (Kate Ellis): Government Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security [external website]
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