I would like to add that all of our assistance will be informed by a gender perspective. We will provide additional resources for programmes to address sexual and gender-based violence, as well as assistance for basic health services for vulnerable women and children through networks of health centres.

We should recall that the signing of the Framework was accompanied by an overhaul of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), including by the establishment of the Force Intervention Brigade. The deterrent effect of the Brigade has already been felt on the ground, and we welcome that.

In conclusion, I would like to refer to the fact that, just a month ago, we met here in the Chamber to adopt resolution 2106 (2013), on sexual violence against women and children in armed conflict (see S/PV.6984). In line with resolution 2098 (2013), that meeting, which was held under the presidency of the United Kingdom, was fundamental.

Moreover, upon the initiative of the President of the Republic, national consultations are to begin in August. Their purpose is to endeavour together to find ways and means to enhance national unity in order to better cope with all of the challenges facing the Congolese nation.

We believe that the vulnerable situation of displaced persons and refugees requires immediate humanitarian action.

To face the challenges in least developed and conflict-affected countries, our development work needs to support them through an integrated approach in four areas. First, we must get the legal, institutional and policy frameworks right and build national capacities and law enforcement mechanisms to implement them properly.

The second area demanding more attention is the involvement and active participation of affected communities. Countries working with development partners should take measures to ensure full participation of communities, especially women, indigenous and vulnerable groups. We have learned from experience that the involvement of communities from the start is critical to preventing misunderstandings, defusing tensions and preventing conflict.

Businesses have a clear interest in promoting peace, security and stability and in ensuring that natural resources are a blessing, not a curse. We therefore encourage them to engage proactively in voluntary initiatives in this field — the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the Kimberley Process, the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the United Nations Global Compact.

Businesses have a clear interest in promoting peace, security and stability and in ensuring that natural resources are a blessing, not a curse. We therefore encourage them to engage proactively in voluntary initiatives in this field — the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the Kimberley Process, the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the United Nations Global Compact.

We also underscore the specific risks faced by women journalists, including sexual and gender-­ based violence. A gender-­sensitive approach is needed when considering measures to address the safety of journalists.