The scene is stark: a field hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, where the echoes of systematic sexual violence – rape used as a weapon – mingle with the desperate pleas of survivors. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s the reality for countless women and girls amidst a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis, a crisis mirroring a global trend of heightened instability and a disturbing stagnation in efforts to integrate women into peace processes. Twenty-five years after UN Security Council Resolution 1325 – a landmark acknowledgment that women are not merely victims of war, but architects of peace – the international community faces a critical test: can it truly translate this commitment into tangible action, or will the voices of those most impacted remain unheard, relegated to the footnotes of global conflict?
The core issue is a disconcerting reversal. While the 2000 Resolution represented a significant, albeit imperfect, step, progress has stalled. The number of women living in or near conflict zones has nearly doubled in the last 15 years – a staggering 88 million individuals – primarily due to protracted conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and Myanmar. Data from the United Nations Population Division reveals a consistent pattern: women and girls are disproportionately affected, experiencing rates of sexual violence – estimates range from 20% to 30% – significantly higher than the general population. This represents a catastrophic failure to uphold the principle of women, peace, and security (WPS), leaving a trail of shattered lives and a deeply destabilized global landscape. The sheer scale of the crisis – a conflict-ridden planet demanding resolution – necessitates a renewed, unwavering focus on WPS.
Historical context is crucial. The impetus behind Resolution 1325 arose from decades of grassroots activism led by women’s rights organizations like the Women’s Global Union and the International Campaign to Stop Rape, Inc. These groups had long argued that excluding women from peace negotiations was not only morally reprehensible but strategically unsound. They demonstrated that women’s perspectives – rooted in lived experience of violence and trauma – offered unique insights into conflict dynamics and provided pathways to sustainable peace. The adoption of Resolution 1325 was, therefore, a recognition of established evidence, not a radical departure from reality.
Key stakeholders – primarily national governments, international organizations (UN, EU, World Bank), and civil society – have a complex, often competing set of motivations. Western nations, historically dominant in shaping global security agendas, have frequently prioritized strategic interests and geopolitical alliances over WPS principles. The US, for instance, has a spotty record, often withholding crucial support for UN resolutions due to disagreements with allies. China, a permanent member of the Security Council, has historically been hesitant to fully endorse WPS resolutions, citing concerns about sovereignty. Within the UN system, bureaucratic inertia and a lack of political will have consistently hampered efforts to effectively implement WPS commitments. However, recent shifts – particularly driven by increased awareness of the human cost of conflict and growing pressure from civil society – are beginning to create opportunities for change. “The challenge is not simply technical; it’s a fundamental shift in how we understand security,” argues Dr. Louise Dickinson, Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group, “and that requires a genuine commitment from leadership.”
Recent developments paint a worrying, yet increasingly urgent, picture. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly the fighting in El Fasher, has witnessed a horrifying escalation of sexual violence, exceeding even the documented atrocities in earlier stages of the conflict. The humanitarian chief for the World Food Programme, David Beasley, recently stated, “The level of brutality we are seeing – the deliberate targeting of civilians, the use of sexual violence as a weapon – is frankly, shocking and demands an immediate international response.” This underscores the need for intensified pressure on the warring factions to end hostilities and ensure accountability for war crimes.
Specifically, the UK government’s actions reflect a growing, though still nascent, commitment. The recently announced £3 million investment in Gaza, alongside efforts to facilitate access to humanitarian aid and support for pregnant women and new mothers, represent a critical, albeit small, step. However, the scale of the humanitarian need vastly exceeds immediate aid provision. “The UK needs to move beyond simply responding to crises and begin to proactively build long-term resilience, with women and girls at the center,” states Dr. Fatima Shibli, a researcher at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Conflict, Justice and Security. “This requires sustained investment in WPS programs, capacity building, and strengthening local women’s peacebuilding networks.”
Looking ahead, short-term (6 months) outcomes are likely to remain dominated by immediate humanitarian needs – providing critical assistance to displaced populations, addressing the surge in sexual violence, and supporting the delivery of aid. Long-term (5-10 years), the prospects are far more uncertain. A successful resolution to the ongoing conflicts will hinge on the inclusion of women in peace negotiations, the establishment of mechanisms for accountability, and sustained investment in WPS programs. Failure to address these issues will not only perpetuate cycles of violence but also undermine global stability. The “momentum” as Foreign Secretary James Cleverly acknowledges, depends on a sustained global commitment – one that truly reflects the interconnectedness of conflict, security, and human rights.
The challenge is not merely one of policy; it’s a moral imperative. The current situation – a world plagued by conflict, instability, and human suffering – demands a radical re-evaluation of our approach to security and peacebuilding. It is time to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for too long, to prioritize women’s participation in decision-making processes, and to ensure that the principles of women, peace, and security are not just words on paper, but the foundation of a more just and sustainable world.