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African Union urged to engage with women on peace and security
The Nobel Women's Initiative is supporting women's groups who are urging the African Union to make good on their promise to put women front and centre in peace plans. African heads of state officially launched the "Year for Peace and Security" at the 14th African Union Summit, coming to an end today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This declaration recognizes the crucial role of women and civil society in Sudan's peace process. The announcement comes on the heels of the release of the final report of the AU High Level Panel on Darfur. The panel - led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki - call for unprecedented action on Darfur and Sudan. Particular emphasis is placed on women's critical involvement and representation in the peace process, as well as addressing gross impunity for sexual violence in Darfur.
At the Summit, the Nobel Women's Initiative continued its work to support African and Sudanese women's organizations, participating in consultations organized by Femme Africa Solidarite and the African Union Commission's Directorate of Women, Peace and Development.
Embracing the Year for Peace and Security will demonstrate the African Union's commitments to achieving peace in Sudan. African governments must invest moral, human, and financial resources into the implementation of the African Union's High Level Panel Report on Darfur. Real commitment to change will result in the AU continuing to open space for Sudanese women to engage with African leaders and to have a voice in the peace processes.
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Read an opinion editorial by Wangari Maathai in the Christian Science Monitor here.
LEARN MORE
14th African Union Summit ends, Angola Press, 2 February 2010.
African Union Summit calls for inclusion of women in peace making efforts, Emerging Minds, 24 January 2010.