The Global Study on the implementation of Resolution 1325 re-emphasizes the importance of women’s representation in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict. It examines the successful implementation and enforcement of the resolution, and critiques lenient accountability and missing incentives that undermine its overall effectiveness.

The study highlights the successes with accountability for sexual violence in conflict, the establishment of Recommendation 30, and the increased funding specifically for gender equality. Despite these successes, there remains a need for further improvement.

Resolution 1325 urges the implementation of international courts and tribunals for perpetrators of sexual violence. Although this response actively seeks justice for victims of sexual violence, the study found that few prosecutions are actually sought. Proponents of the framework argue international courts deter future crimes, while critics claim it makes no significant difference for women on the ground.

In 2013, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women adopted General Recommendation 30 to hold States parties responsible for actively implementing resolutions for the protection of women’s human rights during and after conflict and ensuring that women’s diverse experiences are fully integrated into all peace-building, peacemaking, and reconstruction processes. However, only 54 Member States (out of 193) have developed such plans. Several resolutions are theoretical processes that lack budgets and accountability to ensure the implementation.

While bilateral aid for gender equality has increased over the last decade, the rise of violent extremist groups threatens the availability of future funding since counter-terrorism policies restricts aid distribution and activities on the ground, the study says.

Among the recommendations made by the UN Security Council for the improvement of Resolution 1325, Member States must prioritize the prevention of conflict rather than focus on the response to conflict. Furthermore, justice must be transformative: it should not only address the act of violence, but the underlying inequalities facilitating violations against women.

To read the full report, visit:

http://wps.unwomen.org/~/media/files/un%20women/wps/highlights/unw-global-study-1325-2015.pdf