VP/HR — Women and Colombian peace process

28.11.2013

Question for written answer E-013542-13
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 117
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE) , Ulrike Lunacek (Verts/ALE) , Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE) , Barbara Lochbihler (Verts/ALE) , Marc Tarabella (S&D) , Ana Gomes (S&D) , Joanna Senyszyn (S&D) , Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE) , Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL)

The peace process in Colombia is continuing to follow its roadmap with the announcement of the agreement on the political chapter. However, the participation of civil society in the process is not guaranteed, and the participation of women and women’s organisations even less so.

The EU Council published a communication in 2008 entitled ‘Comprehensive approach to the EU implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security’[1], in which it states:

‘The EU will promote the implementation of Resolutions 1325 and 1820 through its political and human rights dialogues with partner countries, particularly those affected by armed conflict, in post conflict phase or situations of fragility, ensuring that local and national civil society organisations are engaged in the process’.

‘It will furthermore promote the implementation of Resolutions 1325 and 1820 through its political statements made within the international fora. […] The EU will seek to support women’s participation in peace processes both through diplomacy and financial support. The EU will strive towards greater number of women as mediators and chief negotiators. Recognising that women’s peace efforts at the local and national levels are also a valuable resource for conflict resolution and peace building, the EU will support these organisations to engage in peace processes in addition to involving women at all formal decision-making levels.’

Thus, we understand that the High Representative must follow those lines of action. The EU has welcomed and supported the peace process in Colombia. However, it has neither called for more participation of civil society in the peace process dialogue, nor for stronger participation of women.

What is the EU actually doing to promote the participation of civil society and, more particularly, women in the peace process? Beyond possible financial support from the EU for women’s organisations in the region, what action has the EU delegation in Bogotá taken to facilitate women’s participation in the peace process? Will the EEAS actively promote the participation and representation of women in the peace talks?

• [1] Council of the European Union, 15671/1/08 — 1 December 2008.

OJ C 273, 20/08/2014