斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Emerging-actors-in-the-Women-Peace-and-Security-Agenda_-South-Korea-and-Japan_36页_1mb

Summary of "Emerging Actors in the Women, Peace and Security Agenda: South Korea and Japan"

Core Content

The document explores the role of South Korea and Japan as emerging actors in the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, which was first formalized by UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) and has since been expanded into a set of 10 resolutions. The WPS agenda emphasizes the participation of women in peace processes, protection of women and girls during conflict, prevention of conflict's gendered impacts, and relief and recovery with a focus on women's needs. Despite their growing contributions to global development and security, South Korea and Japan have been underrepresented in international discussions on the WPS agenda, particularly in comparison to traditional Western donors.

The paper aims to increase understanding of how these two countries engage with the WPS agenda, using a framework that includes development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and peace operations. It relies on a desk review of policy documents and interviews with key informants, as well as data from the OECD DAC Common Reporting Standard (CRS) database and SIPRI's Multilateral Peace Operations Database.

Main Points

1. The WPS Agenda and Its Global Context

• The WPS agenda has been promoted globally for over two decades.
• It is often implemented through National Action Plans (NAPs), with 82 countries having adopted such plans as of September 2019.
• The agenda is contextualized and localized, leading to different interpretations, especially in terms of how women are perceived—either as victims or agents of change.
• The protection pillar of the WPS agenda is often emphasized over participation and prevention.

2. South Korea and Japan as Emerging Donors

• South Korea and Japan are not traditionally classified as either Western donors or fragile states, yet they have become significant contributors to the WPS agenda.
• Both countries have seen significant increases in assistance to gender equality in fragile states and economies between 2008 and 2015.
• Japan has been a long-standing donor, while South Korea is an emerging one, having joined the OECD DAC in 2010.

3. International Cooperation Framework

• The WPS agenda is implemented through three main areas: development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and peace operations.
• These areas are linked to the pillars of the WPS agenda, particularly protection, participation, and relief and recovery.
• The ODA coefficient for UN peacekeeping operations has increased from 7% to 15%, but security-related expenditures remain separate.

4. Limitations of the Data

• The OECD DAC CRS database is used to measure gender equality in ODA, but it has limitations:
  • It is based on self-assessment by member states.
  • It may not accurately reflect actual implementation.
  • It includes military and security activities, which are not always considered ODA.
  • The categorization of fragile states is based on the national level, not subnational.

Key Contributions of South Korea and Japan

South Korea

• Legal and Policy Framework: South Korea adopted a National Action Plan (NAP) on the WPS agenda in 2014, marking the first time the agenda was explicitly highlighted in the country.
• Development Cooperation: South Korea's ODA has grown significantly since joining the DAC in 2010, reaching $2.35 billion in 2018. Aid is primarily bilateral and focused on Asia.
• Humanitarian Assistance: South Korea has increased its support for conflict-related sexual violence (SGBV) survivors through humanitarian aid.
• Peace Operations: Since 2018, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has broadened its focus to include more gender-sensitive initiatives in peace operations.

Japan

• Legal and Policy Framework: Japan has a long-standing commitment to the WPS agenda, incorporating human security into its foreign policy since the 1990s.
• Development Cooperation: Japan is a major donor, with a strong focus on development and humanitarian assistance.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Japan's aid includes support for gender-based violence in conflict zones.
• Peace Operations: Japan has contributed to UN peacekeeping missions, although its participation is limited compared to other countries.

Conclusion

• The paper highlights the growing role of South Korea and Japan in the WPS agenda, despite their underrepresentation in global discussions.
• It underscores the importance of understanding their unique contributions and challenges, especially in patriarchal societies.
• The need for better data and greater recognition of these countries as active partners in the WPS agenda is emphasized, especially as the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1325 approaches.