With the aim of reinforcing respect for human rights, including of women and vulnerable categories, UNOWA supports the development of a sub regional strategy for the protection and promotion of these rights. The Human Rights Unit works within UNOWA’s mandate of enhancing the contribution of the UN towards peace and security in West Africa.

Covering such issues as good governance, youth unemployment, security sector reform, transitional justice, the Unit monitors the human rights situation in the West African sub region, elaborates sub regional human rights strategies and enhances cooperation on human rights issues with ECOWAS, UN partners and members of civil society.

A key focus of the Human Rights Unit is gender issues, particularly mainstreaming the gender dimension in conflict and peace building as well as in UNOWA programs and activities. A priority area of activity for the Unit has been the preparation of numerous studies and issues papers examining the human rights situation in the sub region and developing sub regional and integrated strategies for human rights implementation. The Unit is also active in developing a sub regional and integrated action plan on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security.

“The Dakar Declaration on the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325” and its related regional action plan for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were adopted in Dakar at a Regional Forum entitled "Women Count for Peace” held in September 2010. The event took place at ministerial level on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.

Press release declaration de Dakar_ FR_Angl.docx

Declaration de Dakar fr.docx

www.unifem.org/campaigns/1325plus10/