With respect to security, the public image of the Afghan police has considerably improved, thanks not only to an increase in well-supervised officers who are trained and operational, but also to the increased role of women within those ranks.
The involvement of the international community in capacity-building, both of the authorities and institutions, that particularly takes into consideration women's participation and constitutionally guaranteed quotas is to be commended.
In spite of legal and constitutional protections for women, violence against women and girls remains pervasive in Afghanistan. Improvements require the enforcement of laws — notably the law on the elimination of violence against women — that criminalize and penalize violence and harmful practices against women and girls.
On the same note, we are encouraged by the care put into the mandate of UNAMA regarding human rights, notably the human rights of women and girls. The Mission's capacity in this area will continue to rank high in its priorities and in ours. The Mission will continue to support the efforts undertaken by the Afghan authorities, such as the full implementation of the law on the elimination of violence against women.
Furthermore, all parties must respect the achievements of the past decade, in particular Afghanistan's international human rights obligations and core principles enshrined in the Afghan Constitution. Women's rights and the empowerment of women should be critical elements of the peace process, and must remain on the top of our agenda.
The report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/133) contains recommendations from the comprehensive review of UNAMA's activities in Afghanistan, which was also conducted in response to Mr. Rassoul's request.
It is crucial that improvements in human rights and gender equality, which are guaranteed in the Afghan Constitution, not be compromised in the reconciliation process. Finland believes that women's meaningful participation is a key component of a successful transition. The full and equal participation of women at all levels of society is a prerequisite for democracy and human rights.
Among the most notable successes in Afghanistan of the past decade are the tremendous gains made by Afghan women and girls. Those gains must not be lost. Canada views the status and role of women as a key barometer by which the success of Afghanistan's progress will be measured. The recent Ulema Council statement, as well as cases of heinous abuse of Afghan women, represents a dramatic step backwards for Afghan women.
War has always impacted men and women differently, but probably never more so than in modern armed conflicts. In recent armed conflicts, women and girls have been disproportionately targeted and constituted the majority of victims. They are also more vulnerable to all forms of violence, in particular sexual violence and exploitation.
