The National Implementation of SCR 1325 in Latin America: Key Areas of Concern

Citation:

Luciak, Ilja. 2009. “The National Implementation of SCR 1325 in Latin America: Key Areas of Concern.” Paper presented at the Annual ISA-ABRI Joint International Meeting, Rio de Janeiro, July 22-24.

Author: Ilja Luciak

Abstract:

It is the premise of this paper that sustainable peace and development require the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325. The paper calls attention to the importance of implementing SCR 1325 by highlighting key areas of concern with a primary focus on a small sample of Latin American countries, including Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua. The paper discusses several recent and current peace processes in the region. It emphasizes that peace negotiations constitute a crucial entry point for considerations of gender justice. Thus it is essential that the process be inclusive. Yet women'€™s participation in formal peace processes continues to be limited and their contributions to informal peace processes are only starting to be recognized. Peace accords and subsequent constitution-building present important opportunities for countries emerging from conflict to transform their political systems toward greater gender equality. Several Latin American countries have advanced in the political reconstruction of their respective societies by instituting constitutional and electoral reforms in the wake of conflict. On the other hand, a discussion of disarmament and demobilization processes in the region and highlights the current lack of attention to gender considerations. Similarly, the gendered needs of refugees and internally displaced populations also require attention. Further, in addition to dealing with violent acts committed during war, governments need to address the security environment that emerges in the wake of conflict. Post-war violence, whether committed in the public or private sphere, plagues many countries in the region.

Topics: Armed Conflict, DDR, Displacement & Migration, IDPs, Refugees, Gender, Women, Gendered Power Relations, Gender Equality/Inequality, Governance, Constitutions, Elections, Post-Conflict Governance, Peace Processes, Post-Conflict, Security, UN Security Council Resolutions on WPS, UNSCR 1325, Violence Regions: Americas, Caribbean countries, Central America, North America, South America

Year: 2009