Supporting women and children raped during conflict heart of foreign policy – Gilmore

Published: Sunday, November 27, 2011

SUPPORTING women and children raped and tortured during conflict will be the heart of Ireland's foreign policy, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore vowed today.

The country will champion the cause of those who faced gender-based violence in war zones and developing countries, he said.

The Government's new national action plan aims to increase the number of women peacekeepers and provide effective training for those on overseas missions, It will also promote awareness among support agencies for migrants and victims of trafficking in Ireland.

"For too long, the rights of women and girls affected by conflict have been ignored by the international community," said Mr Gilmore, who could not rule out a cut in the overseas aid budget on December 6.

"I commit Ireland to championing the cause of these women and I will ensure that their voices are heard."

The plan sets out how Ireland will promote the objectives of United National's Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for a greater participation of women in peace processes, the protection of women and girls in armed conflict and recognition of the link between conflict and gender-based violence.

It was launched by former president Mary Robinson at a seminar hosted by the Irish Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence - a coalition of human rights groups, development organisations and state agencies.

Click here to read the full article from the Independent and NWCI CEO Susan McKay's comments....