Security Council meeting 6196-Resu.1

The President

I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Colombia, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in which they request to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the consideration of the item, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure.

There being no objection, it is so decided.

The President

I wish to remind all speakers, as was indicated at the morning session, to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. Delegations with lengthy statements are kindly requested to circulate their texts in writing and to deliver a condensed version when speaking in the Chamber. I thank participants for their understanding and cooperation.

I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil.

Mrs. Viotti (Brazil)

I congratulate Viet Nam on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. I thank you, Sir, for organizing this debate. The concept paper (S/2009/490, annex) that your delegation has prepared on the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations is quite useful. I also commend the Council for having adopted resolution 1889 (2009) earlier today.

Before proceeding, let me say how saddened I am at the news of the terrorist attack in Islamabad today against the facilities of the World Food Programme, which claimed the lives of five aid workers. We offer our deep condolences to the bereaved families.

As the Secretary-General pointed out in his report on peacebuilding (S/2009/304), and as highlighted in the concept paper, the period immediately following conflict is critical. What is done or fails to be done has enormous repercussions for the process of peace consolidation. That is why we must spare no effort to ensure that the needs and priorities of women and girls are properly dealt with from the earliest possible moment.

My delegation believes that, inasmuch as women and girls are particularly vulnerable in the context of armed conflict, post-conflict recovery strategies must make them a priority. Special attention must be given to those who were victims of sexual violence during the armed conflict. Although wars affect all, the personal humiliation brought about by sexual violence and, in many cases, the social stigma that follows tend to be particularly painful. National Governments, the United Nations system and civil society groups must redouble their efforts to help victims rehabilitate as much and as soon as possible.

That is not enough, however. Women are not merely victims to be protected. They must be acknowledged and empowered as central actors in the establishment of lasting peace. They must be involved in formulating and implementing reconstruction strategies on all fronts. In my capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission's country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau, I have had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary determination and vitality of the women of that country. There, as in many other countries, women play a central role. Without them recovery would be a much more difficult task. We must strive to ensure that the important part women play in the economy is also reflected in their political participation.

The Peacebuilding Commission has a relevant role to play in empowering women in post-conflict situations. My delegation was pleased to note that resolution 1888 (2009), adopted by the Council last week, reaffirms the Commission's role in that matter. In the case of Guinea-Bissau, I recall that women's groups made an important contribution to the preparation of the country's strategic framework for peacebuilding.

The Secretary-General's report on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) (S/2009/465) contains disturbing findings in several country-specific situations. Perpetrators of acts of violence and abuse must be promptly and effectively brought to justice if we want to avoid a cycle of continued impunity stimulating more violence.

The report, however, also brings good news. In particular, it is encouraging to see the manner in which so many organs of the United Nations system have committed themselves to implementing the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000). The progress made in the areas of training, capacity-building and awareness-raising is particularly notable. In this context I would like to mention what the report refers to as challenges that relate to the breadth of resolution 1325 (2000).

The task that we set for ourselves in that resolution is large and complex. To carry it out successfully requires a broad and coordinated approach among all of the relevant stakeholders within the United Nations system. In the same way that the Security Council is uniquely mandated to deal with the widespread or systematic use of sexual violence in armed conflicts, other bodies have mandates and specialized expertise that allow them to better address other aspects of the issue. We must continue to ensure coordination among all efforts undertaken in this regard and avoid duplication or overstepping of competencies. In this context, we welcome the adoption of General Assembly resolution 63/311.

Some of the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report can also help in meeting the challenges we all face in further implementing resolution 1325 (2000). Among the suggestions, we see particular relevance in better data collection. Without credible information, we cannot act effectively or fairly. As my delegation indicated in the open debate held last August (see S/PV.6180), such data should be shared with other relevant principal organs and with the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Commission on the Status of Women as appropriate, so as to ensure that international action is not merely punitive, but transformative as well.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Germany.

Mr. Matussek (Germany)

Germany aligns herself with the statement made by Sweden on behalf of the European Union. As a member of the Group of Friends of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), we attach great importance to the issue of women and peace and security. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for holding this open debate.

Women and children need to be protected from violence. Every day, we bear witness to unspeakable atrocities. This is especially the case in post-conflict situations in which police protection does not exist and judicial systems lie in shatters. Institutions need to be rebuilt, but protection cannot wait until the systems are fully functional. Protection must take place from the very first minute of peacebuilding -- for the benefit of the victims but also for the benefit of the whole community, since rape and sexual violence destroy the very components of societies. Thus, sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the protection of the most vulnerable, namely, women and children.

Women are not only victims of conflicts but powerful agents for peace and security. Therefore, the empowerment of women to fulfil this potential is of the utmost importance. The system of granting microcredits to women has proved successful within the context of development cooperation. Empowering women would also help in security sector reform as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes. Women need to be included in peace negotiations and in decision-making processes for rebuilding countries and societies after they have been torn apart by war. Only by including the gender perspective in these efforts can a thorough, sustainable and all-inclusive peace be achieved.

What can Member States do? I will give the Council just a few examples. Germany has advocated the inclusion of gender advisers in all European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) missions. The mission of the European Union-led peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had, for the first time, such an adviser among its personnel. During Germany's presidency, gender advisers were part of all ESDP missions. Also, the deployment of female soldiers enhanced the success of operations. For example, the presence of female soldiers to check women and children at checkpoints proved to de-escalate the situation on the ground. In Cambodia, Germany supports a project of the Ministry of Women's and Veteran's Affairs that focuses on capacity-building and gender mainstreaming. Finally, all German police and military personnel must undergo gender training.

What can the United Nations do? Security Council resolution 1888 (2009) and resolution 1889 (2009), adopted today, are yet another milestone in the fight against sexual violence and for the empowerment of women for the maintenance of peace and security. We now have a whole range of tools available to prevent sexual violence and to respond rapidly to situations in which violence occurs. The new composite gender entity that the General Assembly has decided to establish as part of system-wide coherence will help to coordinate these and all other instruments that already exist within the United Nations. I echo the presidency of the European Union in calling upon the Secretary-General and his Deputy to quickly start working on the establishment of this entity.

Let me suggest and reiterate three more targets. The United Nations needs to continue working together with women's non-governmental organizations on the ground in post-conflict areas. It has to strive to include more women in peacekeeping missions at all levels and to improve its own performance, but also to set an example for the countries concerned. And United Nations entities must expand their activities related to the delivery of basic services that women in post-conflict situations need, especially access to health care, education and justice systems.

Next year is the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). Let us try to reach these targets by that date so we will be able to proclaim some progress that will benefit and guide all people in the world that need our help and look to us for support.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines.

Mr. Davide (Philippines)

Thank you, Sir, for giving the Philippines this opportunity to address the Council on the ninth anniversary of the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). My delegation congratulates Viet Nam on its presidency of the Council and for giving priority to a debate on the issue of women and peace and security with the theme, "Responding to the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations for sustainable peace and security" and for circulating a concept paper in relation thereto (S/2009/490). This debate will make a valuable contribution to the forthcoming commemoration of the fifteenth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

The Philippines submits that any debate in the United Nations concerning women must always be rooted in the solemn declarations in its Charter that reaffirm faith in the equal rights of men and women and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognize that the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. This is the only strategy that removes us from mere sound and fury on so crucial an issue as women.

The role of women in matters of peace and security is particularly significant to the Philippines. It was under the leadership of our recently departed President Corazon Aquino, a woman and a housewife, that the Philippines emerged from a long dictatorship. She was a standard bearer for those who suffered under tyranny, and, having survived, became a symbol of strength and hope. This experience is enshrined in the provision of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines that reads:

"The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men".

This spirit continues to permeate the public sphere. The incumbent President is a woman, our second in approximately 25 years. The Supreme Court, during my tenure as Chief Justice, undertook unprecedented moves to ensure that women benefit equally from and participate directly in the judiciary's structures, processes and development programmes and activities. Just last August, the Congress of the Philippines passed a Magna Carta for Women, which mandates the representation and participation of women in policymaking.

We are currently conducting field consultations for a National Action Plan on Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) in various regions of the Philippines. These consultations will culminate in a national consultation in Manila on 19 October 2009. The Philippine Action Plan on resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) will be the blueprint that various stakeholders will use to ensure that women are able to participate meaningfully in all peace processes and in decision-making on peace and security issues in both the formal and the informal realms.

We know that, in this time of asymmetric warfare, the use of sexual violence against women and girls as a weapon of war is a source of even more fundamental and pernicious concern. It is a weapon that is intended to humiliate and destroy women, both as individuals and as the heart and soul of social order and the foundation of family and community life. It should then follow that, within the peace and reconstruction processes, women's voices must be indispensable in all phases. Women are often the primary figures in the education and upbringing of our children, and, therefore, the primary carriers of the effects of conflict through the generations. Without their voice of stability and sense of community, children grow up knowing only war as their livelihood.

Our present debate must not just be an occasion to celebrate the role of women. It must be a celebration of a shift in the international community's approach to post-conflict situations, from narrow humanitarian and relief activities to more comprehensive efforts towards sustainable peace. This means a greater focus on the concerns and roles of women in bridging the gap between conflict and post-conflict development. For my delegation, gender sensitivity in a post-conflict environment would mean paying due attention to women's access to employment opportunities and productive assets, such as land, capital, education and training and health services. It also means looking at the role of women in ensuring food security in the community, and making conditions at refugee settlements a priority. In short, the rehabilitative approach to post-conflict situations involves a serious consideration of the short- to long-term development needs of the community concerned.

My delegation welcomes the resolution that was just adopted by the Council. We are encouraged by, among other things, the efforts to improve the resource allocations for gender issues within the United Nations by enhancing the monitoring of spending for gender-related activities, similar to the system pioneered by the United Nations Development Programme. We are happy to note at last that, as evidenced by paragraph 19 of resolution 1889 (2009), a systematic assessment of the needs and challenges facing women and girls in post-conflict situations is being undertaken by the United Nations, whose report will also recommend possible responses, including in the area of effective financing.

It took a whole nine years after the passage of the landmark resolution 1325 (2000) for the Council to request a study on women's participation and inclusion in peacebuilding in the aftermath of a conflict. My delegation believes that such a report is long overdue and should therefore be given the promptest attention, if the United Nations is to urgently address the situation of the millions of women affected by the ravages of war.

I should like to conclude with these lines by a poet:

"All true trophies of the ages Are from mother-love impearled; For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world".

Mr. Clay (New Zealand)

I join those who have congratulated you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of this Council. I note that New Zealand seeks the protection of women and their equal participation in peace processes. We thank you for having arranged this debate and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute.

This is the third consecutive month the Security Council has debated the issues of women, peace and security. We welcome that increased focus, in particular the attention given to the scourge of sexual violence. We commend the Council's readiness to address those issues more systematically. Only last week, New Zealand joined in co-sponsoring resolution 1888 (2009) in this Council. Along with resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1882 (2009), 1888 (2009) and the resolution that was adopted today, 1889 (2009), we have come a long way in developing a comprehensive set of norms to protect and enhance the participation of women and girls in peace processes.

Today, we lend a strong voice to calls urging States, regional groups and the United Nations system to translate those words into action. To do this, we recognize the need for stronger leadership and coordination across the United Nations system. We welcome two recent initiatives that should contribute to this goal. First is the future appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General on sexual violence in armed conflict. And the second is the General Assembly's recent action to reform the United Nations gender architecture. We now urge the Secretary-General to appoint strong and dynamic advocates of the resolution 1325 (2000) agenda to the role of the new Special Representative and as head of the new composite gender entity.

As we focus more on sexual violence, we must also redouble our efforts to implement the other crucial aspects of resolution 1325 (2000) -- increased participation of women both in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions and in mediation and negotiation processes. To make a lasting impact on the lives of women in conflict and post-conflict situations, we must adopt an integrated approach to each of the pillars of resolution 1325 (2000). To this end, the appointment of a Special Representative should provide much needed visibility, leadership and coherence. For this reason we believe the mandate of the Special Representative should cover all aspects of the women, peace and security agenda, not just the issue of sexual violence.

New Zealand acknowledges that States must also take responsibility for making progress towards the goals of resolution 1325 (2000), including enabling the full participation of women and girls in the peace process. Among other things, women need access to shelter, health care, a livelihood, education and justice. They should be part of any decision-making processes. And, above all, they must be free from violence.

New Zealand is committed to addressing these needs as part of its own peacekeeping efforts. There are several concrete examples of how we do this through our provincial reconstruction team in Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan. To facilitate the participation of women in Afghanistan's national police force, New Zealand police have helped ensure that on-site childcare services are available for women students, that women instructors are available for training, and that mentoring is provided to instructors and senior male staff in the Afghan National Police to support the training of women. Through the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, New Zealand supports the Women's Protection Network in Bamiyan. We have contributed funding to establish a Women's Referral Centre in Bamiyan to provide secure accommodation and paralegal advice for women seeking access to justice. New Zealand's provincial reconstruction team also supports the local Ministry of Women's Affairs in developing a gender network to look at ways to empower local women and build capacity for women's affairs in the region. Finally, our networking activities include disseminating information to women to help them solve their own problems, holding training workshops around the province and promoting discussion groups on issues such as the role of mothers in the home.

Nine years on from the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), much remains to be done. This Council has my assurance that New Zealand, through its development cooperation programmes, its peacekeeping efforts and its domestic policies, will continue to seek ways to enhance and ensure the protection and equal participation, of women in peace processes. Resolution 1325 (2000) has our ongoing, full and determined support.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Luxembourg.

Mr. Olinger (Luxembourg)

Luxembourg fully supports the statement made at this morning's meeting by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union and congratulates the Vietnamese presidency of the Council on having organized today's important debate.

We also welcome today's adoption of resolution 1889 (2009), as well as resolutions 1882 (2009) and 1888 (2009) on women and children in armed conflict. Today's open debate marks yet another anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security, the first resolution adopted by the Council that specifically addresses the impact of war on women and recognizes their role in conflict management and resolution and their contribution to the search for lasting peace.

Unfortunately, we are compelled to note that progress in the implementation of the recommendations therein remains insufficient. 2010 will be an especially important year, for it will afford us an opportunity -- at the commemoration of the fifteenth anniversary of the Beijing Conference and of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), as well as at the ministerial session of the Economic and Social Council on the empowerment of women -- to take stock of the work accomplished and above all to identify and effectively remedy shortcomings. We further hope that 2010 will see the establishment of the composite gender entity under the Secretariat. We are convinced that the timely creation of the entity will considerably strengthen the cohesiveness of measures undertaken for women in the United Nations system.

Women and girls are often the primary victims of conflict and have specific needs in post-conflict situations, especially when they have been displaced, are refugees, or have been mistreated or maimed by anti-personnel landmines, as so rightly noted by Ms. Alberdi this morning. Those specific needs must be taken into account in assessing countries' requirements as they emerge permanently from conflict. In post-conflict situations, women must become important engines for peace and security in their communities. It is indeed critical that women be more involved in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts at all levels. The involvement of women in decision-making processes from the start should subsequently provide for their better participation in development efforts.

Generally speaking, Luxembourg fully endorses the Secretary-General's recommendations in his report (S/2009/465) on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). My country especially welcomes the recommendation that the Security Council energetically pursue a strategy aimed at increasing the participation of women in all peace processes, especially within the framework of peace negotiations and mediation.

Member States will have to demonstrate the political will to fully implement resolution 1325 (2000). It is especially incumbent on them to utilize all existing provisions of international law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law, as well as not to tolerate impunity and to refer to national and international tribunals individuals suspected of having committed crimes against women. The Security Council could assist States in their efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000) by establishing, as recommended by the Secretary-General, a clear and exhaustive standing follow-up mechanism that would enable us to assess progress achieved.

Luxembourg also stresses the important role that the Peacebuilding Commission could play in encouraging all parties, including States on its agenda, to provide for the participation of women in their peacebuilding strategies and to ensure that women's civil society organizations be effectively consulted and represented in country-specific configurations. We could also ensure that the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council launch a dialogue on the best way to address the negative impacts of conflict on women and consider how to involve women in full participation in peacebuilding efforts and post-conflict reconstruction.

My country strives for the systematic incorporation of the gender dimension in its cooperation projects in order to better to respond to the Millennium Development Goals, and fully backs the peace initiatives taken by local women's groups and the exhaustive work of non-governmental organizations to ensure the equal participation of women in post-conflict situations. We welcome the participation in this debate of the representative of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security.

The President

I call on the representative of Canada.

Mr. Normandin (Canada)

At the outset, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to thank the Vietnamese presidency for convening this open debate on resolution 1325 (2000). Addressing the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations is a critical element of the Security Council's responsibilities.

As we know, the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations are unique and, sadly, often overlooked. Today's adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) is a response to a significant body of research findings that reinforce what we have always known -- achieving durable peace, recovery and development in post-conflict countries requires the meaningful participation of women in all aspects and at all levels of peace processes. Only a strong and sustained voice will allow women in post-conflict environments to transcend the status of victim and become empowered as agents of positive change. We call on the Security Council to ensure that their voices are heard loud and clear.

In particular, Canada would like to draw the Council's attention to the participation of women in peace processes and to a study by the United Nations Development Fund for Women, which has already been referred to today, concluding that the participation of women in negotiating delegations to peace talks has averaged approximately 7 per cent. Member States, the Secretariat and international peace mediators collectively share the responsibility to ensure that this number increases and that we systematically include women in all peace processes, formal and informal. Canada sincerely hopes that the Security Council and the Secretariat will ensure that this becomes a standard practice.

Canada co-sponsored both resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) on sexual violence in conflict. Both resolutions elaborate on resolution 1325 (2000) by outlining a number of concrete steps to be taken to address sexual violence more systematically. Canada welcomes the call for the nomination of a special representative of the Secretary-General to provide strategic leadership and to strengthen United Nations coordination mechanisms in order to address sexual violence.

Canada also warmly welcomes the recommendations set out in the Secretary-General's recent report (S/2009/465) on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In particular, Canada would like to echo the Secretary-General's calls for an effective monitoring and accountability mechanism with respect to all aspects of resolution 1325 (2000), in particular the participation of women in peace processes.

Mr. Normandin (Canada)

The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is indeed a work in progress, both at a national level and at the United Nations. With the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) approaching next year, it is time to undertake a serious examination of the gains that have been made as well as those aspects of the resolution that remain unrealized.

On the positive side, there have been some remarkable accomplishments by the many dedicated actors who pursue the promotion and protection of women's and girls' rights, including the efforts of civil society organizations. On the other hand, we are still short on some institutional mechanisms and action. In this respect, the upcoming establishment of a steering committee to enhance coordination within the United Nations system ahead of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution is welcome.

Currently, there are 13 full-time gender advisers in United Nations peacekeeping operations, including integrated missions. Every United Nations mission should have a well-trained, full-time gender adviser whose work is systematically integrated throughout the operation and who has stable resources to carry out his or her functions. By now, this should be standard practice. We also welcome the call for the appointment of women protection advisers, issued in resolution 1889 (2009), adopted earlier today.

I should like to say A few words on the peacebuilding front. The Peacebuilding Commission holds much promise for involving women and girls in designing and then operationalizing post-conflict strategies. In accordance with resolution 1820 (2008), each of the four countries currently on the agenda have strategies for engaging women in governance, security sector reform, human rights institutions and other key areas of post-conflict reconstruction. As chair of the Commission's country configuration for Sierra Leone, Canada has worked with the Government of Sierra Leone and its international partners to ensure that gender equality and the empowerment of women are core components of peacebuilding efforts in that country.

Finally, we would also like to raise the issue of bringing violators to justice with respect to sexual violence. As we all know, this type of violence remains rampant in conflict-affected areas. Too often, these crimes go unpunished and therefore perpetuate the cycle of sexual violence. To this end, Canada reiterates the call made in resolution 1888 (2009) for a team of rapidly deployable experts on sexual violence and suggests that a United Nations justice rapid-response mechanism be considered as we move towards the implementation of this commitment.

In conclusion, a peace that lasts is a peace owned by all, including women. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we can acknowledge the progress made towards its implementation. We can also recognize that more must be done. Global indicators to track implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as called for in today's resolution, will be helpful in this regard. But let us not wait further. We need to continue to act now, particularly in the field, to make the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) a reality.

The President

I now call on the representative of Norway.

Mr. Wetland (Norway)

Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing us to speak.

What a difference a year can make! Eight years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the Security Council was still debating whether sexual violence was an issue of relevance to peace and security. Then came resolution 1820 (2008), which made it abundantly clear that where women are not secure, there is no security. Still, the international community was for too long somewhat ambivalent and indecisive with regard to implementation and action on the ground -- until last week.

Today, the Council has adopted an important resolution, but let me also congratulate it on the unanimous adoption of resolution 1888 (2009), with its comprehensive yet concrete recommendations for action. This is truly a piece of work the Council can be proud of.

What happened was leadership. In the past few months, we have seen how men -- and, even more, women -- in high and powerful positions have taken a decision to make the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict their top priority. Two lessons are clear from this. First, where there is political will, there is a way, and, secondly, women in power positions can make a difference for the better.

One year before the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the time has now come for the Council and the international community to show the same resolve on other remaining challenges in the promotion of women and peace and security. Women must be recognized not only as victims of war and peace beneficiaries, but most importantly as peace and security providers. We therefore welcome this open debate to set the course for the next 12 months, a course not littered with re-commitments and repeated regrets, but one that spells out specific results to be achieved and to be measured by October 2010.

We support the Secretary-General's call for the Council to urgently establish a monitoring mechanism for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Such a mechanism must have clear indicators and benchmarks, including with regard to women's participation at all levels of peacekeeping, peacebuilding, post-conflict negotiations and mediation. Measuring financial investments and gender-sensitive funding provisions is also crucial in this regard.

However, while such monitoring is needed and welcome, the fundamental facts are already well known. Women are underrepresented, women's needs are underfunded and gender-sensitive expertise is lacking, both in the field and in capitals. As the United Nations Development Fund for Women points out in its excellent study of post-conflict needs assessments, a mere 2 per cent of signatories to peace agreements are women, while less than 8 per cent of post-conflict budgets specifically mention women's needs.

This must change, and Norway stands ready to continue our contribution. This year alone, we have allocated more than $50 million specifically for women's empowerment, of which the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is a key component. Implementing our own national action plan since early 2006, we have identified a number of lessons learned. Key among these is the recognition of the need to address traditional impediments, including male chauvinism, and to take proactive political and financial measures to involve women directly, both in formal governance structures and in cooperation with civil society. We have established a dedicated gender task force in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to mainstream these concerns in all aspects of our foreign policy, including the follow-up to resolution 1325 (2000).

Such an approach is equally relevant to the United Nations system. We appreciate the Secretary-General's dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment and would encourage him to confirm his leadership on this issue, both in ensuring the establishment of the new composite gender entity agreed by the General Assembly last month and in his appointment of special representatives and special envoys. The appointment of a gender adviser in the Department of Political Affairs would also be most welcome.

The President

I now call on the representative of Ireland.

Ms. Anderson (Ireland)

Our warm thanks go to Viet Nam for organizing this debate.

We associate ourselves with Sweden in its statement on behalf of the European Union (EU) this morning.

I might begin with a personal recollection. Almost 17 years ago, in December 1992, I went to the former Yugoslavia as a member of the EU mission to investigate the rape of women during the Balkan conflict. The experience left a deep imprint on all who participated. It was the end of any illusion that barbarity is confined to faraway places. There, in the heart of Europe on the threshold of the twenty-first century, rape was once again an instrument of war. In an article written with a colleague after that mission, we discussed a number of aspects of what had happened. We included the following point: "A distribution of roles whereby men negotiate peace in Geneva while women devise aid programmes for victims is fundamentally unacceptable."

That issue of roles and responsibilities remains central to our consideration today. It is imperative that the duality of women's situation -- as both victims and actors -- be fully recognized. Men have always inhabited those two spaces simultaneously -- as victims and victors, waging the wars and authoring the peace. Women have largely been imprisoned in the victim role, as the collateral damage of war and, if present at all, a kind of add-on at the peace table.

Resolution 1325 (2000), which has been on the books for nine years, is trying to overthrow the patterns of centuries. The story recurs again and again, with the fundamentals almost always the same. Men who have been in the front line of conflict feel they have earned the exclusive right to broker the peace. Women who are struggling to get hearth and home together after the fighting have other priorities. Implementing resolution 1325 (2000) therefore means climbing mountains. To get to first base camp, we need real, transformative and attitudinal change.

I was struck by a comment made by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a breakfast meeting during the high-level segment of the General Assembly. Secretary Clinton said that she is repeatedly questioned by the United States media about why she is spending so much time on "secondary, soft" issues such as women in conflict. She has had to explain, she said, for the millionth time that those issues are not secondary but primary and that they are core foreign policy issues. The Secretary of State's experience captures a reality: so many commentators, analysts and opinion-formers do not truly rate the kind of discussion we are having today. The nod of political correctness is there, but not the conviction or prioritization that the issues deserve.

Overall, the Secretary-General's report (S/2009/465) makes for sober reading. There are some bright spots, in particular on the training front, and all successes deserve recognition and commendation. But the statistics -- to take just one example, only 2.4 per cent of signatories to peace agreements since 1992 have been women -- tell their own story.

In searching for practical ways forward, the Secretary-General's report rightly emphasizes the importance of national plans. Ireland is currently developing its own national action plan. As part of that process, we have embarked on a cross-learning initiative guided by the experiences of women and men in countries emerging from conflict. We are currently working in partnership with Liberia and Timor-Leste in a tripartite cross-learning exercise. Through that collaboration, our aim is to ensure the achievement of real and immediate change for women who have experienced conflict and who can and should be stakeholders in State-building and peacebuilding. A first cross-learning meeting was held in June 2009, a second is to be held in Timor-Leste this December and a third is proposed for Liberia in early 2010. A report on the process will be shared with the United Nations in advance of the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000).

A further effort to stimulate cross-regional discussion on implementing resolution 1325 (2000) was the hosting in Dublin earlier this year of the ministerial meeting of the Human Security Network. The Permanent Representative of Costa Rica described that initiative in his statement this morning, and I will not repeat what he has said.

A final point is the importance of coordination. Within the United Nations system there should be a one-stop shop to offer guidance and advice to Member States in drawing up national plans. We suggest that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Women, Peace and Security be asked to identify such a focal point. At the national level, too, there is a role for focal points to provide drive and leadership. In Ireland Nuala O'Loan, a distinguished woman of wide and very relevant experience, has been appointed to the role of special envoy on women, peace and security. Perhaps that model could be of relevance elsewhere.

None of us here is in any doubt about the scale of the challenge and the urgency of action. Next year's tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) is an opportunity to be seized -- not for another talkfest but to assess, strategize and commit. In the collective effort to prepare for and mark that anniversary, we look to the Security Council to continue to show leadership and determination.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Italy.

Mr. Cornado (Italy)

I would like, first of all, to commend you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Let me also thank Deputy Secretary-General Migiro, Assistant Secretary-General Mayanja, Executive Director Alberdi and Ms. Amin.

Italy aligns itself with the position expressed by Sweden on behalf of the European Union.

Tragically, sexual violence continues to be used with impunity as a weapon of war to destroy the very fabric of society in many conflicts in the world. That has to stop. As Secretary of State Clinton said in this Chamber just a few days ago (see S/PV.6195), the dehumanizing nature of sexual violence erodes social and political stability, undermines economic progress and holds us all back.

Italy has committed itself to make this issue one the top priorities of its international action. In the framework of the Italian presidency of the Group of Eight (G-8), on 9 and 10 September my Government convened an international conference in Rome on the issue of violence against women. In the presidency's conclusions of that meeting, we clearly stated that violence against women and girls is a war crime and a crime against humanity. The participants committed themselves to strive to ensure the fullest possible implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), not least to eliminate the sense of impunity that is still widespread among the perpetrators of such crimes.

The use of sexual violence as a war tactic is clearly a global emergency. In the past year and a half, the Security Council has shown remarkable leadership in this field. With hindsight, we can say that the adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) was indeed a watershed moment. It clearly established that sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, when used as a tactic of war, is a matter of peace and security, and very much the business of the Council. Italy is proud to have been one of the sponsors of that landmark resolution and to have actively contributed to its drafting.

Resolution 1820 (2008) brought about a better understanding of the implications of sexual violence as a weapon of war, thus opening the way for the Council to adopt two other important resolutions: resolution 1882 (2009) and, only last week, resolution 1888 (2009). Both provide the Council with important and effective new tools to end impunity and to hold accountable the perpetrators of those heinous crimes. It is now up to the Council to use those tools and implement the resolutions in full and without delay.

We encourage the Working Group of the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict to use the full array of means at its disposal to deal with parties responsible for rape and sexual violence against children. We look forward to the Secretary-General's early appointment of a special representative for women and peace and security to provide much-needed leadership, coordination and advocacy. We are also convinced of the importance of finding ways to ensure better and more detailed reporting to the Council, primarily with regard to the identity of the parties responsible for these grave violations.

Women's security must be guaranteed. Abuses must be prosecuted. Blanket amnesties must be off the table. But the protection of women is just one pillar of resolution 1325 (2000). Women are agents of change and fundamental players for peace, stabilization, reconstruction and sustainable development. That was one of the key messages of resolution 1325 (2000). What we need now is to move with equal determination to achieve similar progress in empowering women and ensuring their effective and equal participation in every phase of peacemaking, conflict prevention, peace processes and peacebuilding.

As stated in the conclusions of the presidency at the G-8 meeting in Rome, to which I have referred, global peace and security also depend on women's actions and on their participation under conditions of equality in social development and governance mechanisms at local, national and world levels. The resolution that the Council has adopted today, resolution 1889 (2009), is the first important step in that direction, and we commend Viet Nam for taking this initiative.

The role of women is particularly important in peacebuilding efforts, as recognized by the specific gender mandate of the Peacebuilding Commission. After a conflict, women are often victims of heinous abuses and can be irrationally stigmatized for the violence they have suffered. At the same time, they are the pillars of families that need to be put back together and of societies that need to be rebuilt. They are the educators of future generations, partners in the reintegration of ex-combatants, mothers of fatherless children, the only dynamic economic actors in a ravaged society. For those reasons, a peace that is built without considering the needs and hopes of women cannot be a lasting one.

As we have said time and time again, this is not just a question of how many women are included in the political and decision-making process; it is about enabling them to champion issues that are vital to their empowerment. This is possible only through the full engagement of civil society and women's organizations, which is why resource, training and capacity-building needs must always be given full consideration. The United Nations has an important contribution to make in ensuring, for instance, that the participation of women is better reflected in peacekeeping mission mandates, and that those missions are provided with much-needed expertise and resources, including through the inclusion of a gender component in all of its peacekeeping and political missions.

Let me conclude by reaffirming Italy's firm commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and to promoting women's participation and empowerment. We have made this a priority both in our political action and in our development cooperation. To that end, we have funded a number of projects of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) focused on implementing resolution 1325 (2000) in West Africa, and we have started the process of drafting a national action plan. As one of the main troop contributors to United Nations peacekeeping, we have an important role to play in ensuring that resolution 1325 (2000) is mainstreamed in all United Nations missions.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Ms. Taj (Tanzania)

We wish to join other delegations in commending the delegation of Viet Nam, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, for organizing this important debate. Today's debate further attests to the need for the Security Council to continue to be seized of the challenges of protecting women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2009/465). We welcome the recommendations contained therein and call for their implementation. We also support his recommendation for a high-level ministerial event to commemorate the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), although we would have preferred the event to be held at a higher level. Let me also at this juncture thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Asha Rose Migiro, for her commitment to advancing women's rights, which was affirmed in her statement this morning.

We also appreciate the contributions made by Ms. Mayanja, Ms. Alberdi and Ms. Amin, as well as various other actors, in particular the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United Nations Population Fund, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization and various non-governmental organizations for their efforts in implementing resolution 1325 (2000).

We are concerned that despite several measures being undertaken in response to resolution 1325 (2000), progress in implementing it is still limited, and women and girls continue to suffer the brunt of war, particularly the devastating effects of sexual and gender-based violence. It is our expectation that the appointment of a special representative of the Secretary-General, as provided for in Security Council resolution 1888 (2009), will add impetus to the United Nations work in fighting the horrendous acts of violence committed against women and girls, as well as boys. We also expect that the appointment of the special representative will not shift resources from a holistic approach to the issue of women and peace and security, one of participation, protection and prevention. We deeply deplore the use of sex as a weapon of war and call for concerted efforts to end impunity.

We need to ensure the promotion and enjoyment of human rights for all people, and in particular women and girls living in situations of conflict. Access to education, health and other humanitarian assistance is a basic human right; we thus strongly condemn those parties to conflict who destroy schools, health facilities and humanitarian supplies, and those who prevent girls' and women's access to education. The Security Council must consider taking actions against such parties, including targeted sanctions, and must insist on people's unhindered access to humanitarian personnel and humanitarian assistance.

Furthermore, as part of the conflict-resolution and peacebuilding process, the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission must ensure that resources are provided to restore the rule of law and strengthen the judicial and law-enforcement systems. Mechanisms also have to be in place to take to task all those who have been involved in violations of human rights.

Women's involvement is necessary to ensure the legitimacy of the decision-making process, to encourage a broad base of participation, to make sustainable peace and development possible and to protect women and girls. The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as well as of subsequent resolutions on women and peace and security, is a necessary tool for promoting the involvement of women. We also wish to underscore that we can produce a positive impact on the lives of women and children by implementing these resolutions in tandem with the Beijing Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The United Nations must set an example in its advocacy of women's participation by the appointment of more women to senior leadership positions in the Organization, including in areas dealing with conflict resolution and peacebuilding. At the grass-roots level, we need to address the causes of the lack of women's participation in peace processes, and to empower women's groups socially, politically and economically. We further recommend that Security Council members meet with local women's groups during all missions that the Council undertakes.

Let me conclude by reiterating the commitment of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to addressing the challenges faced by women and children in conflict situations and promoting and protecting their human rights. We also wish to express our support for resolution 1889 (2009), which the Council adopted today.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Switzerland.

Mrs. Grau (Switzerland)

Allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate, as well as the seminar on resolution 1325 (2000), which your country held in Hanoi in July, and which Switzerland had the pleasure of supporting. I would also like to associate myself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Human Security Network.

Today's debate is the eighth on the subject held since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). The Security Council has adopted seven presidential statements concerning its implementation. On one of the key aspects of this resolution -- sexual violence in armed conflict -- we have seen impressive progress. I refer here to resolution 1820 (2008), and, very recently, resolution 1888 (2009), which were adopted as a result of the commitment of the United States of America and which should now be implemented. Generally speaking, the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) remains unsatisfactory. The facts and figures set out in various studies, including by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), speak for themselves.

The question thus remains: how can we ensure that the agenda effectively moves forward and that what we have committed ourselves to implementing is actually implemented?

First, Switzerland recently evaluated its 2007 national action plan and continues to improve that instrument. Thanks to our pool of experts, we will increase the number of female personnel seconded to peacekeeping operations and as mediators. We will improve gender training in all aspects of our foreign policy, including in our programmes to promote peace and development cooperation. Switzerland is pleased to share its experiences with other countries and partners.

Secondly, as a member of the Group of Friends of 1325, chaired by Canada, Switzerland will actively support the preparations for the tenth anniversary. However, if we want to have a reason to celebrate, a strategic approach and an intelligent agenda are required. It is essential to enhance the responsibility of the Council, to increase the leadership in this area and to improve overall follow-up on the resolution.

To that end, the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, in close cooperation with Switzerland, has developed a concept for monitoring the resolution's implementation. This initiative, entitled "Accountability and Action for the Tenth Anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325", will include monthly assessments of all Council actions and, by means of concrete proposals, will contribute to the systematic implementation of the resolution. However, if this project is to be successful, more partners will be required. We invite all States to join our efforts by providing political and/or financial support.

Thirdly, the Council already has excellent instruments at its disposal. The mainstreaming of gender aspects in all peacekeeping operations, the consistent use of the sanctions regime and the establishment of a strong, high-level gender unit are key elements for improving the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

We must think about how the Council can use existing instruments more strategically and even about establishing new ones. The informal expert group on the protection of civilians in armed conflict could address the resolution's prevention aspects. As far as protection is concerned, the model mechanism developed for children under resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009), combined with new instruments provided for in resolution 1888 (2009), is a promising example. A pool of experts or a commission for the promotion of women to high positions could respond to the resolution's aspect of strengthening the role of women.

There is much work ahead of us. Let us begin today, here and together.

The President

I now call on the representative of the Republic of Korea.

Mr. Kim Bonghyun (Republic of Korea)

Allow me to open my statement by thanking the Vietnamese presidency of the Security Council for the concept paper distributed for this open debate (S/2009/490). My appreciation goes also to the Secretary-General for his excellent report (S/2009/465), which provides a comprehensive outlook on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as well as sound suggestions for specific actions to take.

We welcome the adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) this morning, which reiterates the commitment of the Security Council to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and other important relevant resolutions, including resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009).

As the Secretary-General's report states, there has been progress in some areas of the implementation of the resolution over the past year. For example, major strides have been made in developing national action plans. The cooperation and collaboration among various partners -- including United Nations entities such as the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) -- in developing national action plans in various post-conflict areas is commendable. Some best-practice examples, such as the Liberian case, can guide the development of future action plans.

That is certainly a positive element, but the report also illustrates a number of persisting difficulties in the implementation of the resolution. Let me focus on three key points.

The first concerns sexual violence. We are all aware of how serious the situation is and how difficult it can be to reverse the extent and impact of sexual violence. In that regard, my delegation welcomes resolution 1888 (2009), adopted just five days ago, which identifies specific steps that the United Nations and Member States should take to prevent or respond to sexual violence. We expect that the appointment of a special representative of the Secretary-General and the rapid deployment of an expert team will make significant contributions to our efforts to end sexual violence.

The second point concerns the persistent lack of participation by women throughout the peace process, which is a core element of resolution 1325 (2000). As the Secretary-General's report expresses, a persistent cause of concern is that women continue to be virtually absent from the peace table and to be severely underrepresented as third-party mediators in most conflict-affected countries. It should be duly noted that since 1992, only 2.4 per cent of signatories to peace agreements were women and that no woman has ever been appointed as a chief mediator.

The Republic of Korea urges Member States and the Untied Nations to take more vigorous initiatives to ensure that women are engaged in all levels of decision-making. In that regard, we commend Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's response to the call in resolution 1325 (2000) to increase the number of women in senior positions within the United Nations, especially in peacekeeping operations. It is encouraging to see three women heads of mission, six women deputies in the field and five female under-secretaries-general and assistant secretaries-general in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. We encourage the Secretary-General to further strengthen this positive trend, and we hope that his efforts are emulated in peace negotiations and reconstruction processes at the country level by ensuring the full participation of women.

The third point concerns a deficit in post-conflict funding for women's needs. As stated in the concept paper, UNIFEM's review of almost 17,000 projects in consolidated and flash appeals for 23 post-conflict countries over three years indicates that less than 3 per cent of projects submitted for funding explicitly target gender issues. Additionally, only 8 per cent of proposed budgets for post-conflict situation need assessments included specific elements addressing women's needs. As a way to address that gap, my delegation urges the United Nations system to further integrate the gender perspective in designing and implementing assistance programmes.

One area in which United Nations entities can immediately do more is the utilization of quick-impact projects. These are intended to meet urgent community needs in post-conflict areas but are generally underimplemented in many mission stationing fields, not to mention the fact that the gender perspective is rarely integrated into those projects under implementation. Since one of the main features of the quick-impact projects is to encourage a gender- and age-based approach, United Nations missions and UNDP have the potential to fully activate quick-impact projects to meet the urgent needs of women.

My delegation believes that the effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) largely depends on the overall capacity of the United Nations system to pursue gender equality and women's empowerment. In that regard, strengthening the gender architecture is a key element. We are very much looking forward to the early establishment of a composite entity, which will be a driving force in creating an environment for the effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in support of the efforts of the Security Council.

In conclusion, the Republic of Korea shares the expectations for the upcoming tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) in 2010. We anticipate that the anniversary will provide a new opportunity for all stakeholders to strengthen efforts to fully implement resolution 1325 (2000) to achieve real and lasting changes in the lives of women and girls.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa.

Ms. Rulumeni (South Africa)

Allow me to express our sincere gratitude to you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate on such an important matter. South Africa welcomes the open debate and believes that it is also timely, leading the processes in preparation for the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security in 2010. South Africa aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of the African Union (AU) later today.

Resolution 1325 (2000) was adopted nine years ago. Consistent with the resolution, the theme today is "Responding to the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations for sustainable peace and security". It is designed to examine how Member States and international and regional organizations could further improve women's participation in all stages of peace processes, particularly in conflict resolution, post-conflict planning and peacebuilding, including by enhancing their engagement in decision-making in the early stages of recovery processes. While women may be the first casualties of war, they remain active agents of change and play a meaningful role in the recovery and reintegration of their families. Women are also instrumental in bringing about democracy and reconciliation in post-conflict societies.

The African Union and subregional organizations offer several advantages in the pursuit of effective conflict prevention and resolution. Therefore, the Assembly of the African Union, in its efforts to promote the participation of women in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security, has taken concrete steps and pledged that the organs of the AU and the regional economic communities and member States, using the frameworks of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), will integrate gender policies, programmes and activities on conflict and peace. That would ensure that women participate fully in conflict resolution and management processes.

Subregionally, gender equality and the empowerment of women are among the founding principles of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and are enshrined in the SADC Treaty. We have been greatly honoured by the leadership and important contribution of women in recent peace processes and negotiations in our region. On 17 August 2008, the SADC heads of State signed the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, which has been hailed as an important step towards the empowerment of women, the elimination of discrimination and the achievement of gender equality and equity.

In the context of peace and security, the Protocol stipulates that the States parties shall endeavour to put in place measures to ensure that women have equal representation and participation in key decision-making positions in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes by 2015, in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000). Furthermore, the Protocol specifies that States parties shall, during times of armed conflict, take such steps as are necessary to prevent and eliminate incidences of human rights abuses, especially of women and children, and also to ensure that the perpetrators of such abuses are brought to justice before courts of competent jurisdiction.

There is an urgent need to advocate more strongly for the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. We also believe that all actors to the binding resolution should devote their attention to ensuring sufficient resources, the capacity to address the challenges and empowerment through educational programmes so as to increase the awareness and understanding of how to find lasting solutions. We encourage Member States to finalize and concretize national action plans for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) that provide for the necessary training of women and men alike.

South Africa continues to support the work of the United Nations and of the African Union in promoting the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, as well as in protecting women and girls against sexual violence. From our experience in the SADC region, we have learned that it is important to build solidarity among all role players, particularly women, and therefore we remain committed to working within a consultative and collaborative framework to find peaceful and lasting solutions to conflicts.

To that end, we believe it important for women in local communities to be allowed to participate in finding solutions for the reconstruction and rebuilding of their countries. The importance of equal representation and participation of women in formal peace processes and at negotiating tables cannot be overemphasized.

The primary responsibility for preventing and protecting women and girls in conflict situations and their aftermath should not lie with the international community alone. That would assist in promoting local ownership in peace processes. South Africa remains committed to the full and effective implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009). We in the international community have an obligation to women to ensure that their rights are protected and that their place in all aspects of the peace process is assured.

In conclusion, my delegation will continue to support the work of the United Nations and of the African Union in promoting the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, as well as in protecting women and girls in post-conflict situations and their aftermath.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Finland.

Mr. Viinanen (Finland)

The representative of Sweden has already spoken on behalf of the European Union presidency, and I associate myself fully with his statement. I have the honour of making a few additional remarks.

Nine years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000) for the protection of women, for their participation and for the promotion of their rights in conflict and post-conflict situations. Last year, the Council adopted resolution 1820 (2008), condemning sexual violence as a tactic of war, and last week it adopted resolution 1888 (2009) to further strengthen the United Nations response to sexual violence in conflict. We welcome recent developments and the resolution adopted today, resolution 1889 (2009), which draws our attention to the crucial question of women's empowerment and participation in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Mr. President, you have chosen a very pertinent focus for this open debate on women and peace and security. Building sustainable peace requires much more than the mere absence of violence. Restoration of the rule of law, the local economy and basic services should be the priority in any post-conflict situation. This should happen alongside meeting the obvious need to ensure everyone's physical safety and security, which includes freedom from fear of sexual violence or harassment.

After a violent conflict, women are often the best experts in identifying the most crucial needs of their communities. Their experience, knowledge and determination are needed for the markets to start buzzing with life again, for the children to go to school and for the community to heal. Yet, women are still too often left out of the peace negotiations and the following processes where priorities and budgets for early recovery and peacebuilding are planned and decided upon. Finland emphasises the right of women to fully participate in post-conflict peacebuilding.

We do not only need to make sure that we have women present at the table at all levels of decision-making. We should consider working towards agreeing on international standards regarding participation of women and men in peace and post-conflict processes. We also need to make sure that women can fully use their potential, skills and leadership to foster quick and sustainable recovery and peacebuilding. To that end, Finland, together with Liberia, convened the International Colloquium for Women's Empowerment, Leadership, Development and International Peace and Security in Monrovia last March.

The United Nations plays a unique role in conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. However, during the 60 years of United Nations peacekeeping, no more than seven women have served as Special Representatives of the Secretary-General in the field. No woman has ever been nominated as a lead mediator in a peace process led by the United Nations. This has to change. We, the United Nations Member States, need to ensure that the change takes place.

We urge the United Nations to lead by example. We commend the Secretary-General for his efforts to increase the number of women in senior leadership positions, and we encourage him to break even more ground in the years to come. We welcome the call, in the resolution just adopted, to the Secretary-General to develop a strategy to that end. The Secretary General should ensure that all his envoys and representatives include women in all formal peace processes they lead. They should actively seek the views of women also outside of the formal negotiations. Furthermore, we encourage the United Nations, together with the World Bank and relevant regional organisations, to include a requirement for women's participation in the standards of post-conflict needs assessments and to track gender-specific budget allocations.

Next year will mark the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). There has been progress in its implementation, but a lot of work remains to be done before our commitments are fulfilled.

The unanimous decision by the General Assembly, in its resolution 63/311, to create a new gender entity was long awaited worldwide. Now we must set up the ambitious goal of having the new entity up and running by mid-2010. This will be a key step forward in enhancing the effective contribution by the United Nations to the promotion of women's rights and participation worldwide, including in conflict and post-conflict situations.

The recent adoption of resolution 1888 (2009) and its request for the appointment of a special representative of the Secretary-General to provide leadership and improve coherence and coordination of United Nations action against sexual violence in conflict was a major step forward. Ensuring full participation and rights of women and girls is the best way to prevent sexual violence, and the mandate of the new special representative should be put in place with that in mind.

Moreover, we need indicators for tracking what has or has not been done. In that regard, we are delighted that the new resolution sets a timeline for the development of global indicators. However, indicators need to be complemented with a mechanism for monitoring compliance and with the political will to make the cost of non-compliance much higher than it is today. Ultimately, the cost of excluding women from peacemaking and peacebuilding is peace itself.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Nigeria.

Mr. Sekudo (Nigeria)

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