The 13th Annual Meeting of Human Rights and Gender Advisers in CSDP Missions and Operations (7-9 June 2023)

13^th Annual Meeting of Human Rights and Gender Advisers in CSDP Missions and Operations, 7-9 June 2023

The event was opened by Major General Werner Albl, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), Mr Stefano Tomat, Civilian Operations Commander (CPCC), Ms Stella Ronner-Grubačić, EEAS Ambassador on Gender and Diversity and Mr Eamon Gilmore, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights.

The meeting was jointly organised by MPCC, EUMS, CPCC and ISP. During the three-day long event, the Human Rights and Gender Advisers participated in sessions and had the opportunity to interact and exchange views on various topics:

Presentations were given on the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, the Civilian CSDP Compact, and the new Operational Guidelines on Civil Society Engagement, the latter followed by discussions on its implementation.

A very interactive and appreciated session on Practical skills building and handling resistance was facilitated by a leadership expert and it gave the participants tools to handle resistance in their working environment.

The UN Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict was invited to give a presentation and advisers contributed with examples from the ground to the implementation of the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) agenda.

The participants explored cooperation and coordination possibilities between the EU Delegations and missions and operations. Representatives from the International Partnership, European Commission (INTPA) briefed on their work and examples of positive cases for cooperation were shared.

The topic of communication and in particular within different cultural settings was vividly discussed during the session Peer-to-peer learning. Links were made to the integrated approach as well as the previously recognised importance of cooperation with other parties in the field, including civil society.

Two big sessions were facilitated with the assistance of the Folke Bernadotte Academy, notably the implementation part of the EU Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on security sector support and the Human Rights Values-Based and Gender Responsive Leadership.

Following the recommendations of the Baseline Study on integrating human rights and Gender Equality into the EU’s CSDP, the participants were briefed on the current planning process by CSDP directorates. The importance of integrating human rights, gender mainstreaming and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in the planning process was highlighted and discussed in depth with the aim to obtain the progress and recommendations from the missions and operations.

On this occasion, the Permanent Representation of Sweden hosted a reception for all the participants to continue the discussion with Member States’ delegates.

In conclusion, all the participants recognised that the promotion and protection of human rights and gender equality stand as paramount values, norms, and principles within the European Union. These fundamental ideals not only shape the EU's identity but also serve as political objectives and top priorities in its external affairs, including foreign and defence policies. The integration of human rights and gender perspectives contributes to the operational effectiveness of the military and civilian CSDP missions and operations. The EU's commitment to upholding these rights and advancing gender equality is a testament to its unwavering dedication to a just and inclusive society, both within its borders and beyond.