We are proud to announce that ARSA has joined 628 civil society organizations from 110 countries in signing an open letter to the UN Security Council, urging decisive action to protect women's rights in conflict zones. This letter, coordinated by the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace, and Security, is being released ahead of the annual Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security this month.

Together, we are calling on Member States to take action in the following critical areas:

  • Prevent, avert, and end conflicts to protect civilians and uphold peace.
  • Reform the Security Council to ensure more effective responses to global crises.
  • Halt arms transfers that could be used to perpetrate gender-based violence.
  • Defend women’s human rights, especially in conflict zones.
  • Advance reproductive justice and safeguard access to essential healthcare.
  • Ensure women are at the negotiating table in all peace and security processes.
  • Support principled humanitarian action that prioritizes gender equality.
  • Demand justice and accountability for all violations of international law.
  • Stand with feminist movements that fight for women's rights worldwide.
  • Fund peace, not war, by investing in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

This collective effort sends a powerful message: the international community must prioritize the protection of women’s rights and ensure their participation in building peace. ARSA remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of women and girls affected by conflict.

Read or download the open letter, available in English, Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish:

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/2024-open-letter-permanent-representatives-united-nations-advance-annual-open-debate-women-peace-and-security-enarru

https://www.womenpeacesecurity.org/resource/open-letter-un-wps-2024/