IHL AND GENDER – Government of Sweden and Swedish Red Cross joint pledge

During the years 2016-2019, the Government of Sweden and the Swedish Red Cross jointly pledge to promote and encourage work and studies to further develop and apply a gender perspective in international humanitarian law, and on humanitarian actions in the context of conflict and disasters, including raising these issues during the Swedish chair of the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence in Emergencies.

Armed conflict impacts women, girls, boys and men in different ways. Gender – together with factors such as age, ethnicity and class – influences the status, roles, power, risks, needs, capacities, resources, constraints and opportunities for people in any society. Existing gender norms, inequalities and preconceived gender stereotypes impact the lives of all individuals.

It is therefore essential for humanitarian action in the context of armed conflict, and the application of international humanitarian law (IHL), to consider the distinct and diverse status, needs and capacities of women, girls, men and boys. In other words, in order to be effective and non-discriminatory IHL must be analysed, applied and developed with a “gender perspective”.

The Swedish publication “IHL and gender- Swedish experiences” includes both theoretical analyses and practical tools (good practices, checklists and recommendations) intended to enhance the understanding of what a gender perspective on IHL can entail for both civilian and military decision-makers with responsibilities under IHL.

Proposed Evaluation Criteria : Activities, including support to and cooperation with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, on international humanitarian law undertaken between 2016 and 2019 include a gender perspective, as relevant.

Action plan