The Hague, 5 December 2007 – SNV has committed itself to the Schokland Agreement focussing on the position of women in conflict situations. This week Dutch government officials and leaders of development organisations (SNV, Oxfam Novib, Cordaid, ICCO, etc.) undersigned an Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in which they promise to guarantee an ongoing attention and acknowledgement on the position of women in conflict situations. “Improving the position of women is a pre-condition for reconstruction”, minister Koenders (Development Cooperation), stated at the ceremony. SNV director, Annemiek Jenniskens undersigned the Action Plan on behalf of SNV. “In conflict situations space for development and the roles played by women in particular, is crucial”, Jenniskens stated at the event.

This Action Plan is a follow-up of the Schokland MDG-event of last June. At this event SNV committed itself already to an agreement to combat violence against women and a Climate Agreement to support sustainable energy.