The impact of the Corona pandemic in countries already wracked by years of war and violent extremism is difficult to fathom. From crowded camps where the lives of refugees and internally displaced populations are at risk, to communities where basic water and sanitation systems, food supplies and already-fragile livelihoods are devastated, the long-term implications of the virus are profound. Recognising this, the UN Secretary General called for a global ceasefire in March to end the destruction, save lives and bring a degree of security that would enable better access for humanitarian and relief services, with 110 states currently signed up to the pledge to-date.
Are the ceasefires taking place and holding? If there is a shift towards political solutions and local conditions, is this not the key opportunity for the full participation of women peacebuilders? What are the risks and opportunities for sustained inclusive processes – both in the virtual space and in real time - in war-affected settings? Could the global ceasefires entrench negative forces? Given women’s peace organisations are among the first responders in the most difficult contexts, what must international actors do to foster their safety and ensure their sustained inclusion in peacemaking and peacebuilding now and in the aftermath of this pandemic?
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About the speakers:
Siri Aas Rustad is a senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and a lecturer at the Norwegian University of Life Science.
Rajaa Ataali is Co-Founder and Co-Director for Center for Civil Society and Democracy .
Muna Luqman is Co-founder of the and Chairperson of the Yemeni foundation .
Dame Karen Pierce DCMG is a British diplomat who is currently British Ambassador to the United States at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and previously the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations.
Teresa Whitfield is Director of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs’ (DPPA Policy and Mediation Division in the United Nations.
Chair: Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE is Director of the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Centre for Women, Peace and Security and founder and CEO of the .
This event is co-hosted with the , the , and the
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