The recent conflicts including the ethnic ones in the region illuminated the fact that women and girls, among them minority women, are exposed to human rights abuses and multiple discrimination. As the Balkans and Caucasus still represent a powder-keg with the possibility of new armed conflicts, the international community should recognize that women are not only victims, but also partners in conflict prevention and nonviolent resolution. During efforts to resolve the conflicts, the perspectives and expertise of women have not been included. However, the dangers and impacts of conflict are not limited to the countries in which they take place but threaten the rights and well-being of girls and women in adjacent countries as well. There is a prevailing disillusionment with international law and enforcement of human rights protections as international war criminals go unpunished.

13. Obstacles bis: Armed conflicts are also affecting countries adjacent to conflict areas. Women and girls in neighboring countries are threatened by kidnapping, trafficking, forced pregnancy, sexual exploitation, hostage taking and other forms of violence. Military personnel frequently violate the human rights of women and girls.

39. bis: In conflict areas and adjacent countries armed conflicts have destabilized economies and trade, weakened democratic processes by drawing economic resources away from development, and caused the proliferation of drugs, weapons, sexual exploitation, trafficking and HIV/AIDS. The failure to apprehend and prosecute war criminals has created a culture of impunity and reinforced instigators of hate. Many women

oppose war and armed conflict, and contribute to negotiating peace, building confidence and spreading the culture of peace.

Actions to be taken at national level:

56. (d): Make equal access to education by girls and completion of basic education a paramount goal of educational policy. Introduce systematic education for peace and tolerance to prevent and abolish war. Launch and complete by the year 2005 a fundamental review of educational systems and curricula to identify all factors that reinforce divisions or encourage cultural, national, ethnic and racial hatred. Ensure that restructuring in education takes place and that programs and curricula build a culture of tolerance and peace, establish a workplan and timeline for implementation.

56. (dd): Introduce measures to limit access to weapons by 2005. Reduce military budgets by 30% and implement programs offering alternatives to military service by the year 2005.

Actions to be taken at the international levels:

60. (c): Support the work of the international tribunals, in particular with regard to gender-sensitivity; ensure that the international community holds all war criminals accountable and it stops the prevailing expectation that war crimes will not be prosecuted and punished. Monitor the implementation of CSW Resolutions 39/2 of 31 March 1995, 40/1 of 22 March 1996, 41/1 of 21 March 1997, 42/2 of 13 March 1998 and 43/1 of 12 March 1999;