WILPF to co-host third annual humanitarian disarmament campaigns forum

Together with Pace University and Control Arms, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is co-hosting the 2014 Humanitarian Disarmament & Arms Control Campaigns Forum from 17-19 October.

Human Rights Watch convened the first Humanitarian Disarmament Campaigns Summit in October 2012 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. It resulted in a Communiqué calling for strong disarmament initiatives driven by humanitarian imperatives to strengthen international law and protect civilians. This was followed up in 2013 by a second Forum as convened by Article 36 and PAX and focused on cross-cutting engagement across issue areas.

The 2014 Forum will have a particular focus on gender. Gender is a subject that crosscuts all arms issues and coalitions in which we work.  Despite this, gender is often marginalized or overlooked in campaign planning, research, and reporting. Through skill-building sessions, discussion groups, and inspiring speakers, this year’s Forum will aim to increase the level of knowledge on gender as it relates to humanitarian disarmament and equip participants with the skills to advance a gendered approach to humanitarian disarmament and arms control. One of the Forum's key outputs will be the formation of a list of action points through which participants can apply a gendered approach to their own work.

Individuals affiliated with an NGO or research institute working on a humanitarian disarmament or arms control issue can register online. Participation is limited. There is no registration fee. The hosting organisations are not able to cover the costs of travel or accommodation.