Box 13.9 Czech Republic: Policy on the Equal Treatment of Men and Women268 In 2001, the Government of the Czech Republic adopted a paper on the government’s priorities and procedures for promoting equality between men and women. In 2002 and 2003, the minister of defence issued further orders and guidelines about promoting equal opportunities for men and women working in the Czech armed forces. Relevant policy priorities and procedures are updated on an annual basis. The Defence Ministry’s Personnel Division is responsible for implementing the policy. The policy has four objectives: 1. Establishing legal conditions for equal opportunities for men and women; 2. Increasing legal awareness; 3. Ensuring equal opportunities for men and women in their access to a professional career; 4. Monitoring and evaluating the efficiency of the implementation of the principle of equality of men and women. A series of lectures dealing with equal opportunities for men and women for senior staff is held once a year. Principles of equal opportunities constitute a part of all educational programmes in military schools and are also a part of standard preparation for commanders at all levels. 268 10. Best Practices and Recommendations • Based on managing diversity and gender mainstreaming, legislation on equal opportunities should be implemented in the military sector; • Armed forces personnel should be recruited and selected for positions in the armed forces on the basis of actual, not presumed, capabilities; • Officers should be provided with adequate training, including on culture, gender, and complaints procedures; • Commanders should use their position to prevent and punish cases of mistreatment; • Commanders should promote a culture of mutual trust and respect; • There should be no tolerance of sexual harassment or sexual violence in the military. An effective system of sanctions should be provided for in case of harassment or violence; • In training, armed forces personnel should be made aware of what behaviour constitutes harassment; • Complaints mechanisms should be available for women service personnel who have been subject to harassment or violence; • Special advisors for women should be established in the armed forces; • A better understanding of the benefits women bring to the military should be promoted; • Armed forces should use positive advertising to recruit women; • States should improve and enhance the military’s ability to recruit, retain, and advance women. 268  128 Supplementary information for the ODIHR-DCAF questionnaire provided by the Czech Republic. Handbook on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Armed Forces Personnel