Press Release - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Praises Presidential Plan and Executive Order on Women, Peace and Security
For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Westbrook Simpson, 202.466.2061, simpson@civilrights.org
December 20, 2011
Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and his executive order directing agencies to implement the plan:
“The Leadership Conference applauds President Obama for the release of the first-ever U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and for signing an executive order directing agencies to implement the plan. The United States has been a strong voice for protecting women from sexual- and gender-based violence in conflict situations around the world and for promoting women’s participation in peace building. With his executive order, the president will be better able to hold agencies accountable.
Despite strong evidence of the central role women have played in pushing opposing parties to reach peace agreements -- from the Good Friday Agreement in Ireland to ending the conflict in Liberia -- too often, women are marginalized from formal peace negotiations and the peace building process. Yet it is often women, when included, who seek to address the economic and social needs of their communities, which are essential for a just and sustainable peace. With this executive order, just as he did in 2009 with his endorsement of ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, President Obama is showing strong support for advancing the rights of women.
The president’s plan will further empower and embolden courageous women in countries around the world – including the recent winners of the Nobel Peace Prize -- who tirelessly work to prevent and end conflicts.”
