By Charlie CarMichael-
LONDON: The Defense Secretary, Gavin Williamson has met with civil society groups from Africa and other countries plagued by human right abuses, to address the serious issues.
Staff from organisations representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Ukraine, as well as several international action groups, were welcomed to London on Thursday to discuss the issues faced in their countries, particularly by women. The event gave the Defense Secretary greater insight into the security situation faced by women, men, girls and boys in conflict-affected areas. The essence of the meeting was to enable the military in the respective countries to develop better plans for protection of civilians. The meeting was the first time a UK Defense minister has sat with civil societies groups specifically representing women’s human rights from areas affected by conflict.
A wide array of groups were reflected in the meeting. The groups represented included Gender Action for Peace and Security, Action Aid, International Alert, the International Rescue Committee, Plan, Saferworld, Women’s League for Peace and Freedom, Women for Women International, Security Women, Nigeria INGO Forum and Legal Action Worldwide. The UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security has currently nine focus countries, five of which were discussed yesterday: DRC, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia and South Sudan. These nations either have UK military directly deployed there, or are nations where UK-trained peacekeepers are deployed. The UK has already increased peacekeeping in Sudan and Somalia, has deployed four Military Gender and Protection Advisers to DRC and has established a UK center of excellence to integrate guidelines on women, peace and security into its work. It is also among the first countries to publish a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Gavin Williamson has previously praised UK servicewomen in March for the critical role they play in defending the country. Williamson’s praise at the time came as the armed forces marked International Women’s Day today.
Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Conflict can have devastating effects for anyone caught in its path, but life can be particularly traumatic for women. They are subject to violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and their calls for justice are often falling on deaf ears.I am determined we do more to listen to those who are often not given a voice. It is only by understanding the situation faced by women and girls that we will be able to protect them.