On 31 October, the EU Office together with EULEX organised a panel discussion on UNSCR 1325, chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Osnat Lubrani.

Dr. Hadewych Hazelzet from the European External Action Service (EEAS) explained the EU policy on UNSCR 1325. The Head of the Kosovo Agency of Gender Equality gave a presentation about the strategic objectives of the Kosovo National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 which was followed by comments from the Chair of the Kosovo Assembly's Committee on Human Rights, Gender Equality, Missing Persons and Petitions, and representatives of UN Women and the Kosovo Women’s Network.

UNSCR 1325 includes articles that address the protection of women from violence, especially sexual violence, and the participation of women in peace negotiations and at all levels of decision-making. The European Union implements the resolution through political dialogue, civil security and defence missions like EULEX and humanitarian and development activities.

Andy Sparkes, Acting Head of EULEX said: “EULEX will continue to work closely with the institutions of Kosovo to ensure that UNSCR 1325 does not remain just a promise and that concerns raised by Kosovo women’s organisations are being addressed. We will pursue our efforts to ensure that women are included in the construction and development of the rule of law in Kosovo.”