Finally, we welcome the development of a framework of early-warning signs specific to conflict-related sexual violence, as well as the ambition to integrate this analysis into existing and emerging early-warning andprevention systems. Early-warning and prevention systems are vital tools in both preventing and in tackling conflict related sexual violence.

We particularly wish to highlight the importance of replacing the image of women in conflict situations as humiliated, marginalized victims — with an image of active partners in the process of conflict prevention, mediation and resolution.

Tunisia, for its part, has begun to implement a plan of action for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), which, inter alia, encourages the training of women in the area of peacekeeping and peace building, in order to be able to deploy qualified personnel to United Nations missions in the field.

To conclude, I wish to reiterate that my country remains at the disposal of the United Nations in the context of any action relating to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and of other international instruments aimed at strengthening the full participation of women in the decision-making process and at ensuring a deep-rooted culture of human rights, as a fundamental guarantee of the elimination of all forms of violence against women.

It is clear, however, that despite the progress achieved, violence against women in armed conflict persists, as is reflected in the most recent report (S/2012/33) of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence.

It is also clear that Security Council debates have led to significant normative innovations, in particular the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the deployment of women's protection advisers within peacekeeping missions, and the operationalization of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Dealing with this issue is a reminder to us of the tragic situations facing women in many conflicts and crises around the world. Women are the first to be caught up in the turmoil of flight and internal displacement and confined, usually with their children, to refugee camps, where their situation is most precarious.

Convinced of the urgent need to put an end to impunity for such heinous acts, Tunisia, which acceded to the Rome Statute recently, a few months after the revolution, believes that it is crucial to further promote international cooperation and assistance so as to strengthen, inter alia, the capacities of Governments to develop national early-warning systems aimed at preventing an escalation of violence against women.

I would first like to congratulate you, Mr. President, for your initiative in organizing this important open debate on women and peace and security. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations for their excellent statements.

United Nations efforts to eradicate sexual violence in armed conflict deserve recognition, as they make an important contribution to restoring peace and security in countries in conflict and to the essential process of reconciliation. Indeed, the suffering inflicted on women and girls in armed conflict and post-conflict situations remains a source of serious concern insofar as it undermines the process of reconciliation.