The report of the Secretary-General presents the progress made since last year relating to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in four areas of action: prevention, participation, protection, and relief and recovery. It also covers the steps announced with a view to improving monitoring and evaluation systems aimed at fulfilling commitments relating to women and peace and security.

The present debate is without a doubt an opportunity to strengthen action in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. This year's theme reflects the central role played by women's groups in the implementation of this agenda and the work they carry out in favour of peace and the empowerment of women.

The international community bore witness to the case of Malala Yousafzai. In that regard, we view women human rights defenders are often targets of attack in conflict situations, which is greater protection and support are need for the participation of women and girls in peace processes and reconstruction.

The Chilean national action plan covers a range of actions aimed at promoting the inclusion of gender perspective in the understanding of and approach to conflict-prevention and post-conflict processes; respecting, guaranteeing and protecting the rights of women and girls; and generating conditions for the equitable participation of women in peace processes and decision-making with regard to international peace and security.

It should be underscored that in 2008 my country established a working group, composed of representatives of the Ministries for Foreign Affairs and of National Defence, the National Service for Women and civil society organizations, with the aim of developing a national action plan in keeping with the requirements of resolution 1325 (2000).

In our view, it is important to promote the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) through the exchange of experiences and international cooperation, both bilaterally and within the regional peacekeeping mechanisms in which Chile participates, in particular the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.

Women can play an important role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding. We therefore call for the continued constructive participation of women throughout peace processes, mission drawdowns and political transitions.

In conclusion, Canada wishes to note that the Secretary-General's report outlines the considerable progress that the international community has made on issues of women and peace and security, even just in the past year, but we are equally cognizant that much more remains to be done.

Canada heartily welcomes the Secretary-General's recognition of the need to take effective measures to address conflict-related sexual violence such as rape as a weapon of war, and calls for the protection of human rights defenders. Governments have the responsibility to deal with the issues of women and peace and security. Civil society can potentially play a constructive role.

As our Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable John Baird, stated at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations in September, women are the key to the development of pluralistic societies, and the full and active participation of women in all parts of civil society and throughout society as a whole is very important in that regard.