Furthering comprehensive approaches to victims/survivors of conflict-related sexual violence: An analysis of National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security in Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines and Timor-Leste

There is growing acknowledgment of the need to address the social, security, legal, health and economic impacts that multiply and sustain the repercussions of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in the lives of women and girls globally. Less recognition has been given to the needs of the children of victims/survivors of CRSV, including those born of rape. An intricate set of rights impediments and needs arise for both victims/survivors and their children that require urgent attention and response.

The adoption of National Action Plans (NAPs) on the United Nations Security Council women, peace and security (WPS) agenda presents an optimal opportunity to ensure that state-level activities are responsive to the rights and needs of victims/survivors of CRSV and their children.

The purpose of this paper is to advance understanding of these issues, their relevance to NAPs-WPS and present guidance for how NAPs-WPS can be used to address the needs of this population. The NAPs-WPS of four conflict-affected contexts in the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines and Timor-Leste, are critically examined to identify critical gaps and areas of opportunity in current action planning. Guidance and recommendations for ensuring that the rights and needs of victims/ survivors of CRSV and their children are addressed through NAPs-WPS is also presented.