IMplemenatoin

South Africa reaffirms its strong commitment to the full and effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and the subsequent related resolutions, as ground-breaking commitments to the advancement of the agenda on women and peace and security.

My delegation would like to emphasize its appreciation for the active role and full participation in monitoring the implementation of those resolutions by the Executive Director for UN- Women and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Resolution 2242 (2015) gives further impetus to the mandate established by resolution 1325 (2000). Over the past year, we have seen greater engagement on the part of the Council on matters relating to women and peace and security, including through the work of the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security. But we believe that more can be done to implement the recommendations of resolution 2242 (2015), including by interacting with women on the ground who are directly affected by conflict. The meeting, co-hosted by UN-Women and Norway and held on the margins of the general debate of the General Assembly at its seventy-first session, which explored the impact of violent extremism on women and children, was notable in that regard.

In conclusion, South Africa looks forward to further cooperation and to sharing experiences with Member States, as well as with the Department of Political Affairs, UN-Women and other partners. That will enable us to improve our incorporation of gender perspectives and the concerns of women and girls into our efforts, with the goal of enhancing sustainable peace and security in all conflict situations.