DJIBOUTI
Djibouti adopted a National Action Plan in 2017 to cover the period 2018-2020. An update to this NAP was initiated in May 2022, but does not appear to be finalised or available yet. The 2018-2020 NAP is only available in French.
Objectives of the 2018-2020 NAP
The 2018-2020 NAP comprises three strategic objectives, listed below, each of which is supported by several sub-objectives:
- Increase women’s participation in all levels of decision making, in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms, for the prevention, management, and settlement of conflicts;
- Prevention of violence against women and girls, in particular gender-based violence, sexual abuse and exploitation;
- Protection and assistance for women and girls who are victims of sexual violence.
Commentary
Despite identifying itself as an island of stability and peace in an otherwise conflict-prone region, Djibouti recognises this does not exonerate it of commitments to WPS. It highlights four national areas of concern that deserve attention: sexual violence against women at national level, sexual violence against refugee women, women involved in pastoral conflicts, and issues of sexual violence within security forces.
The NAP includes a matrix setting out agencies’ responsibilities for implementation and a budget for listed activities.
Civil Society involvement in development of the NAP:
The Action Plan was developed in collaboration with key institutions and organisations related to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
Implementation is to be overseen by a Steering Committee made up of representatives from Government Departments, security and defence forces, non-governmental organisations and feminist associations, amongst others.
NGOs and Feminist Associations have been deemed key stakeholders throughout design, development, implementation and monitoring and evaluation processes.
UN Peacekeeping Statistics
As of May 2023, Djibouti contributed 207 Peacekeepers to UN missions. These were all international police personnel, and 27 were women (no indication of rank).
Women in peacekeeping
Djibouti’s NAP demonstrates a commitment to increasing the participation of women in international peacekeeping. It includes a specific objective on this, with indicators to track progress. It also outlines a commitment to increase training to security and defence forces on issues related to Women, Peace and Security.
In May 2022 Djibouti co-hosted a WPS event with the US leadership of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa to initiate an update to Djibouti’s WPS 2018-2020 NAP.
References and sources
Djibouti’s 2018-2020 National Action Plan is available in French at:
United Nations Peacekeeping. (2023). Troop and police contributors | United Nations Peacekeeping (gives numbers of troops provided by countries as at 31 May 2023): 05-Missions Detailed By Country
