PORTUGAL
Portugal’s most recent National Action Plan (NAP) was adopted in 2019 for the period 2019-2022. This is their third NAP.
Objectives of Portugal’s 2019-2022 NAP:
Portugal’s WPS NAP comprises a matrix setting out four strategic objectives, each supported by specific activities, indicators of progress, timeline and agency responsible for implementation:
1 Strengthen the integration of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, as well as the perspective of equality between men and women, in the Portuguese State’s intervention on national, regional and international fronts
2 Protect the human rights of women and girls and punish all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence
3 Promote the participation of women and youth in conflict prevention and peace building processes
4 Promote the integration of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the work of civil society organisations
Commentary:
The NAP outlines the essential framework guiding Portugal’s ongoing efforts to advance the objectives of the United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 1325 (2000) on both national and global levels. Organised around three core dimensions - prevention, protection and participation - the plan integrates Portugal’s commitments across various international forums and aligns with the European Council for the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.
By refining its targets, indicators and timelines, the NAP enhances its operational effectiveness, while also bolstering coordination and monitoring structures through the active engagement of various governmental departments. While the NAP encompasses a comprehensive framework for monitoring and evaluation, it still lacks specific details regarding the necessary budget and financial resources for effective implementation.
Civil Society involvement in development of the NAP:
The LSE Centre for Women, Peace and Security has documented Portugal’s limited acknowledgement of civil society’s input within the plan’s formulation and execution, a pattern reminiscent of prior action plans. Notably, the onus falls on the Technical Monitoring Commission to facilitate civil society’s involvement in NAP activities, encompassing their representation in at least one annual meeting.
Furthermore, by means of strategic objective 4, the NAP details specific endeavours to cultivate and amplify civil society’s engagement, particularly among those operating in conflict, post-conflict, fragile states, or humanitarian crisis contexts. These efforts aim to bolster their active participation in achieving the NAP’s objectives.
UN Peacekeeping statistics:
At September 2023 Portugal contributed 246 peacekeepers to United Nations operations, of which only 21 are female.
Most of Portugal’s peacekeeping contingent are deployed on the UN’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Women in Peacekeeping:
Portugal’s most current NAP focuses heavily on training as one of their pillars for increasing the participation of women in various aspects of security and peacekeeping. This strategic focus mirrors SecurityWomen’s mission which advocates for greater representation and inclusion of women in these domains. Moreover, the NAP has outlined intentions to amplify the involvement of civil society organisations in its activities, some of whom may concentrate on issues pertaining to women’s rights and gender equality. This alignment coincides with SecurityWomen’s agenda, which centres on elevating public awareness concerning advancements in gender equality.
References and Sources:
Portugal WPS NAP (English translation): https://gnwp.org/wp-content/uploads/Portugal-NAP-3-2019-2022.pdf
LSE WPS NAPS Database: Portuguese National Action Plan (III) - LSE - Women, Peace Security (wpsnaps.org)
United Nations Peacekeeping (Sept 2023) https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/troop-and-police-contributors
Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Country, Mission, and Personnel Type (Sept 2023): 05-Missions Detailed By Country
