EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

Rota, 27th of November 2020 – Human Rights and Gender advisors of EU CSDP institutions, missions and operations met for the 12th annual Meeting of Human Rights and Gender Advisers and Focal Points in CSDP Missions and Operations via VTC. Legal/Gender Advisor Major Rodrigo Lorenzo Ponce de León attended in representation of Operation ATALANTA. This conference is a relevant platform for learning among peers, to exchange experiences and identify areas to further promote human rights and gender perspectives within CSDP missions and operations.

The meeting started out with an update on the developments since the last meeting in 2019 and the impact of the current pandemic on gender equality. Stijn Houben, EEAS Human Rights Division outlined the details of the new EU Human Rights and Democracy Action Plan.

Chiara Tagliani, EULEX Kosovo and Kim Matthis EUMM Georgia shared their experiences in the field over the last year. Major Lorenzo showed interest in the media-oriented public statements policy on Gender and Human Rights followed by EULEX Kosovo, as another possible strategy to be adopted by ATALANTA in order to enhance Gender and Human Rights awareness.

Charlotte Isaksson, EEAS SG, Gender Advisor then presented the main aspects of the new Gender Action Plan III and stressed the importance to “step-up on gender mainstreaming” and lead by example. She emphasized the need for a less fragmented and more coherent and coordinated effort towards gender balance.

“Stronger engagement on gender equality is key to a sustainable global recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and building fairer, more inclusive, more prosperous societies. Women and girls are in the frontline of the pandemic and must be put in the driving seat of the recovery. As a gender-sensitive and responsive geopolitical Commission, we want to work more closely with our Member States, as well as all partners, in building a truly gender-equal world.” – Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen

Find all the details on the EU’s new Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in External Action 2021–2025 (GAP III) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_2184