AWD Report 2020
1.3. Challenges and Gaps The first gap observed regarding women, peace and security in the Central African region concerns the absence of NAPs in many countries. Of the countries in Central Africa, only three have a current NAP. In other countries, the sources consulted did not reveal a NAP adopted during the Decade, while in others the NAP had not been renewed. Central African Republic introduced a NAP in 2014; this has not been updated since 2016. While it is noted that Central African Republic has signalled that it is developing a second NAP for the period 2019–2023,1699 at the time of writing this is not yet available. Similarly, while Republic of Congo reported that workshops were held in 2018 to approve a draft plan for 2018–2022, the country does not have a publicly available NAP.1700 Equatorial Guinea does not have a NAP. It has reported that, while it does not have a NAP in place, it carries out various awareness programmes in connection with the women, peace and security agenda.1701 Similarly, Chad lacks a NAP but carries out numerous local initiatives connected to UNSCR 1325.1702 The lack of an up-to-date comprehensive NAP undermines progress in this rights area. A second gap concerns the budget allocation for policies and programmes related to women, peace and security. Inclusion of a budget and a consistent allocation of resources to implement the priority areas of the NAPs varies. For example, while Burundi and Cameroon have an estimated budget for each priority, these vary concerning dedicated budgets for each year of implementation.1703 A third gap identified concerns the inclusion of civil society and women in the peace and post-conflict processes, and in the development of NAPs. While women have been instrumental in advocating for and achieving peace and security across the region, barriers to formal participation in peace-building processes still exist for women. The CEDAW Committee recently expressed concern that women’s formal participation in peace-building processes and negotiations in DR Congo continues to be low, especially at the decision-making level. In 2016, the AUC noted that the Member States faced challenges mobilising UNSCR 1325 specifically at the grassroots level.1704 However, in 2019, 62% of the local protection and early warning mechanisms comprised at least 30% women.1705 The implementation of legal, policy and institutional reforms concerning women, peace and security in the Central African region faces significant challenges. The region has suffered and continues to face various conflicts and crises that have caused national and regional instability and insecurity. Central African Republic and DR Congo were dealing with active armed conflict throughout the AWD. UN Peacekeeping Missions are present in both countries. In Central African Republic, the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic has been present since 2014 (extended to November 2020 as of the time of writing).1706 The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been present since 2010 (extended to December 2020).1707 Other countries in the region continue to experience political and humanitarian crises. Despite governments committing to fighting SGBV in conflict, women in the Central African region face significant danger. The justice and security sectors are often inadequate in addressing sexual violence and combatting impunity. The conflicts in Central African Republic and DR Congo have been marked by high levels of sexual violence committed by armed groups and state security officials.1708 In DR Congo, in 2019 the UN documented 1,409 cases of conflict-related sexual violence, representing an increase of 34% on 2018.1709 While UN Peacekeeping Missions regularly report on cases, sexual violence in conflict often remains underreported owing to fear, stigma, the intimidation of survivors and structural barriers, such as the lack of a functioning justice system.1710 Moreover, Central African countries are experiencing instability as a result of domestic and regional unrest. Since 2015, Burundi has experienced a political and human rights crisis, with an increased threat of sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls.1711 President Pierre Nkurunziza’s announcement to seek a new term in office has resulted in extreme violence and human rights violations against the Burundian population.1712 Hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled to nearby countries including DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.1713 The Special United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Burundi has investigated the nature of human rights violations and abuses committed
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