Doc. 9429

7 May 2002

The role played by women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mrs Cliveti and others

This motion has not been examined by the Assembly and only reflects the views of its signatories

1. During the last decade Europe has suffered over a dozen bloody conflicts. Over 200 peace-building women's movements have emerged in Europe in response to conflicts in Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the former Yugoslavia.

2. The Assembly recognises that women play a particularly important role in the prevention of conflicts, as they are the main bearers of tradition and carry a special responsibility as educators of the young generation, and appreciates the positive contribution women can make to preventing conflicts and consolidating peace.

3. The Assembly recalls the adoption in October 2000 by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, in which it urges the member states to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.

4. Notwithstanding resolutions, appeals and recommendations of international forums and the pressure of non-governmental organisations, the European Community has failed to ensure women’s full and equal participation in conflict prevention, peace operations and post-conflict peace building.

5. Women are practically excluded from official negotiations and diplomacy aimed at the peaceful regulation of conflicts as well as from decision-making on post-conflict reconstruction processes.

6. Therefore, the Assembly calls on the member states of the Council of Europe:

      – to support women’s participation in peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction by strengthening women’s representation in local, national and international bodies for the regulation of conflict;–

      – to finance gender-sensitive training programmes for participants in peace-keeping missions, including military staff, police and humanitarian assistance personnel; –

      – to encourage the appointment of women to national and international posts relating to the conflict prevention sphere;–

      – to take the necessary measures to train women as mediators to be involved in peace missions, conflict resolution and peace support operations;–

      – to provide sustained funding for women’s non-governmental organisations dealing with peace issues.7.

7. The Assembly should also enhance its links and co-operation with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe in order to support non-governmental organisations and grassroots groups working at the local, national and international levels on issues of peace and security and assist them with networking.

Signed : ¹

Cliveti, Romania, SOC

Aguiar, Portugal, EPP

Cryer, United Kingdom, SOC

Dromberg, Finland, EPP

Fogler, Poland, EPP

Kiely, Ireland, LDR

López González , Spain, SOC

Mikutienė, Lituania, LDR

Roudy, France, SOC

Zwerver, Netherlands, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group