At a time of increasing global instability, the WPS agenda faces unprecedented threats. However, in an era marked by rising authoritarianism, geopolitical tension, rising militarism and rollback on rights, the WPS agenda can provide a rights-based framework to inform effective policy responses.

Activists, women’s rights organisations, policy makers, research and academics from the UK, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Ukraine highlighted the urgent need for renewed political commitment to WPS and outlined key recommendations so the agenda can be advanced.

Read the statement from the event, including recommendations, here: UNSCR 1325 revisited: what avenues for progress on Women, Peace and Security 25 years on? | ODI: Think change

Women seeking asylum already face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence, on their journey, and including when they arrive into the UK. The proposals do nothing to address these risks and instead increase the likelihood of further harm. This directly contradicts the UK’s commitments under the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative (PSVI), where the Home Office holds obligations to prevent gender-based violence, support survivors, and meet the needs of women and girls.

GAPS urges the Government to move away from this hostile direction and uphold an asylum system consistent with its international obligations. The UK must uphold its international commitments and global responsibility and ensure that women, girls, and all people fleeing conflict and persecution can access safety and protection.

Read the full statement: GAPS Network statement in response to the Home Secretary’s announcement of new UK asylum and returns policy

The GAPS Network has released a statement regarding the recently published and updated Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)  Annual Report & Accounts for 2024–25 and equality impact assessment of Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations for 2025 to 2026.

The GAPS Network welcomes the publication of the equality impact assessment and revisions statement, however, we note that further detailed calculations are still required for a full understanding of the implications of cuts on women and girls.

At this time of profound change for UK ODA, we urge the UK Government to ensure that funding for multilateral bodies is directed toward WROs and civil society organisations (CSOs) and toward principle gender programming and that the UK maintains its commitments to WPS and delivers on its WPS National Action Plan.

Read the full statement here.