Civil Society

The Necessity and Utility of a Gender Perspective in Armed Conflicts and Natural Disasters: An Introductory Overview.

In August 2014, the United Nations (UN) Security Council declared the Ebola virus outbreak in the West African subregion a ‘threat to international peace and security’. The UN’s request for assistance from member states resulted in the mobilisation of technical expertise, medical capacity, humanitarian assistance, and military and civil defence assets.

The National Action Plan sets out what Australia will do, at home and overseas, to integrate a gender perspective into its peace and security efforts, protect women and girls’ human rights, and promote their participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution. ACMC has a role in the design and implementation of this plan.

New Zealand and Australia’s national interests are commonly served by sustaining the peaceand security of the Antarctic continent. Our shared national security interests are best met by an Antarctica that remains free of military competition.

Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu and surrounds in March 2015. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) led the Australian response, which also involved significant Defence engagement and the substantial use of military assets.