This open debate serves as an opportunity to address the importance of women's political participation, especially in regions and countries affected by conflict.
Knowledge regarding the scope, prevalence, impact and cost of violence against women remains inadequate. Greater efforts are needed to collect more information and data of better quality on such violence.
In its presidential statement of last month (S/PRST/2012/23), the Council underlined the primary role of Governments in enhancing women's participation in the prevention and resolution of conflict in areas affected by armed conflict. As noted by the Secretary- General, many peace processes now regularly include consultations with women's peace groups, and in many post-conflict countries, the number of women in Government has increased.
In conclusion, let me mention that Armenia recognizes and welcomes the key role and critical efforts of the Security Council in preventing violence and combating impunity in conflict and post-conflict situations.
However, women have, by and large, remained excluded, especially in efforts to find workable solutions to conflict. In that regard, one of the most important tasks should be to increase the presence of women in decision-making processes. The inclusion of women at all stages of the peace process will ensure a more lasting and representative settlement.
Despite the measures taken to prevent and address violence against women, previous debates in the Council and reports from the field have made it clear that it persists. Efforts to address violence against women are often neither comprehensive, consistent nor sustained, and insufficient coordination persists among relevant actors.
As a newly elected member of the International Organization of la Francophonie, we would also like to welcome the May 2012 agreement between UN-Women and the International Organization of la Francophonie, which will further strengthen and reinforce gender- responsive policies and actions among Member States.
All of the United Nations world conferences on women have recognized the linkages among gender equality, development and peace. Today, it is heartening to observe how much the issue has gained in terms of visibility and traction. It is now taken up in various intergovernmental bodies, including the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Commission.
During its 1999-2000 term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Argentina maintained an active participation in the negotiations and consultations undertaken with women's organizations and civil society organizations focusing on gender issues that culminated in the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000).
