URUGUAY
Uruguay’s first WPS NAP covers the period 2021-2024.
Objectives of the 2021-2024 NAP
In the Uruguay NAP, the term ‘Results’ (Long, Medium or Short term) is used instead of Objectives. The NAP states this is done so that in design and implementation, the item(s) to be achieved are clear and determined, and not expressed as desired achievements.
The NAP’s three long-term results (Uruguay NAP, p32) are as follows:
- Promote a gender perspective in all peace and security activities.
- Promote a focus on human security, with a gender perspective.
- Strengthen the capacity for responsiveness at the international level in relation to the WPS agenda and Protection of Civilians in Peace Operations, in order to promote more just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
Each long term result is supported by several medium term results, each of which in turn are supported by several short-term results. The action plan matrix at the end of the NAP assigns these short term results to various agencies, with a timeline for implementation. Monitoring and evaluation is to be carried out mid-term and on completion of the NAP period. There is no detail as to how the activities will be financed other than reference to funding being found from agencies’ budgets (p40).
Commentary
Despite not having a written document since Resolution 1325 was passed in 2000, Uruguay has been implementing the WPS agenda through its active participation in peacekeeping operations since the 1990’s, and the NAP emerged from the context of the country’s experience with UN peacekeeping missions. The commitment assumed by the NAP is to ensure inclusivity, sustainability and openness to continued improvement that allows for the implementation of the WPS agenda in a comprehensive and tangible manner, within and beyond Uruguay borders.
Involvement of Civil society in developing the NAP
The Interinstitutional Working Group developed the Uruguay NAP and is not reported to have included the participation of CSOs, although there are some mentions of CSOs throughout the document. Implementation of the NAP is the responsibility of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, National Defence Ministry, Interior Ministry, Human Rights Secretariat, and the Women’s National Institute in the Social Development Ministry. It was supported by staff from Inclusive Security and UN Women.
UN Peacekeeping statistics
Uruguay was involved in peacekeeping operations before the NAP was launched in 2021. According to the list of ‘Troop and police contributors’ compiled by the UN as of 31 May 2023, Uruguay now ranks 18th, contributing a total of 1050 personnel for various missions, with most of these being troops for MONUSCO and UNDOF.
In May 2023 Uruguay contributed the following UN peacekeeping personnel:
Women’s role in Peacekeeping
Although Uruguay’s overall deployment of female soldiers is low as shown in the table above, there does appear to be a commitment to putting more women in the leadership positions of experts and staff officers. Uruguay deployed its first woman on a peacekeeping missions in 1992 as a medical officer to the army. The NAP states the Uruguay’s government to achieve the UN target of 15% female participants by 2028 (p 17).
References and sources
National Action Plan. (n.d.). An English translation of the NAP is available at: Uruguay-NAP-2021-2024_spanish_ENG-translation-Google-Translate.pdf (wpsnaps.org)
United Nations Peacekeeping. (July 2023): Troop and police contributors | United Nations Peacekeeping
Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Country, Mission, and Personnel Type (May 2023): 05-Missions Detailed By Country
