UNCSW66: Regional Caucus -North America and Europe 17/3/22

 North America and Europe Caucus 17/3/22

The opportunity to come together regionally was to stop and reflect on what has been achieved and recognise the importance of civil society to be able to work in partnership with the country’s missions. As activists we tend to focus on the unfinished work, what’s still left on our collective to do list.


As countries in North America and Europe we can’t campaign for women’s rights without recognising that different groups and identities of women have multiple experiences.  Especially when there is conflict – time and time again, evidence shows that women and children are affected first and the most. Migrant women need to be given a voice not just during media reported conflicts but all conflicts as women are often at this intersection.

Members of this meeting referred to the importance of Security Council Resolution 1325 which clearly states that women’s rights and safety should be paramount during a conflict. We should all be concerned that what is being reported from Ukraine has been replicated in Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and many other conflicts which receive less media coverage or public empathy. UnitedNations Security Council Resolution 1325 - Wikipedia

Attendees also expressed concern that women of colour, women with disabilities and LGBTI+ women are especially vulnerable and it is essential that they get the coverage, support and protection that is promised under Resolution 1325.

Whether women are displaced, migrants or trafficked, we have a responsibility to stand for all women whether they are intentional or unintentional victims of the actions and decisions made by national and international political bodies.

But the key needs to be adding the female lens and perspective to the decision making process and the action subsequently taken. Conflict is a failure of politics, however if women aren’t even in the room, then we are the first to be forgotten.

Session 1 17/3/22: https://youtu.be/Ofv4KhUED6E

Session 2 23/3/22 : https://youtu.be/AtzjKC5-blU

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