Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 36
Set out approval process for NI EVAWG strategy during Executive suspension
Recommendation
We are concerned to hear about the gatekeeping of funding and other activity by paramilitary groups which has increasingly excluded women and the community and voluntary sector since the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. This has implications for the construction of a post-conflict society in Northern Ireland. We are therefore pleased to note that the Government has included Northern Ireland in its latest action plan to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 48 The effect of paramilitary activity and organised crime on society in Northern Ireland (UNSCR) 1325, which recognises women’s perspectives, rights and role in relation to peace and security. However, the Government must set out how its commitment to co-design a strategy on ending violence against women and girls with stakeholders in NI will receive final approval if the Executive remains, or is once again, suspended.
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the restoration of the NI Executive, seeing it as an opportunity for the Executive to progress a strategy on ending violence against women and girls, and highlights existing funding for related projects.
Paragraph Reference:
36
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The UK Government welcomes the restoration of the NI Executive. There is now an important opportunity for the Executive to deliver on its commitments to progress a Northern Ireland Strategy on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Recognising the role of women in this context, EPPOC currently funds projects to provide training and support to women of all ages in areas where paramilitaries have an influence. These projects equip and empower women with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become involved in transformational community development, helping to support communities to move away from paramilitarism. We understand that the NI Executive’s work on a strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls is proceeding in close collaboration with EPPOC in order to ensure that learning is shared and delivery is aligned.