Today the European Parliament adopted a report on the situation of women in war which strongly condemns the use of sexual violence against women as a weapon of war equal to war crime. 12 years ago, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, calling for the protection of women who have suffered from sexual violence. However, despite best intentions and efforts this commitment has yet not been fulfilled. Persistent violence against women in conflict-affected countries has not ended.

"My report should be the starting point for more assertive involvement of the European Union in women, peace and security. The shocking situation in Congo, where on average 14 women per day are being raped, or in Columbia, where in most cases, the perpetrators of sexual violence go unpunished demonstrate the urgent need to scale up efforts in the fight against sexual violence" says  ALDE MEP Norica Nicolai (PNL, Romania), who drafted the report.

Impunity
Nicolai emphasizes that there can be no peace without justice. Perpetrators of sexual violence must be brought and tried in criminal courts, justice systems need to be strengthened by providing training for judges and prosecutors in the investigation and punishment of cases of sexual violence. Prosecution cases should be highly visible and well-publicised, as a means of spreading the word that such practices are intolerable.

Gender dimension in peace-building

Local civil society groups, particularly women’s groups, can fulfil their role as watchdog, especially in the context of failing states. "The European Union should imperatively push for the inclusion of more women in the prevention, mediation and resolution of conflict. Women's participation remains below a disappointing 10 %. However women at the negotiating table provide an invaluable gender equality perspective, allowing for empowerment and better interaction at grass-roots level."

Special EU Representative on Women, Peace and Security
A key demand from the European Parliament is the creation within the EEAS of a Special EU Representative on Women, Peace and Security, to further coordinate and strengthen the different EU policies on gender equality and to better liaise with UN counterparts.