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Armed forces around the world often deliberately use sexual violence against women as a tactic in combat. Despite this tragic reality women rarely have a role in the peacemaking and decision-making processes that could end the use of these heinous tactics.

In response, Say NO – UNiTE, a campaign organized by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), is calling on people to sign a petition before October 21 that urges governments to adopt the initiative laid out in the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 to make women’s participation in the peacemaking process a priority.
  


The petition marks the tenth anniversary of the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of this landmark resolution in October 2000. Unfortunately, since that time little has been done by governments to enforce it.

Say No—UNiTE is specifically calling for governments to immediately adopt three key steps in implementing resolution 1325.

  • Prosecute those who command and/or commit sexual violence and exclude them from armies and police forces after conflict.
  • Ensure that women participate in peace negotiations and all post-conflict decision-making institutions.
  • Increase the number of women in troops, police forces and civilians within international peacekeeping efforts.


CUPE encourages anyone who wants the government to stand up for women’s rights and end gender-based violence to sign their name.