This report focused on the voices of the Arab States within a worldwide consultations of civil society organizations carried out by UN Women. The participants emphasized a) that existing counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism (CT/PCVE) laws and policies in the region would benefit from placing women’s human rights and gender equality at their core. Women-led civil society organizations detailed the challenges they face in participating in PVE policy discussions and decision-making and within the government-led consultations on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) National Action Plans (NAPs); and they noted challenges in realizing the gains for women anticipated by the WPS National Action Plans. Many participants expressed the need to clarify or redefine key concepts related to violent extremism and that there are risks of human rights violations when the terms ‘extremism’ or ‘radicalization’ are applied to non-violent activity. The report ends with a list of recommendations for governments, civil society organizations and the UN. These include for states: promoting a culture of human rights; improve the status of women; increase opportunities for CSOs and WBOs to participate in and evaluate in NAPs and PCVE; encourage government and civil society sharing of data, information and evaluations of PCVE and NAPs. Recommendations for CSOs and WBOs include: increase their regional cooperation and strengthen their networks; to develop mechanisms to hold government agencies accountable; to advocate for all crimes and all forms of violence against women, and particularly against women human rights defenders, to be investigated, prosecuted and adjudicated.
2020