BELGIUM
Belgium adopted their fourth WPS National Action Plan in 2022 to cover the period 2022-2026. A copy of this is not available yet; however, it is reported to be similar to, and build upon, previous plans.
In February 2022 the Belgian government issued a press release summarising the contents of the fourth NAP. The notes that follow are based on the unofficial translation of Belgium’s third NAP that covered 2017-2021, supplemented where relevant by information in the press release summary about the fourth NAP.
Objectives of 2017-2021 NAP
- To promote the implementation of a international regulatory framework;
- To integrate gender perspectives in the actions taken by Belgium in conflicts, peace and security;
To fight against all forms of violence against women and girls, and specifically sexual violence;
- To encourage women to participate in processes regarding conflict, peace and security;
To support the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security;
- To ensure the oversight and monitoring of the Agenda for Women, peace, and Security, and of the NAP.
Commentary
The Belgian Government’s press release in February 2022 about the 4th NAP states: “This fourth plan builds on the experiences gained in the implementation of previous action plans and takes into account an evolving context. For example, the plan anticipates conservative opposition to concepts such as 'gender' and includes action lines on climate change.”
The press release also commits Belgium to focusing on four countries through coordinated action of the various Ministers and State Secretaries in order to “further deepen the implementation of the action plan, particularly in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Niger.”
Civil Society involvement in development of the 2017-2021 NAP
The drafting of the third NAP (2017-2021) was discussed by civil society at a consultation meeting. Belgium also states the need for dialogue with civil society and local women’s organisations to better identify their needs and priorities and to maintain support for women’s peace initiatives. They highlight a renewed commitment to keep civil society informed and involved.
There is no mention in the press release about the fourth NAP of civil society involvement.
UN Peacekeeping Statistics
As of August 2024 Belgium contributed just one person to the UN’s peacekeeping missions. This was a male mission expert on the UN’s Truce Supervision Organisation, based in Jerusalem.
Women in Peacekeeping
While information from the fourth NAP is not yet available, the third NAP pledged to encourage women to participate in processes related to conflict, peace and security through measures such as encouraging more women applicants for peacekeeping missions, improving training and advocating for greater inclusion of women at the international level.
References and Sources
Belgium Third National Action Plan 2017-2021: National Action Plan UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION (gnwp.org)
Government of Belgium’s Press Release dated 25 February, 2022, about the Fourth WPS National Action Plan: Belgium presents a fourth National Action Plan “Women, Peace and Security” (2022-2026) for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation
Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Country, Mission, and Personnel Type (August 2024): 03-Contributions by Country and Mission
