Security Council Open Debate on UN Peacekeeping: A Multidimentional Approach, January 2013

Argentina welcomes the fact that the draft resolution reaffirms the commitment to address the particular impact of armed conflicts on women and children, underlining what is contained in resolution 1325 (2000) and all subsequent resolutions. We reiterate the need for the full, equal and effective participation of women at all stages of peace processes, not only to achieve the goal of greater gender equality, but also because today it is clear that women taking a primary role in preventing and resolving conflicts and in peacebuilding guarantees better results.

Argentina welcomes the fact that the draft resolution reaffirms the commitment to address the particular impact of armed conflicts on women and children, underlining what is contained in resolution 1325 (2000) and all subsequent resolutions. We reiterate the need for the full, equal and effective participation of women at all stages of peace processes, not only to achieve the goal of greater gender equality, but also because today it is clear that women taking a primary role in preventing and resolving conflicts and in peacebuilding guarantees better results.

It is clear that no lasting peace can be achieved unless we address the root causes of a conflict from the outset. The crises in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa make that evident every day. In our view, including all sectors of a population, in particular the most vulnerable groups, such as women, in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations is the best way to prevent, in both the short and the long terms, the resurgence of the frustrations that can reignite a conflict. Luxembourg has therefore contributed to the efforts of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to increase women's participation in political processes, especially in Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Timor-Leste.

We recognize the role played by women in preventing and resolving conflicts, and appreciate the inclusion of the gender dimension in mandates. Further work is necessary in that regard to ensure women's full participation in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security issues. In that context, we also draw attention to the potential role of regional entities, given their successful past experiences in Africa.

My delegation also welcomes the reiteration in the resolution of the importance of the gender dimension in peacekeeping, in particular with regard to promoting the participation of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We highly appreciate the Secretary-General's call for stronger action to meet the challenges to integrating women at all levels and within the United Nations structure itself.

Armenia joins previous speakers in reiterating the need for the equal and effective participation of women at all stages of the peace process and their involvement in conflict prevention and resolution and the transition from conflict to peace. Female peacekeepers act as role models in the local environment, improving, inter alia, access and support for local women and contributing to empowering women in the community. Such contributions lead to better outcomes for entire societies.

Thirdly, women represent almost 50 per cent of our total population. Their rights and roles in preventing conflict and rebuilding society cannot be overemphasized. They deserve equal rights in the context of the peace process and nation-building. Unfortunately, they become the principal victims of conflict and, in the recovery process, they are often neglected. We therefore stress that women should be included systematically throughout the entire process in the areas of conflict resolution, mediation and economic recovery, local Government, the rule of law and other related areas of nation-building.

Argentina welcomes the fact that the draft resolution reaffirms the commitment to address the particular impact of armed conflicts on women and children, underlining what is contained in resolution 1325 (2000) and all subsequent resolutions. We reiterate the need for the full, equal and effective participation of women at all stages of peace processes, not only to achieve the goal of greater gender equality, but also because today it is clear that women taking a primary role in preventing and resolving conflicts and in peacebuilding guarantees better results.

It is clear that no lasting peace can be achieved unless we address the root causes of a conflict from the outset. The crises in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa make that evident every day. In our view, including all sectors of a population, in particular the most vulnerable groups, such as women, in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations is the best way to prevent, in both the short and the long terms, the resurgence of the frustrations that can reignite a conflict. Luxembourg has therefore contributed to the efforts of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to increase women's participation in political processes, especially in Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Timor-Leste.

We recognize the role played by women in preventing and resolving conflicts, and appreciate the inclusion of the gender dimension in mandates. Further work is necessary in that regard to ensure women's full participation in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security issues. In that context, we also draw attention to the potential role of regional entities, given their successful past experiences in Africa.

Lastly, women must be included as active participants at every stage of peacebuilding, peace agreements and development programmes, including in decision-making roles. Women are essential partners in any peaceful society and contribute to the three pillars of sustainable peace, namely, economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy.

My delegation also welcomes the reiteration in the resolution of the importance of the gender dimension in peacekeeping, in particular with regard to promoting the participation of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We highly appreciate the Secretary-General's call for stronger action to meet the challenges to integrating women at all levels and within the United Nations structure itself.

Armenia joins previous speakers in reiterating the need for the equal and effective participation of women at all stages of the peace process and their involvement in conflict prevention and resolution and the transition from conflict to peace. Female peacekeepers act as role models in the local environment, improving, inter alia, access and support for local women and contributing to empowering women in the community. Such contributions lead to better outcomes for entire societies.

Two areas that we believe are central to peacekeeping and peacebuilding are the protection of civilians and women, peace and security. The duty of peacekeepers to protect civilians — whether through direct activities, such as protecting against conflict- related sexual violence or working to build local capacities, such as through the training of the security sector — are central to the restoration of security and moving towards a healthy civil society. This is a central pillar of peacebuilding. We also know that peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women are more likely to succeed. Peacekeeping missions can play a strong role in fostering such participation, including through the work of gender advisers and role models.

Finally, let me conclude by seconding the call that we have heard so many times today for the adequate participation of women at all stages of peacebuilding efforts and for their full inclusion in decision-making processes.

In our delegation's view, the time has come to consider peacekeeping operations from a broad- based, holistic angle that from the outset includes the traditional components of peacekeeping operations, but that is combined with a strategic mandate that makes it possible to involve, insofar as the situation on the ground allows, the components of peacebuilding and sustainable development, including the gender perspective and the empowerment of women, who are essential to the achievement of stability, peace, freedom and the development in countries emerging from conflict.

Clear and detailed planning is required to ensure that the peacekeeping-peacebuilding transition is seamless in order to avoid any regression into conflict. That requires the involvement of local communities in trust-building exercises and the involvement of women at all levels of society in remaking their communities. It also involves well-planned and realistic strategies for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform, as well as assistance to national authorities.

The fourth point concerns gender. There is a crucial element common to peacekeeping and peacebuilding that is conspicuous by its absence in the concept note for today's debate (S/2013/4, annex). Perhaps the single most transformative step towards ensuring the success of peacekeepers as early peacebuilders would be the deployment of more women on missions. If deployed peacekeeping missions were to reach out to populations in more traditional societies, the deployment of more women would act as a multiplier of peacebuilding potential.

A multilateral dimension requires that United Nations peacekeeping activities should effectively respond to arising conflicts, new political challenges and threats to peace. Today, we can definitely say that the potential of United Nations peacekeeping activities has significantly increased in both quantitative and qualitative terms. We support the measures aimed at strengthening the operational potential of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), especially in promoting women to relevant positions in United Nations peacekeeping missions, including increasing the number of female police officers to 20 per cent by 2014. Other measures include the systematic involvement of peacebuilding elements and implementing better mechanisms in the mobilization of resources for ensuring peacekeeping operations. It is also necessary to effectively implement the global field support strategy in order to improve the quality of services and to carry out the mandate of the missions.

I also want to underline that women have to be included as active participants in peacekeeping missions and in all peacebuilding activities, including in decision-making roles, because we know that peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women have a better chance to succeed. The protection of civilians, especially women and children, is another area that I believe is central for the restoration of security and, as such, has to be taken into account throughout the lifecycle of a peacekeeping operation.

The contribution of women in peacekeeping operations requires special acknowledgement. Often, women in peacekeeping missions serve as a source of inspiration to women and girls in conflict-ridden parts of the world. On its part, Namibia has heeded the Secretary-General's call by nominating women to serve in various United Nations peacekeeping missions.

United Nations peacekeeping has saved and protected tens of millions of lives around the globe. It helps shattered communities and neighbourhoods rebuild themselves. It replaces strife with harmony. Brave women and men in the peacekeeping missions have made tremendous sacrifices in the cause of peace. More than 3,000 peacekeepers have laid down their lives to save the world from the scourge of war. Today we collectively pay homage to them. Today we should all once again reiterate our commitment to their safety and security.

Togo appreciate the efforts already made in terms of training and expertise before deployment on the ground, both for civilians and security forces. To assist those efforts and meet international standards in that area, a training centre for military and police was set up in Lomé in order to ensure their efficient deployment in peacekeeping operations. We would also like to note that, in order to optimize the chances for success in those actions on the ground, it is important to avoid any policy of exclusion in the implementation of those projects. We therefore particularly welcome the increasingly important place that the United Nations is granting to women as key stakeholders for the implementation of projects that assist in re-establishing peace and security. We believe that it is also vital to promote the role of ethnic minorities and the media in promoting sustainable peace.

To date, peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations are ever better at taking into account realities on the ground. In that regard, we would like to put emphasis on the importance of women's participation and of language skills, among other requirements, to ensure smooth interactions with populations at the grass roots.

Last but not least, let me also underline the importance of mainstreaming women's participation in all stages of the peace process. We welcome the increasing awareness within the United Nations system and among Member States of the importance of removing the constraints on such participation, and look forward to seeing further enhancement in the role of women in peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding endeavours.

Armenia joins previous speakers in reiterating the need for the equal and effective participation of women at all stages of the peace process and their involvement in conflict prevention and resolution and the transition from conflict to peace. Female peacekeepers act as role models in the local environment, improving, inter alia, access and support for local women and contributing to empowering women in the community. Such contributions lead to better outcomes for entire societies.

Thirdly, women represent almost 50 per cent of our total population. Their rights and roles in preventing conflict and rebuilding society cannot be overemphasized. They deserve equal rights in the context of the peace process and nation-building. Unfortunately, they become the principal victims of conflict and, in the recovery process, they are often neglected. We therefore stress that women should be included systematically throughout the entire process in the areas of conflict resolution, mediation and economic recovery, local Government, the rule of law and other related areas of nation-building.

Argentina supports peacekeeping operations taking on a multidimensional character when specific circumstances justify it, as long as their mandates include support and assistance for Governments of the countries in which missions are operating. Such support must include such considerations as assistance and cooperation to strengthen institutions and social participation, the holding of free and transparent elections, the establishment of inclusive political processes, the development of the rule of law, the design and implementation of effective plans for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform, the effective application of guidelines on the gender perspective, and measures for the protection of the civilian population, particularly those under imminent threat of physical violence, including all forms of sexual, sexist and gender-based violence. However, we recognize that the protection of civilians is a primary responsibility of the host country, as noted in the draft resolution to be adopted today (S/2013/27), which also refers to the provisions in this area in paragraph 16 of resolution 1674 (2006).

This debate provides us with yet another opportunity to look into an important tool in the architecture for the maintenance of international peace and security: peacekeeping operations. Those operations, in a changing international situation that is increasingly complex, have had to adapt and now function in a different way to how they were originally conceived. Thus, beginning in the late 1980s, the traditional model was supplanted by an increasingly multidimensional kind of operation with civilian, military, political, rule of law, human rights, humanitarian aid, reconstruction, gender and civilian protection components, among others. Whatever its nature, a peacekeeping operation must be undertaken pursuant to the guiding principles of consent of the parties; impartiality; use of force only in self-defence or in defending the mandate; and unswerving compliance with the Charter of the United Nations.

Fifthly, the protection of civilians, especially women and children, under imminent threat of physical violence must be taken into account in the early phases of mandate drafting and throughout the life cycle of United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Two areas that we believe are central to peacekeeping and peacebuilding are the protection of civilians and women, peace and security. The duty of peacekeepers to protect civilians — whether through direct activities, such as protecting against conflict- related sexual violence or working to build local capacities, such as through the training of the security sector — are central to the restoration of security and moving towards a healthy civil society. This is a central pillar of peacebuilding. We also know that peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women are more likely to succeed. Peacekeeping missions can play a strong role in fostering such participation, including through the work of gender advisers and role models.

ECOWAS believes that a multidimensional approach to peacekeeping operations is a positive development. Their scope is broad and comprehensive. Their goals are, inter alia, to restore public order and security, allow for the provision of humanitarian assistance, protect and promote human rights, ensure the protection of civilians in situations of danger, as well as of women and children, taking into account, in particular, the situation of child soldiers, support the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex- combatants, assist in and facilitate electoral processes, support security sector and justice reform, and help to restore administration, the economic sector and the rule of law.

I also want to underline that women have to be included as active participants in peacekeeping missions and in all peacebuilding activities, including in decision-making roles, because we know that peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women have a better chance to succeed. The protection of civilians, especially women and children, is another area that I believe is central for the restoration of security and, as such, has to be taken into account throughout the lifecycle of a peacekeeping operation.

For example, improved energy-saving cooking stoves, which use less firewood than traditional stoves, were introduced in Rwanda in 2000 in order to preserve trees and the environment. Now Rwandan peacekeepers have brought such stoves to Darfur, where women and young girls live in fear of getting raped every time they venture outside camps for internally displaced persons or their villages to collect firewood for cooking. Apart from saving the lives of women who risk being raped or killed while collecting firewood, the improved stoves also allow troops and police who were previously escorting them to focus on other mandated tasks. Rwandan peacekeepers have also built classrooms and clinics, planted trees in Darfur, and led community clean-up programmes in several Haitian towns that have since become permanent fixtures.

First, with regard to the protection of civilians, in the past year my country witnessed an unwarranted and unprovoked attack by the Government of the Republic of the Sudan, in particular aerial bombardment and other border incursions. Those aggressions led to many civilian casualties, especially among innocent women and children. Although the duty of civilian protection is one of the Government's priorities, my Government would like to see a more robust mechanism put in place by UNMISS to protect vulnerable civilians from aerial bombardment.

Argentina supports peacekeeping operations taking on a multidimensional character when specific circumstances justify it, as long as their mandates include support and assistance for Governments of the countries in which missions are operating. Such support must include such considerations as assistance and cooperation to strengthen institutions and social participation, the holding of free and transparent elections, the establishment of inclusive political processes, the development of the rule of law, the design and implementation of effective plans for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform, the effective application of guidelines on the gender perspective, and measures for the protection of the civilian population, particularly those under imminent threat of physical violence, including all forms of sexual, sexist and gender-based violence. However, we recognize that the protection of civilians is a primary responsibility of the host country, as noted in the draft resolution to be adopted today (S/2013/27), which also refers to the provisions in this area in paragraph 16 of resolution 1674 (2006).

Peacekeeping operations are at the heart of the work of the United Nations. Today, they are more complex and diverse, working in increasingly difficult environments and in situations that can suddenly change. In order to meet that reality and given the fact that security, development and the rule of law are intrinsically linked, the great majority of peacekeeping operations are now multidimensional. As a result, the mandates of peacekeeping operations may now include, in particular, strengthening rule-of-law institutions, security and defence sector reform, the protection of civilians, particularly children affected by armed conflict, the protection and promotion of human rights, combating sexual violence and the support of inclusive political processes, such as establishing the necessary security conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance.

The Council is right to underline the importance of deploying qualified and experienced peacekeepers, with all the necessary skills, including language skills, and who respect the Organization's zero-tolerance policy with respect to misconduct. Sexual exploitation and abuse must not be tolerated. On the other hand, every measure should be taken to ensure the safety and security of deployed personnel. Luxembourg strongly condemns any attack on United Nations peacekeeping personnel.

Two areas that we believe are central to peacekeeping and peacebuilding are the protection of civilians and women, peace and security. The duty of peacekeepers to protect civilians — whether through direct activities, such as protecting against conflict- related sexual violence or working to build local capacities, such as through the training of the security sector — are central to the restoration of security and moving towards a healthy civil society. This is a central pillar of peacebuilding. We also know that peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women are more likely to succeed. Peacekeeping missions can play a strong role in fostering such participation, including through the work of gender advisers and role models.

For example, improved energy-saving cooking stoves, which use less firewood than traditional stoves, were introduced in Rwanda in 2000 in order to preserve trees and the environment. Now Rwandan peacekeepers have brought such stoves to Darfur, where women and young girls live in fear of getting raped every time they venture outside camps for internally displaced persons or their villages to collect firewood for cooking. Apart from saving the lives of women who risk being raped or killed while collecting firewood, the improved stoves also allow troops and police who were previously escorting them to focus on other mandated tasks. Rwandan peacekeepers have also built classrooms and clinics, planted trees in Darfur, and led community clean-up programmes in several Haitian towns that have since become permanent fixtures.

This debate is being held at a time when the nature of United Nations peacekeeping is undergoing significant changes, with operations becoming more complex and multidimensional. The nature of peacekeeping mandates has also changed, as missions are increasingly deployed under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, are incorporating the protection of civilians and are requiring more robust and clearer rules of engagement. At the same time, efforts to resolve conflicts by peaceful means are being put to the test by new threats to global peace and security, including terrorism, piracy and transnational organized crime. The humanitarian consequences of violent conflicts for innocent civilian populations, including women and children, are alarming.

Argentina supports peacekeeping operations taking on a multidimensional character when specific circumstances justify it, as long as their mandates include support and assistance for Governments of the countries in which missions are operating. Such support must include such considerations as assistance and cooperation to strengthen institutions and social participation, the holding of free and transparent elections, the establishment of inclusive political processes, the development of the rule of law, the design and implementation of effective plans for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform, the effective application of guidelines on the gender perspective, and measures for the protection of the civilian population, particularly those under imminent threat of physical violence, including all forms of sexual, sexist and gender-based violence. However, we recognize that the protection of civilians is a primary responsibility of the host country, as noted in the draft resolution to be adopted today (S/2013/27), which also refers to the provisions in this area in paragraph 16 of resolution 1674 (2006).

Peacekeeping operations are at the heart of the work of the United Nations. Today, they are more complex and diverse, working in increasingly difficult environments and in situations that can suddenly change. In order to meet that reality and given the fact that security, development and the rule of law are intrinsically linked, the great majority of peacekeeping operations are now multidimensional. As a result, the mandates of peacekeeping operations may now include, in particular, strengthening rule-of-law institutions, security and defence sector reform, the protection of civilians, particularly children affected by armed conflict, the protection and promotion of human rights, combating sexual violence and the support of inclusive political processes, such as establishing the necessary security conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance.

This debate provides us with yet another opportunity to look into an important tool in the architecture for the maintenance of international peace and security: peacekeeping operations. Those operations, in a changing international situation that is increasingly complex, have had to adapt and now function in a different way to how they were originally conceived. Thus, beginning in the late 1980s, the traditional model was supplanted by an increasingly multidimensional kind of operation with civilian, military, political, rule of law, human rights, humanitarian aid, reconstruction, gender and civilian protection components, among others. Whatever its nature, a peacekeeping operation must be undertaken pursuant to the guiding principles of consent of the parties; impartiality; use of force only in self-defence or in defending the mandate; and unswerving compliance with the Charter of the United Nations.

Fifthly, the protection of civilians, especially women and children, under imminent threat of physical violence must be taken into account in the early phases of mandate drafting and throughout the life cycle of United Nations peacekeeping missions.

My delegation also welcomes the reiteration in the resolution of the importance of the gender dimension in peacekeeping, in particular with regard to promoting the participation of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We highly appreciate the Secretary-General's call for stronger action to meet the challenges to integrating women at all levels and within the United Nations structure itself.

For its part, in September 2012 Thailand established a subcommittee on women and the promotion of peace and security under the National Committee on the Policy and Strategy for the Advancement of Women. Thailand has always attached great importance to supporting the role and impact of women peacekeepers in the field. However, through the creation of this national mechanism and the recently established National Women's Development Fund, we have focused greater attention on formal commitments to empowering Thai women and on further developing our capacities and contributions in this regard.

Two areas that we believe are central to peacekeeping and peacebuilding are the protection of civilians and women, peace and security. The duty of peacekeepers to protect civilians — whether through direct activities, such as protecting against conflict- related sexual violence or working to build local capacities, such as through the training of the security sector — are central to the restoration of security and moving towards a healthy civil society. This is a central pillar of peacebuilding. We also know that peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women are more likely to succeed. Peacekeeping missions can play a strong role in fostering such participation, including through the work of gender advisers and role models.

The fourth point concerns gender. There is a crucial element common to peacekeeping and peacebuilding that is conspicuous by its absence in the concept note for today's debate (S/2013/4, annex). Perhaps the single most transformative step towards ensuring the success of peacekeepers as early peacebuilders would be the deployment of more women on missions. If deployed peacekeeping missions were to reach out to populations in more traditional societies, the deployment of more women would act as a multiplier of peacebuilding potential.

A multilateral dimension requires that United Nations peacekeeping activities should effectively respond to arising conflicts, new political challenges and threats to peace. Today, we can definitely say that the potential of United Nations peacekeeping activities has significantly increased in both quantitative and qualitative terms. We support the measures aimed at strengthening the operational potential of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), especially in promoting women to relevant positions in United Nations peacekeeping missions, including increasing the number of female police officers to 20 per cent by 2014. Other measures include the systematic involvement of peacebuilding elements and implementing better mechanisms in the mobilization of resources for ensuring peacekeeping operations. It is also necessary to effectively implement the global field support strategy in order to improve the quality of services and to carry out the mandate of the missions.

I also want to underline that women have to be included as active participants in peacekeeping missions and in all peacebuilding activities, including in decision-making roles, because we know that peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women have a better chance to succeed. The protection of civilians, especially women and children, is another area that I believe is central for the restoration of security and, as such, has to be taken into account throughout the lifecycle of a peacekeeping operation.

The contribution of women in peacekeeping operations requires special acknowledgement. Often, women in peacekeeping missions serve as a source of inspiration to women and girls in conflict-ridden parts of the world. On its part, Namibia has heeded the Secretary-General's call by nominating women to serve in various United Nations peacekeeping missions.

United Nations peacekeeping has saved and protected tens of millions of lives around the globe. It helps shattered communities and neighbourhoods rebuild themselves. It replaces strife with harmony. Brave women and men in the peacekeeping missions have made tremendous sacrifices in the cause of peace. More than 3,000 peacekeepers have laid down their lives to save the world from the scourge of war. Today we collectively pay homage to them. Today we should all once again reiterate our commitment to their safety and security.

For example, improved energy-saving cooking stoves, which use less firewood than traditional stoves, were introduced in Rwanda in 2000 in order to preserve trees and the environment. Now Rwandan peacekeepers have brought such stoves to Darfur, where women and young girls live in fear of getting raped every time they venture outside camps for internally displaced persons or their villages to collect firewood for cooking. Apart from saving the lives of women who risk being raped or killed while collecting firewood, the improved stoves also allow troops and police who were previously escorting them to focus on other mandated tasks. Rwandan peacekeepers have also built classrooms and clinics, planted trees in Darfur, and led community clean-up programmes in several Haitian towns that have since become permanent fixtures.

Togo appreciate the efforts already made in terms of training and expertise before deployment on the ground, both for civilians and security forces. To assist those efforts and meet international standards in that area, a training centre for military and police was set up in Lomé in order to ensure their efficient deployment in peacekeeping operations. We would also like to note that, in order to optimize the chances for success in those actions on the ground, it is important to avoid any policy of exclusion in the implementation of those projects. We therefore particularly welcome the increasingly important place that the United Nations is granting to women as key stakeholders for the implementation of projects that assist in re-establishing peace and security. We believe that it is also vital to promote the role of ethnic minorities and the media in promoting sustainable peace.

To date, peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations are ever better at taking into account realities on the ground. In that regard, we would like to put emphasis on the importance of women's participation and of language skills, among other requirements, to ensure smooth interactions with populations at the grass roots.

Last but not least, let me also underline the importance of mainstreaming women's participation in all stages of the peace process. We welcome the increasing awareness within the United Nations system and among Member States of the importance of removing the constraints on such participation, and look forward to seeing further enhancement in the role of women in peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding endeavours.

Particular attention should be given to the fact that, as a result of developments over the past decade, the mandates of new, multidimensional missions can include—as in the case of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti –references to mission support for national Governments and local human rights groups in their efforts to promote and protect human rights, in particular those of women and children. We believe that such actions would contribute to ending impunity and ensuring that those responsible for violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law are held accountable before justice. Such mandates also promote the implementation of reliable mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on human rights situations in host countries, providing advice and assistance to national Governments in investigating violations of human rights and international humanitarian law so as to ensure that perpetrators do not go unpunished.

Thirdly, women represent almost 50 per cent of our total population. Their rights and roles in preventing conflict and rebuilding society cannot be overemphasized. They deserve equal rights in the context of the peace process and nation-building. Unfortunately, they become the principal victims of conflict and, in the recovery process, they are often neglected. We therefore stress that women should be included systematically throughout the entire process in the areas of conflict resolution, mediation and economic recovery, local Government, the rule of law and other related areas of nation-building.

In our delegation's view, the time has come to consider peacekeeping operations from a broad- based, holistic angle that from the outset includes the traditional components of peacekeeping operations, but that is combined with a strategic mandate that makes it possible to involve, insofar as the situation on the ground allows, the components of peacebuilding and sustainable development, including the gender perspective and the empowerment of women, who are essential to the achievement of stability, peace, freedom and the development in countries emerging from conflict.

Particular attention should be given to the fact that, as a result of developments over the past decade, the mandates of new, multidimensional missions can include—as in the case of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti –references to mission support for national Governments and local human rights groups in their efforts to promote and protect human rights, in particular those of women and children. We believe that such actions would contribute to ending impunity and ensuring that those responsible for violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law are held accountable before justice. Such mandates also promote the implementation of reliable mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on human rights situations in host countries, providing advice and assistance to national Governments in investigating violations of human rights and international humanitarian law so as to ensure that perpetrators do not go unpunished.

Two areas that we believe are central to peacekeeping and peacebuilding are the protection of civilians and women, peace and security. The duty of peacekeepers to protect civilians — whether through direct activities, such as protecting against conflict- related sexual violence or working to build local capacities, such as through the training of the security sector — are central to the restoration of security and moving towards a healthy civil society. This is a central pillar of peacebuilding. We also know that peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women are more likely to succeed. Peacekeeping missions can play a strong role in fostering such participation, including through the work of gender advisers and role models.

Argentina welcomes the fact that the draft resolution reaffirms the commitment to address the particular impact of armed conflicts on women and children, underlining what is contained in resolution 1325 (2000) and all subsequent resolutions. We reiterate the need for the full, equal and effective participation of women at all stages of peace processes, not only to achieve the goal of greater gender equality, but also because today it is clear that women taking a primary role in preventing and resolving conflicts and in peacebuilding guarantees better results.

It is clear that no lasting peace can be achieved unless we address the root causes of a conflict from the outset. The crises in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa make that evident every day. In our view, including all sectors of a population, in particular the most vulnerable groups, such as women, in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations is the best way to prevent, in both the short and the long terms, the resurgence of the frustrations that can reignite a conflict. Luxembourg has therefore contributed to the efforts of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to increase women's participation in political processes, especially in Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Timor-Leste.

Lastly, women must be included as active participants at every stage of peacebuilding, peace agreements and development programmes, including in decision-making roles. Women are essential partners in any peaceful society and contribute to the three pillars of sustainable peace, namely, economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy.

My delegation also welcomes the reiteration in the resolution of the importance of the gender dimension in peacekeeping, in particular with regard to promoting the participation of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We highly appreciate the Secretary-General's call for stronger action to meet the challenges to integrating women at all levels and within the United Nations structure itself.

Two areas that we believe are central to peacekeeping and peacebuilding are the protection of civilians and women, peace and security. The duty of peacekeepers to protect civilians — whether through direct activities, such as protecting against conflict- related sexual violence or working to build local capacities, such as through the training of the security sector — are central to the restoration of security and moving towards a healthy civil society. This is a central pillar of peacebuilding. We also know that peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women are more likely to succeed. Peacekeeping missions can play a strong role in fostering such participation, including through the work of gender advisers and role models.

Thirdly, women represent almost 50 per cent of our total population. Their rights and roles in preventing conflict and rebuilding society cannot be overemphasized. They deserve equal rights in the context of the peace process and nation-building. Unfortunately, they become the principal victims of conflict and, in the recovery process, they are often neglected. We therefore stress that women should be included systematically throughout the entire process in the areas of conflict resolution, mediation and economic recovery, local Government, the rule of law and other related areas of nation-building.

Finally, let me conclude by seconding the call that we have heard so many times today for the adequate participation of women at all stages of peacebuilding efforts and for their full inclusion in decision-making processes.

The fourth point concerns gender. There is a crucial element common to peacekeeping and peacebuilding that is conspicuous by its absence in the concept note for today's debate (S/2013/4, annex). Perhaps the single most transformative step towards ensuring the success of peacekeepers as early peacebuilders would be the deployment of more women on missions. If deployed peacekeeping missions were to reach out to populations in more traditional societies, the deployment of more women would act as a multiplier of peacebuilding potential.

I also want to underline that women have to be included as active participants in peacekeeping missions and in all peacebuilding activities, including in decision-making roles, because we know that peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes involving the participation of women have a better chance to succeed. The protection of civilians, especially women and children, is another area that I believe is central for the restoration of security and, as such, has to be taken into account throughout the lifecycle of a peacekeeping operation.

Last but not least, let me also underline the importance of mainstreaming women's participation in all stages of the peace process. We welcome the increasing awareness within the United Nations system and among Member States of the importance of removing the constraints on such participation, and look forward to seeing further enhancement in the role of women in peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding endeavours.

Argentina supports peacekeeping operations taking on a multidimensional character when specific circumstances justify it, as long as their mandates include support and assistance for Governments of the countries in which missions are operating. Such support must include such considerations as assistance and cooperation to strengthen institutions and social participation, the holding of free and transparent elections, the establishment of inclusive political processes, the development of the rule of law, the design and implementation of effective plans for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform, the effective application of guidelines on the gender perspective, and measures for the protection of the civilian population, particularly those under imminent threat of physical violence, including all forms of sexual, sexist and gender-based violence. However, we recognize that the protection of civilians is a primary responsibility of the host country, as noted in the draft resolution to be adopted today (S/2013/27), which also refers to the provisions in this area in paragraph 16 of resolution 1674 (2006).

My delegation also welcomes the reiteration in the resolution of the importance of the gender dimension in peacekeeping, in particular with regard to promoting the participation of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We highly appreciate the Secretary-General's call for stronger action to meet the challenges to integrating women at all levels and within the United Nations structure itself.

For its part, in September 2012 Thailand established a subcommittee on women and the promotion of peace and security under the National Committee on the Policy and Strategy for the Advancement of Women. Thailand has always attached great importance to supporting the role and impact of women peacekeepers in the field. However, through the creation of this national mechanism and the recently established National Women's Development Fund, we have focused greater attention on formal commitments to empowering Thai women and on further developing our capacities and contributions in this regard.

A multilateral dimension requires that United Nations peacekeeping activities should effectively respond to arising conflicts, new political challenges and threats to peace. Today, we can definitely say that the potential of United Nations peacekeeping activities has significantly increased in both quantitative and qualitative terms. We support the measures aimed at strengthening the operational potential of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), especially in promoting women to relevant positions in United Nations peacekeeping missions, including increasing the number of female police officers to 20 per cent by 2014. Other measures include the systematic involvement of peacebuilding elements and implementing better mechanisms in the mobilization of resources for ensuring peacekeeping operations. It is also necessary to effectively implement the global field support strategy in order to improve the quality of services and to carry out the mandate of the missions.

The contribution of women in peacekeeping operations requires special acknowledgement. Often, women in peacekeeping missions serve as a source of inspiration to women and girls in conflict-ridden parts of the world. On its part, Namibia has heeded the Secretary-General's call by nominating women to serve in various United Nations peacekeeping missions.