Overview

The Women, Peace and Security Act 2023 aims to improve the UK's response to conflict by ensuring that women's perspectives and needs are central to foreign and defence policy. The Act mandates the government to consider a national action plan and relevant UN resolutions when formulating and implementing policy related to foreign affairs and defence.

Description

This Act legally requires the UK Secretary of State to consider a National Action Plan (NAP) and several UN Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security when making decisions related to foreign affairs, defence, and related matters. The Secretary of State must also annually report to Parliament on the progress made implementing the NAP, referencing the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.

Specifically, the Act directs the Secretary of State to consider:

• Systematic gender consideration and responsiveness in all foreign policy areas.
• Inclusion of women in policy formulation and implementation to ensure gender equality.
• Commitment to gender equality, women's human rights, and protection of human rights defenders.
• Justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including accountability for perpetrators.
• Increased participation of women (including women from minority ethnic groups, women with disabilities, and women from LGBTQ+ communities) in UK-supported peace processes.
• Inclusion of gender and inclusion mediation experts in diplomatic missions.
• Appropriate pre-deployment training for peacekeeping staff.
• Support for local women's peacebuilding organizations through funding.
• Survivor-centred responses to the needs of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The Act also mandates that the UK Secretary of State work to ensure that multinational organizations, such as the UN, similarly consider these factors.

Government Spending

The Act does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it is expected to lead to increased funding and resources dedicated to supporting women’s participation in peace processes, promoting gender equality in foreign policy, and providing support to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. The exact financial implications will depend on the government's implementation of the Act's provisions.

Groups Affected

This Act will primarily affect:

• Women in conflict zones: The Act aims to improve their safety, participation in peacebuilding, and access to justice.
• UK Government departments involved in foreign policy and defence: These departments will need to adapt their policies and practices to comply with the Act.
• UK-funded organizations working in conflict areas: These organizations may experience changes in funding priorities and requirements.
• International organizations: The Act encourages the UN and other international bodies to adopt similar gender-inclusive approaches.
• Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence: The Act aims to ensure they have better access to justice and support services.
• Women's rights organizations: These organizations could see increased opportunities for collaboration and funding.

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