In reference to an observation made in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/149), we wish to state with full confidence that the Government and the people of Afghanistan do not and will not tolerate impunity against any form of human rights violation. Together with our judicial authorities, the Afghan National Security Forces are working diligently to uphold law and order in all areas of the country.

Before concluding, I wish to state that the international community has a key role to play in supporting continuous efforts aimed at ending all forms of violence against women, including sexual violence, in conflict-affected and post-conflict countries.

As members of the High Peace Council and as members of civil society, women play a central role in the peace process. The results of our peace and reconciliation efforts will in no way jeopardize the hard-won gains of the past 11 years, especially those relating to human rights, and to the rights of women in particular.

Armed conflicts leave a devastating effect on societies around the world. Violence breeds more violence. Undoubtedly, women often bear the brunt of the many destructive consequences of war and strife. In that regard, sexual violence in the context of armed conflicts remains pervasive, which is a devastating reality that has yet to be resolved and one requiring steadfast efforts at all levels.

Afghanistan is fully committed to preventing all forms of violence against women, including sexual violence. In that regard, in 2009, we enacted a law on the elimination of violence against women, which provided for stronger judicial means to combat violence. Throughout the country, perpetrators of such crimes are increasingly being held accountable where such crimes are committed, with their cases being prosecuted before the law.

Over the past decade, Afghan women have emerged from the total oppression imposed by Taliban rule. Women are essential partners in and contributors to the building of a strong civil society and a stable nation. Afghan women hold office at the national, provincial and local levels, and serve on the High Peace Council and in provincial peace councils.

The Afghan Government, with the support of the international community, should continue to make further progress in the areas that underpin sustained economic growth and development. Those include, in particular, areas such as education, health and other basic services for women and girls, as well as strengthened respect for human rights so that all can play a full part in the collective life of a stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

Despite those positive signs, major political, economic and security challenges remain. The security situation continues to be a matter of grave concern, leading to unacceptable human costs. Natural disasters, chronic poverty and development challenges pose grave threats. The most vulnerable segments of society, especially children, women and girls, are under heightened risk.

We are equally concerned about the human rights situation, in particular as it pertains to violence against women. We note, by way of example, the assassination in December 2012 of the Acting Director of the Department of Women Affairs in Laghman Province, which was the second assassination of the incumbent there in less than five months.

Despite the difficulties inherent in the complex peace process, recent progress permits us to hope for a possible relaunch of dialogue towards sustainable and inclusive reconciliation. For that to be successful, it should involve the armed groups and all sectors of Afghan society in a context of respect for the Afghan Constitution, especially when it comes to human rights, in particular those of women and girls.