Resolution No.1: Ensuring Gender-Responsive Conflict Management, Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Action in the Crisis In Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur and the Whole of Mindanao
WHEREAS, Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women upholds the right of women to protection and security in emergencies and armed conflict situations, and recognizes and supports the role of women in conflict-prevention, management, resolution and peacemaking;
WHEREAS, as Member State of the United Nations (UN), the Philippines is committed to implement UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCRs) Nos. 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2106 (2013), 2122 (2013), and 2042 (2015) on women, peace and security;
WHEREAS, the Philippines is a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and General Recommendation No. 30 (2013) of the CEDAW Committee provides guidance to States Parties on legislative, policy and other appropriate measures to ensure full compliance with their obligations under the Convention to protect, respect and fulfil women’s human rights conflict and post-conflict situations, and makes suggestions as to how non-State actors can address women’s rights in conflict-affected areas;
WHEREAS, the Philippines National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, 2017-2022, sets specific measures to be implemented by government agencies to fulfil the country’s national and international obligations to uphold the rights of women in conflict and post-conflict situations, and mainstream gender in the peace process within the framework of the Six-Point Peace and Development Agenda of the Duterte Administration;
WHEREAS, on 23 May 2017, the Maute terrorist group attacked and tried to seize control over Marawi City, Lanao del Sur – flying the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in several areas, burning down government and private facilities, and inflicting casualties on the part of Government Forces and the civilian population;
WHEREAS, the President issued Proclamation No. 216, s. 2017, declaring a state of martial law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao on 23 May 2017 for a period not exceeding sixty days;
WHEREAS, as of 06 June 2017, the armed conflict in Marawi City has resulted in the displacement of 52,774 families or 253,762 individuals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the National Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security (NAPWPS) that the following shall be observed in the conflict management, conflict resolution, and implementation of humanitarian action in the crisis in Marawi City and the whole of Mindanao:
1. Ensure that all persons, especially women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, affected and displaced by armed conflict are protected from all forms of gender-based violence, particularly rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking, and all other forms of violence in situations of armed conflict;
2. Provide gender- and culture-sensitive quick response (QR) humanitarian relief and assistance to displaced women and children, including provisions for food and non-food items, hygiene and family packages, and segregated latrines;
3. Establish gender-responsive mechanisms and facilities, which include Women- and Child-Friendly Spaces (WCFS) and Women and Children Protection Desks, in all evacuation areas and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps;
4. Provide gender- and culture- sensitive services, such as psychosocial support, and comprehensive health services, including protection during pregnancy, for displaced women and girls, including those staying with relatives and friends;
5. Provide comprehensive gender- and culture-sensitive humanitarian rehabilitation and recovery program with particular focus on shelter, health, social health insurance, livelihood, and educational support;
6. Collect age- and sex-disaggregated data on affected population, and identify groups with specific needs, such as single-headed households, and unaccompanied and separated girls and boys.
7. Implement gender-responsive protocols and coordinating mechanism to ensure the physical security of women deployed in conflict areas;
8. Ensure that all camp management agencies and partners have gender-balanced teams working in the camps or evacuation areas;
9. Adopt a rights- and community-based approach in camp management, with participation of women, men, girls and boys; and
10. Ensure women’s participation and representation in conflict management, conflict resolution and peacemaking bodies;
ISSUED, this 07th day of July 2017 in Pasig City.
NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY
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