CHAPTER 20: - Rights of all Peoples to National and International Peace and Security: - Article 23 In the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sections 14(2)(b), 19 and 23 declare that:a. The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government. b. The foreign policy objectives shall be the promotion and protection of the national interest; promotion of African integration and support for unity; promotion of international cooperation for the consolidation of universal peace and mutual respect among all nations and elimination of discrimination in all its manifestations; respect for international law and treaty obligations as well as the seeking of settlement of international disputes by negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication; and promotion of a just world economic order. c. The national ethics shall be Discipline, Integrity, Dignity of Labour, Social Justice, Religious Tolerance, Self-reliance and Patriotism. 2. National Action Plan for the Implementation of UNSCR 1325 and Related Resolutions in Nigeria: - The development of the National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 became imperative for the inclusion of Women in the process of peace building, peace keeping, conflict resolution and management in Nigeria. This has become so because Nigerian Women have paid a heavy price in the long and violent conflicts that have been ravaging the country especially in the past two decades. The women have continued to endure unprecedented levels of sexual violence and assault, along with related HIV infections, involuntary pregnancies and health complications as a result of abuses. Violent conflicts have forced several women to flee from their homes. A NAP reflects government’s commitment as well as accountability in ensuring the security of women and girls during armed conflicts and enhancing their active and direct participation in conflict prevention and peace building as well as post-conflict efforts. It is also a practical and operational tool for those affected by armed conflicts- women, children and communities to be informed about the governments’ response to their plight including assistance programme options available to them. For frontline enforcement agencies and other peace-keeping forces, the NAP affirms their significant role in protecting the physical safety and security of women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence and in identifying their specific need in the times of crises as NAP enjoins peace-keeping forces to strictly observe the highest standards of conduct and behavior of the armed forces vis-à-vis women, girls and other vulnerable groups in the communities during such emergencies. NAP further serves as a useful roadmap in defining the important and distinct roles of implementers of UN Resolution 1325 both at the policy level and enforcement levels. It ensures that government programmes respond to immediate and long term needs of women and children before, during and after conflict. Government, Civil Society, Community Organizations and all relevant stakeholders engaged in peace, security, governance, elections and humanitarian efforts will find the roadmap useful. Development Partners who seek to provide support to address gender inequality in all the pillars relevant to the Nigerian situation – Prevention, 128