Region August 2018 displays many elements of the women, peace and security agenda. Among the UNSCR 1325 related areas of the Strategy is the prioritisation of girls and women at the front of the stabilization process politically, economically, socially and culturally.123 The Strategy calls on the four countries around Lake Chad to develop national action plans for UNSCR 2250 and 2419 relating to women, peace and security. Sexual violence can result in forced displacement, domestic violence, stigmatisation and discrimination against women. Related to this is the normalisation of sexual violence in the public/private sphere as a direct consequence of conflict.124 The AU signed a landmark Framework of cooperation with the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence on 31 January 2014. Among the things the AU seeks to achieve through this is promoting accountability and fostering political leadership and action against impunity for sexual violence in armed conflict, multisectoral services for survivors, integration of prevention safeguards in mediation and conflict resolution efforts as well as ensuring the participation of women in such efforts. In November 2018 the PSC adopted the AU Policy on Conduct and Discipline for Peace Support Operations and the AU Policy on the Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse for Peace Support Operations, both of which are informed by good practice and lessons learned from the past and current AU and UN Peace Operations. The policies categorise sexual abuse and exploitation by military, police and civilian personnel in AU PSOs as serious misconduct, for which AU has zero tolerance. The Policy on Prevention and Response to Sexual Abuse and Exploitation cites important gender responsive provisions like the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality and UNSCR 1325. Member states are required to ensure vetting, screening and background and criminal reference checks of military and police personnel during pre-deployment verifications of civilian personnel upon a request from the AUC. The Policy also establishes a Conduct and Discipline Office/Unit or focal point, as a complaint handling mechanism that is mandated to ensure among other things accessibility to the community, especially women and children. 123 African Union Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery & Resilience of the Boko Haram affected Areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region August 2018 124 Nanair V ‘In the Multiple Systems of Justice Whither Justice for Women?’ 2011 FIDA Uganda 48

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