The list of parties that are credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape and other forms of sexual violence in situations of armed conflicts, contained in the Secretary-General's report, could be a good basis for such action by the Council.

My delegation also believes that the adoption of targeted measures by the relevant Sanctions Committees against perpetrators of sexual violence crimes is another crucial means at the Council's disposal. It serves as a strong deterrent to conflict-related sexual violence by raising the stakes for perpetrators.

In that regard, we support the Secretary-General's recommendation to ensure that reparations awarded through judicial or administrative mechanisms be established and made available to victims of sexual violence in conflict. It is particularly important that post-conflict reconstruction processes strengthen overall systems for reparation, including the provision of adequate and timely resources.

In that context, my delegation welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on sexual violence in conflict (S/2013/149). It shows that sexual violence continues to occur in conflict and post-conflict situations throughout the world, and that in some cases such acts have become systematic and widespread.

Before concluding, my delegation would like to commend the tremendous efforts of Special Representative Bangura and her exemplary dedication to the fight against conflict-related sexual violence. We extend our full support for her mandate. The Republic of Korea will continue to be committed to implementing all resolutions to eradicate conflict-related sexual violence in cooperation with the international community.

As a member of the Group of Friends of resolution 1325 (2000), the Republic of Korea has been actively engaged in international efforts to combat conflict- related sexual violence. In that context, my delegation welcomes the timely adoption of the declaration on preventing sexual violence in conflict by the Foreign Ministers of the Group of Eight (G-8) last Thursday in London.

The Security Council has achieved significant progress in combating conflict-related sexual violence over the past few years, including by adopting resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010). While those documents reaffirm our strong commitment to ending sexual violence in conflict, this egregious crime remains a daunting challenge for the international community in many new and ongoing armed conflicts.

With respect to enhancing the role of women, the State of Qatar has taken a special interest in the participation of women in the political field through many initiatives aimed at enabling women to play their full role in various areas, including the political and economic fields. Women have been appointed to important positions, including as ministers.

We cannot talk about women and peace and security without dealing with the root causes of the problem. The protection of women is therefore not just a humanitarian issue but also an one that guides our efforts in many fields, especially in the application of rules for the protection of women in times of conflict without discrimination or selectivity.

The State of Qatar understands that, as highlighted in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/149), there are still obstacles to women's participation and representation in decision-making, peace and transitional processes and that all regional and international bodies should support international standards to enhance women's participation in the protection of women's and girls' human rights, as well as in efforts at establishing peace.