On the occasion of the 19th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), EUAM Iraq confirms its commitment to gender equality throughout the implementation of its mandate. Regarding the practical meaning of the implementation of the WPS agenda for EUAM Iraq, the Mission is working with its Iraqi counterparts, through strategic advising, on implementing the various aspects of the resolution, in alignment with the EU’s Human Rights and Democracy Country Strategy for Iraq.

By passing UNSCR 1325, and all related resolutions, the United Nations Security Council formally acknowledges the nature of warfare, in which civilians are increasingly targeted, and women continue to be excluded from participation in peace processes.

In addition, discrimination and violence against women is most prevalent in areas of armed conflict, as witnessed in Iraq over the past 16 years. The insecurity resulting from the unravelling of the Iraqi security state after 2003 has had devastating effects on the security of women, particularly since the Da’esh’s take-over of some territories in June 2014.

UNSCR 1325 affirms that peace and security efforts are more sustainable when women are equal partners in the prevention of violent conflict, and in the delivery of relief and recovery efforts and in the forging of lasting peace. With this overarching goal in mind, Iraqi governmental institutions and civil organizations are in the process of developing the second Iraq National Plan for Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 Women, Peace and Security.