In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that my country remains at the disposal of the United Nations for any undertaking geared towards the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and of other international instruments aimed at strengthening women's full and broad participation in the decision-making process and in establishing a culture of respect for women's rights.

For its part, Tunisia has begun to establish an action plan on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Debates such as today's have also enabled us to develop a more coherent and coordinated approach to the protection of women in armed conflict, and contributed in particular to a more systematic integration of the gender perspective in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions and in the transition from a reactive to a preventive culture, as manifested by the inclusion of the protection of civilians in the mandates of 8 peacekeeping missions.

As indicated in the latest report of the Secretary- General, we also believe that civil society represents a key partner in post-conflict situations and that women's organizations in particular can contribute significantly to enhancing early warning mechanisms allowing us to preempt the escalation of violence against women and to support awareness-raising initiatives to that end.

Trinidad and Tobago also commends and supports the significant role of United Nations agencies and bodies in gender-mainstreaming initiatives and in providing information about the ways in which women have contributed and can continue to contribute to peace in our societies.

Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to working with other Member States, as well as its partners at the regional, hemispheric and international levels, to provide an environment that promotes the involvement of women as equal partners in matters related to peace and security, including at all levels of decision-making processes.

Trinidad and Tobago is fully committed to the achievement of the goal of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Trinidad and Tobago comes from a region that has become a significant casualty in the diversion of small arms and light weapons, which has led to an increase in armed violence in our country. That places a tremendous burden on women in our society — economically, socially and psychologically — as they are forced to cope with the numerous consequences.

Trinidad and Tobago agrees that the full, equal and effective participation of women is critical to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and related resolutions, as well as to the implementation of the future arms trade treaty.

Notwithstanding the importance of the implementation of the provisions of important legal instruments and agreements on peace and security, Trinidad and Tobago is also of the view that the prosecution of those accused of committing crimes against women and girls during armed conflict is a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.