Liberia: AFL And UNSC 1325 - Physical or Human Security Recruitment Strategy?

One institution that has shown and continues to demonstrate high level of adaptation and professionalism in the face of the multitude of post- war challenges confronting Liberia is the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The AFL, which is composed of the army, the Coast guard and the Air force, as far as my memory can serve, policies are drawn from US army doctrine. The US army has explicit Gender policy, which guides gender issues and recruitment processes. Considering that the AFL's legal and regulatory framework is patterned on the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), it is presumed that the on-going efforts by AFL to recruit women in the army is based on a comprehensive Gender policy.

Worldwide, the military plays an important role in moving forward the (Women, Peace and Security) agenda by increasing women's representation in the army and enhancing their role in both conflict-related and peacetime operations. The current efforts to recruit more women in the Liberian army is an adherence to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1325. The resolution acknowledged the changing nature of warfare, in which civilians are increasingly targeted, and women continue to be excluded from participation in peace processes. Thus, AFL initiative could be seen as a part of a wider strategy aimed at making AFL a force for good. However, in order to effectively do this, UNSC 1325 mandates members states to consider and specifically address how women and girls are differentially impacted by conflict and war. The resolution affirms that peace and security efforts are more sustainable when women are equal partners in the prevention of violent conflict, the delivery of relief and recovery efforts and in forging lasting peace.

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