On the start of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023, we ask the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis in an open letter to what extent the commitments of the Women, Peace and Security agenda will be taken into account at the conference. We also express our regret that civil society, especially women's organisations, are not included in this important conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine.
One year after the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, there are no signs of a ceasefire, let alone peace. Since 24 February 2022, more than 200,000 soldiers and, depending on the source, up to 50,000 civilians have lost their lives in the gruesome war. Every day the numbers rise and the suffering increases. On the anniversary of the attack, we are issuing a renewed appeal with a special focus on the participation and protection of women.
From policy briefs and reports to contributions by activists in the Feminists Connecting for Peace network to the biographies of the 1000 PeaceWomen: our publications provide an insight into our political and project work and into the activities in our global network.
In this print newsletter you can read about the exchange of knowledge and experience between two representatives of the Gender Working Group of the Colombian Truth Commission and peace activists from the Philippines and learn how the exchange at the WPS Focal Points meeting in South Africa contributes to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace and Security".
Background article in the NZZ am Sonntag with input from our director Deborah Schibler on the use of sexualised violence as a weapon of war (17.12.2023, German only).