Performing anti-trafficking: human rights, the security council and the disconnect with the WPS agenda

On 20 December 2016, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution (UNSCR) 2331 on the maintenance of international peace and security addressing trafficking in human beings (‘trafficking’) for the first time.1 The Resolution was proposed and championed by the Spanish Government. By way of background, in 2013 the Spanish Government cited gender equality as “one of the main goals of Spanish foreign policy and diplomacy” in its bid to become a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2015-16 period.2 Gender equality was included among the 10 reasons underpinning its aspiration to become a non-permanent member of the UNSC, with the government stating that it was “giving human rights, gender equality and the full participation of women in peace-building the high profile they deserve to ensure security and stability.”3 At the same time, the Spanish authorities stated that they were also proud to provide the Security Council with the country’s “extensive experience in the fight against terrorism”.