merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D., and former President, Mary Robinson, today announced the launch of Ireland’s National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 relating to women, peace and security.

The Plan sets out how Ireland will promote the objectives of Resolution 1325, which calls for an increase in the participation of women in peace processes, the protection of women and girls in armed conflict, and recognition of the link between conflict and gender-based violence. The Plan has been drawn up following extensive consultations with women’s groups, Government Departments and academia, carried out by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Speaking at the launch, the Tánaiste said:

"For too long, the rights of women and girls affected by conflict have been ignored by the international community. Today, I commit Ireland to championing the cause of these women and I will ensure that their voices are heard".

The National Action Plan was launched during the Annual Seminar of the Irish Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence. The Consortium comprises Irish human rights, humanitarian and development organisations, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Defence Forces, all working together to address gender based violence.

Ireland joins an increasing number of countries choosing to launch national plans in relation to implementation of Resolution 1325, including the UK, Norway and the Netherlands.