Violent attacks against innocent Afghan women, men, girls and boys in some parts of the country remain a threat to the overall peace and security of Afghanistan. Violence against women and girls in the country is unacceptable.

To that end, by focusing on training and equipping the army, we have seen an encouraging growth in the number and capacities of our security forces. Those efforts have included women's participation in the Afghan National Army, in which they serve in a variety of capacities, including highly technical roles, such as pilots.

The Secretary-General expresses concern in his report in regard to the slow global progress in women's participation and representation in peace talks. The Afghan Government recognizes the vital role that women have to play in the peaceful resolution of conf licts, and remains committed to focusing on women's rights throughout the peace process.

The Government of Afghanistan looks forward to continued cooperation with the international community in its efforts to honour and implement resolution 1325 (2000) in Afghanistan and worldwide. Through resolution 1325 (2000), the international community made a commitment to the women and peace and security agenda that still requires our full attention and dedication.

In the 12 years since its adoption, resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent related resolutions have been helpful tools, not only to bring to the attention of the international community the importance of the women and peace and security agenda, but ALSO to strengthen women's participation rather than simply branding them as victims.

Cooperation on the bilateral level has also played a significant role in ensuring that our architecture to implement resolution 1325 (2000) is firmly in place through the provision of technical and financial support, and we look forward to engaging with our bilateral partners through the transition and beyond.

Afghanistan is designing a comprehensive plan for implementing resolution 1325 (2000) through its National Action Plan for Women. The Government of Afghanistan is fully committed to implementing the Plan, which will be a four-year plan focused on women and peace and security. We appreciate the generous support of the Government of Finland for help in the drafting process.

Additionally, we have ensured that there are strong links between women in Government and civil society groups to coordinate activities to encourage more involvement of women at all levels. Our civil society has been vital in helping Afghanistan to rebuild itself from decades of conflict.

Presidential statements increasingly referred to the ICC, as did thematic resolutions, including those on the protection of civilians, children and armed conf lict, sexual violence, and the rule of law.

The resolve of the negotiators of the Rome Statute stemmed from the grim reality of the twentieth century, during which millions of children, women and men had been made the victims of unimaginable atrocities. In this century, too, we continue to face such crimes that, in the words of the Statute's preamble, deeply shock the conscience of humanity.