We note with interest the important link that the report makes between sexual violence and active population displacement. It brings to light the link between sexual violence and forced displacement and the exploitation of natural resources. The Secretary- General makes useful recommendations. Allow me to highlight three of those.

We furthermore welcome the fact that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has added to her priorities the fostering of national ownership, leadership and responsibility in combating sexual violence.

The Human Security Report Project, in its report entitled “Sexual violence, education and war: beyond the mainstream narrative”, provides a valuable recommendation in that regard. It highlights the need to better understand what causes the differences in wartime sexual violence rates from one conflict to another.

That leads me to my second point, on reparations. They can have a transformative effect and should be an integral part of post-conflict transition initiatives. As UN-Women explained in a recent document, reparations are the most victim-centred transitional justice measures. In that connection, we are obliged to think beyond the traditional approach.

In conclusion, I would like to recall the significant thematic connection between the discussions on sexual violence in armed conflict and the protection of civilians. We commend the fact that the Security Council takes into account the link between those two topics through a consistent approach.

First, we strongly welcome the fact that the Secretary-General expresses the need for the women and girls who have been victims of rape to have access to emergency contraception and safe abortion services. They should not be forced to continue a pregnancy as a result of a serious crime against them. All too often, they receive no reparation or any kind of support from their own communities or from the international community.

Women were included on the list of candidates for the presidential election. The participation of women in the public sector has increased significantly. In the Parliament, the rate is 28 per cent; in the private sector, 54 per cent; and in terms of economic production, 87.8 per cent. The Justice Department includes 80 women judges, and there are 50 women diplomats, including ambassadors and heads of missions to other countries.

We hope that the discussions in the Council will lead to the establishment of a system to examine all women's issues. In that context, I would like to underscore the importance of dialogue with countries concerned in order to analyse and find appropriate solutions to this very difficult topic.

We have made considerable progress in terms of empowering women and strengthening their participation. For example, laws were enacted on equality of salary and retirement age. The electoral law of 2008 increased women's participation in Parliament; representation is now at 27 per cent. Women have been able to run for office and vote since laws to that effect were enacted in the 1950s and 1960s.

The solution to women's problems in times of armed conflict is inextricably linked to the efforts to analyse the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, lack of development and climate change, and to find solutions to them.