In our view, an indispensable part of the whole process is the development of focused and concrete regional cooperation. An example from our own region of South-East Europe is the Regional Women's Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in Southeast Europe, established in 2006, which has grown into a respected, internationally recognized, strong lobby group for women.

However, the existence of laws does not guarantee their exercise in practice, in particular in traditionally conservative societies and cultures. Therefore, the closer cooperation of State bodies with broad layers of society and the more intensive involvement of men in all gender equality promotion activities remain essential.

With regard to the body of the Secretary-General's report, our attention is particularly drawn to the prominent role assigned to the culture of preventing situations negatively affecting women, with special emphasis on conflict situations, through mechanisms such as early warnings, cooperation, constructive dialogue and effective support for them in the public decision-making arena.

With reference to Ms. Diop's mention of Colombia, I should state that we have welcomed the creation of a chapter of Women for Peace and its noble goal of contributing to the process currently under way. Regarding another reference to women's participation in the peace processes, I have just seen a photograph on the BBC showing, among the negotiators, a woman at the side of a man, both part of the guerrilla group's negotiating team.

States should be aware of the challenge posed by the integrated implementation of a broad legislative framework and protection initiatives geared towards women and girls, as well as the difficulties involved in prosecuting and punishing the perpetrators of crimes affecting women and girls, particularly sexual violence and related crimes.

It should be recognized that the primary responsibility for protecting women in matters related to peace and security belongs to States. Thus multilateral bodies and reports submitted should focus on coordinating procedures that facilitate performances, help to reduce duplication of efforts and build a coherent focus on the ground.

In Colombia's case, we should highlight the adoption of policies intended to include women, eliminating discrimination and promoting women's economic, political and social empowerment, and their more active participation in development, both in decision-making and in the benefits derived from it. We emphasize successful initiatives such as the forming of women's community councils, regional workshops for indigenous women, and local boards.

In any case, what is highlighted are assessments based on aspects particular to the internal functions of the United Nations, such as the percentage of instances of wrongful conduct by members of peacekeeping missions, the proportion of women in high-level positions in field missions, the percentage of field missions with gender experts, the degree to which measures to protect the human rights of women and girls are included in directives issu

Concerning the indicators adopted to evaluate progress in implementing resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions on the same subject, these have the potential to become an important tool for designing mechanisms for preventing harmful acts against women and girls and for strengthening the protection of victims.

Colombia has benefited from United Nations technical and financial assistance to ensure the introduction of a gender approach into its national policies and laws.