CP

No effort should be spared by the United Nations to invest resources in identifying early-warning signs of conflict and conflict prevention, because women, girls and children are usually the targets in conflicts situations. It is very important to note that in the discussions of sexual violence in conflict here at the United Nations, women should be given more opportunity to participate in the highest decision-making bodies. Also, the capacities of countries emerging from conflict must be enhanced, particularly in the area of conflict prevention and institutional capacity-building. The need to invest in women’s development towards our present-day aspiration for global, regional and national development cannot be overemphasized. Sierra Leone strongly upholds the relevant protocols relating to women’s empowerment, including the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa and the Secretary-General’s Campaign to End Violence against Women.