The policy brief introduces the concept of ‘transitional justice’ and its key mechanisms that may influence post-conflict reconstruction or political transition. It argues that gendered concerns should be incorporated into transitional justice and reconstruction endeavours in the same manner as women’s involvement. Moreover, it calls on national women’s machineries in the Arab region to play a proactive role in ensuring that the interests of women and girls are reflected in post-conflict and transitional justice mechanisms, and that such processes are gender responsive.

The Policy Brief presents synergies at the substantive and procedural levels between the United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and three other international frameworks: the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The brief addresses some of the challenges that hinder the effective response to Security Council resolution 1325 at the national level by urging countries in the Arab region to adopt an integrated approach to protect and promote women's rights. It also calls for developing tools to allow a more comprehensive reading of all frameworks on women’s rights.

High poverty rates coupled with high concentration of wealth in the Arab region have highlighted the need for a stronger civic solidarity. We investigate the concentration of wealth across the Arab region and juxtapose it with the incidence of poverty. We assess the scope for fiscal redistribution from the wealthiest 10 percent to the poor.

This meeting will focus on discussing the results of the research and assessment completed by ESCWA and the analysis of the national legislations in each member country and identifying the main challenges and recommendations.