Closing Remarks Dr. Renante A. Basas Director IV, Human Rights Centers Management Office I’m glad to deliver the closing statement of this important forum on Women, Peace and Security. We have reached the conclusion of this event and I am certain that collaborative efforts contributed to richer discussions and deeper perspectives as gleaned from the lectures, sharing of experiences, evaluation, and reflection on the sufficiency of inputs and the recommendations put forward the body. This initiative is timely as we are facing a very challenging human rights environment. For emphasis, the UNSCR 1325 which has been translated by various governments into National Action Plan on women, peace and security, recognizes women as constructive agents of peace, security and post conflict reconstruction. The Philippines is among the first country in Asia to develop a National Action Plan on women, peace and security. To date, the Philippines and Indonesia are the only two ASEAN members with a National Action Plan on the WPS agenda. In fact, the Philippines is now on its third National Action Plan covering 2017-2022 with emphasis on the links of WPS, with women’s human rights anchoring on CEDAW General Recommendation 30 on women conflict prevention, conflict and post conflict situations. Despite the traction gained by UNSC Resolution 1325 and the adoption of three NAPWPS in the country, achieving peace and security for women remain painfully slow in progress. As a national human rights institution and as Gender Ombud, the Commission on Human Rights has been performing functions responding to the NAP-WPS but has yet to adopt an agency plan on its implementation. It is on this aspect that the holding of this forum on WPS is very much welcome. There's a need for a sustained and regular forum specifically focused on women in conflict and post-conflict situations and on WPS. With this, we can introduce effective ways on how to move forward in achieving the WPS agenda. At this juncture, let's go back to the objectives of this forum: 1) To discuss women, peace and security updates and current issues with the CHR oversight units, government agencies involved in WPS and women's human rights CSOs, and 2) Explore further the role of CHR as Gender Ombud in WPS by gathering insights from WPS experts, and CHR regional offices working in areas affected by armed conflict. Page 58​ of 62