Russia makes bid to water down UN commitments on women's rights in conflict

Move comes on 20th anniversary of first resolution to recognise women’s unique and disproportionate experience of war and political upheaval

Liz Ford
@lizfordguardian
Thu 29 Oct 2020 07.15 GMT

Russia has introduced a new UN security council resolution that could threaten the rights of women in conflict by attempting to water down previously agreed commitments on human rights.

Negotiations are ongoing and it is doubtful they will conclude ahead of a special virtual meeting on Thursday to discuss women’s role in peace and security efforts.

The meeting will mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the security council’s first resolution to recognise women’s unique and disproportionate experience of conflict, and demand an equal role in peace negotiations, operations and reconstruction.

Since then the security council has adopted nine further resolutions on women and security – at least five have a specific focus on the use of rape as a weapon of war.

But there are huge gaps in implementation. Between 1992 and 2019, women have made up an average of 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators and 6% of signatories in major peace processes.

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