FAAE Committee Report

Women’s involvement in security institutions enhances the effectiveness of military and policing operations. Women’s participation in peace processes increases the durability of the peace that is achieved. Investments in the women, peace and security agenda and in gender equality more broadly, are – ultimately – about building societies that are more stable, inclusive and just. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development is therefore recommending that the Government of Canada make women, peace and security a core priority of its foreign policy.

The women, peace and security agenda is largely embodied in eight resolutions adopted over 15 years by the United Nations Security Council. In essence, those resolutions are about empowering women in efforts to prevent, end and recover from armed conflict. Renewed commitment to this agenda is needed because it does not appear that the norms enshrined in the relevant Security Council resolutions are having a clear and consistent impact in the places where they are needed the most: fragile and conflict-affected states. Women must constantly push for inclusion and influence in peace and reconstruction processes, and are still under-represented in security institutions. Women’s organizations at the grassroots level often lack the resources and political support needed to sustain their essential work. Moreover, sexual and gender-based violence remains pervasive in armed conflicts, notwithstanding the robust international legal regime prohibiting such crimes.

The United Nations itself must do better as an institution if the full promise of the women, peace and security agenda is to be realized. That begins with eradicating sexual exploitation and abuse from peace support operations, which has corroded the reputation and effectiveness of UN missions.

Greater and more consistent leadership is needed from Canada in relation to women, peace and security. The renewal of the Government of Canada’s national action plan on that agenda presents the opportunity to articulate a bold and ambitious global role for Canada.

The effectiveness of Canada’s new action plan will be determined not only by what it contains and the degree to which it is adequately resourced, but also by how it is devised and then treated within government. Comprehensive consultations with parliamentarians and civil society in the development of the new action plan must take place. To guard against any risk that it could fade into irrelevancy, the Committee is further recommending that the plan be accompanied by departmental directives to guide implementation. The objective is to see the women, peace and security agenda ingrained in the government’s policies and decision-making structures to the point where it informs Canada’s response to any crisis or issue where peace and security is concerned.