Reconstruction and Peacebuilding

It is totally unacceptable that perpetrators of sexual and other serious violence against women and girls are shielded by a culture of impunity. The culture of impunity is a direct threat to women's security, and it also hinders women in playing the vital role they might otherwise play in post-conflict peacebuilding efforts.

First, it is vitally important to ensure that women's perspectives and the particular needs of women and girls are reflected at every stage of the peace process. We need to promote the full and equal engagement of women from the earliest stages of the process of peace negotiations and peacebuilding, because that is the most effective way to prevent the recurrence of conflict.

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).

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.

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.

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.

The Security Council, in accordance with its mandate should continue to address the root cause of violence against women in armed conflict. At the same time, the role of women should continue to be promoted in sustaining peace following conflict. For those reasons, Indonesia very much welcomes the Council's adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) earlier today.

The role of women in post-conflict situations is paramount. Women serve as one of the main building blocks and instruments of peace. Yet, due to continuing violence during conflict, women face physical, mental and social barriers in post-conflict situations that undermine their role in peace. The international community must recognize and address that challenge effectively.

Nonetheless, our strategies ultimately must not merely treat women and girls as victims; they should also be a central part of peace agreements. Women are key partners in the post-conflict transformation process. Women should be enabled and empowered to play an active role in the many spheres of post-conflict life beyond earning livelihoods by also participating in political and peacebuilding processes.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Secretary-General for providing us with a progress report (S/2009/465) on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and for the recommendations contained therein. Ahead of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) in October 2010, we have an opportunity today in this open debate to advance women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution and in peacebuilding.