Question
During Evidence Week, I met Dr Sara Polo to discuss violence against women and girls in conflict areas, including Afghanistan. Although many aspects of the national action plan on women, peace and security are encouraging, academics such as Dr Polo have pointed out that there are areas for improvement, such as including victims of non-sexual violence in NAP initiatives. What discussions has the Minister had with academics about the NAP, and how can academics engage further?
Answer
We engage with a wide range of experts on these issues, and I would certainly welcome a chance to discuss these matters with the academics the hon. Lady references, but I can absolutely assure her that the Department engages with a huge range of civil society and expert organisations. That is very important in informing our work on these issues.
Verdict: AMBER (30/100)
The reply gives only general statements about engaging with experts, civil society and expert organisations, and it does not mention academics or the national action plan on women, peace and security. On how academics can engage further, it says the Minister would welcome a discussion, but it names no consultation process, channel or mechanism. Both parts of the question are answered only in hedged, general terms, so the person who asked would likely need to submit a follow-up for specifics.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the nature of the Minister's engagement with academics on the national action plan on women, peace and security? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply describes a general pattern of engaging with experts, civil society and expert organisations, which is the kind of general engagement the item asks about. However, it never mentions academics or the national action plan on women, peace and security, so it covers only the broader topic and stays at the level of generalities. |
| How can academics engage further with the Government on the national action plan on women, peace and security? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The Minister says they would welcome a chance to discuss these matters with the academics, which signals willingness and offers a meeting as a route. It does not explain how academics can engage further on the national action plan, such as through consultation, channels or mechanisms. |