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Peace Agreements and Peace Making

Peacemaking is a long-term diplomatic process of negotiations intended to culminate in a signed peace agreement. Because few women are leaders among the parties to peace talks, women’s perspectives and experiences are frequently ignored. Yet, the process of negotiation provides a foundation for future laws, policies and programmes. When women are absent at the outset, it becomes increasingly difficult to integrate them in later processes. When women overcome the many obstacles they face, their creativity and initiative can be invaluable to the peace process, whether through unofficial negotiations with armed groups, massive campaigns to bring parties to the peace table or the gender-specific guarantees they secure as formal negotiators.

From the Library

Nepal Human Development Report 2009 State Transformation and Human Development

Without peace, human development is not possible and without human development, peace is not sustainable. Both require inclusion and participation—which can evolve through the restructuring of the state and deepening of the democracy of a political system. This Report makes the case that inclusion and participation can restore sustainable peace and human development through state transformation. Politics—or the exercise of power through participation—matters for human development because people everywhere want to be free to determine their own destiny, express their views, and participate in the decisions that shape their lives. These capabilities are
just as important for human development— for expanding people’s choices—as being able to read or to enjoy good health. Democracy must widen and deepen if politics and political institutions are to promote human development and safeguard the freedom and dignity of all individuals. Peace, together with prosperity and democracy, also constitute the core mandates of the 2006 April Janandolan (people’s movement). This is articulated firmly in the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the Interim Constitution 2007. The Comprehensive Peace Accord has at least four components:

  • political and socioeconomic transformation;

  • management of armies and arms;

  • ceasefire provisions and measures for normalization; and

  • protection of human rights and fundamental rights.

This Report focuses on the political transformation or restructuring of the state for inclusion and for human development while recognising that implementing all the other components is necessary for peace. Here inclusion refers to the equitable political representation of the excluded segments
of Nepal’s population, including women, various caste and ethnic groups, and those who live in underdeveloped regions. Participation implies the active engagement of representatives in voicing the views of their constituencies so that these opinions are heard and heeded. The Report advances the view that because exclusion causes unequal human development— which, in turn, perpetuates exclusion— eliminating it through the equitable representation and participation of excluded groups and regions will improve the quality of human development. Consequently, the
Report explores different options in changes to the state structure or political system to accommodate the interests of different groups of people. Nevertheless, the Report
also recognises that equitable representation cannot alone resolve the problems of exclusion
unless those who represent Nepal’s various constituencies can influence policy decisions
through direct and active participation. Those now excluded are unlikely to participate as effectively as the advantaged groups because of their lower level of human development and endowment as chapter two presents, along with their marginalisation and socio-political repression. Inequalities in endowment not only create, but cause exclusion. Consequently, inequality and exclusion must end simultaneously in all its dimensions.

Quick Reference Guide to UN Security Council Resolutions

Quick Reference Guide to UN Security Council Resolutions Publication Date: March 2010 Abstract: Despite four separate UNSCRs on women, peace, and security, and the dedicated efforts of international agencies, civil society actors, and governments, courageous women peace builders still face legal, cultural and traditional discrimination. This guide is designed to help advocates efficiently leverage UNSCRs 1325 and 1889 (on women's leadership in peace processes); and 1820 and 1888 (on response to conflict-related sexual violence).

A Parliamentarians’ Handbook on the Small Arms Issue

In a landmark step, parliamentarians from countries in Central, East and the Horn of Africa, gathering at a conference organised by UNDP and AWEPA on 26-28 November 2003, reached an agreement on a Plan of Action for parliamentarians, aimed at reducing the illicit distribution of small arms and light weapons. In this Mombasa Plan of Action, parliamentarians agreed to urge their governments to adjust national legislation to create more efficient control on small arms. This booklet is earmarked to be a practical handbook. It seeks to serve parliamentarians during their efforts to make further progress on the issue of small arms and light weapons. The booklet contains information on what has been achieved in Mombasa, introduces parliamentarians who are new to the issue to what it entails, and elaborates on what the problem of small arms means for African countries in Central, East- and the Horn of Africa. It also seeks to assess what these countries might contribute to solve the problem, in particular with regard to legislation.

Presentation: 1325/1820 National Action Plans

This presentation was made at the meeting on Increasing Momentum for UNSCR 1325 National Action Plans. It discusses the processes in developing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 National Action Plans (NAPS) and the challenges connected with the implementation of NAPs. It also describes women's involvement in peace processes around the world.

Meeting Report: Increasing Momentum for UNSCR 1325 National Action Plans

This is a summary report from the meeting aimed at discussing strategies for increasing the development and implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 National Action Plans. The meeting was convened by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and current President of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, and Ambassador Swanee Hunt, Chair of The Institute for Inclusive Security, and involved a group of prominent government, United Nations, and civil society leaders in New York.

Securing Equality, Engendering Peace: A Guide to Policy and Planning on Women, Peace and Security

This guide is provides recommendations on the development of realistic action plans on women, peace and security. The guide is designed as a resource for governments, United Nations and regional organisations as well as non-governmental organisations.

Development, Women and War: Feminist Perspectives

In these series of articles policy makers, practitioners, and academics discuss long-running conflicts around the world and highlight women's experiences and potential to contribute both to war and peace.

The Peace and Conflict Gender Analysis: UNIFEM's Research in the Solomon Islands

This paper, published in Gender and Development, discusses the research methodology and results of the 2005 Peace and Conflict Gender Analysis conducted by UNIFEM in the Solomon Islands. The use of gender analysis to shape peace processes would help solidify women’s gains in status and contribute to economic and civil society development. To purchase the article, visit the Governance and Social Research Development Centre.

Democracy and United Nations Peace-Building at the Local Level: Lessons Learned

This report explores the linkages between local democracy and peace-building in determined contexts. It highlights some conclusions on the issue within United Nations peace-building efforts.

UN-INSTRAW Interactive Website on Gender Training for Peacekeepers

This website highlights the efforts to build capacity in peacekeeping missions on gender issues and brings together materials that can be used in gender training.