Tunisia intends to continue implementing that resolution as apart of its comprehensive approach to gender equality and the empowerment of women, and will make itself available to the United Nations concerning any aspect of implementing resolution 1325 (2000) and other international instruments dealing with the welfare of women and their participation in decision-making processes, as well as promoting a culture of respect for women.

The plan is also designed to improve pre-deployment training, with particular emphasis on special measures aimed at protecting women against all forms of violence against them.

The appointments of the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) and of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict are important signs that should be built on, particularly since it must be acknowledged that despite progress, shameful crimes against women continue to occur during armed conflict, especially in Africa and occupied Pale

National ownership of resolution 1325 (2000) is the best way to ensure its effective implementation, given that primary responsibility for combating rape as a weapon of war falls to Member States, whose duty it is to urgently take measures to deal with this phenomenon, measures that educate as well as enforce. Tunisia has already launched a national action plan for implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

My country is convinced that peace, development and democracy cannot be carried out without the full participation of women in public life and in the decision-making process.

My country continues to attach particular importance to the issue and would like to underscore its commitment to promoting the rights of women, particularly women in conflict situations, as well as to promoting the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in all its aspects.

Japan welcomes the report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/598*), which demonstrates his clear commitment on this issue. We are encouraged that UN-Women, under the strong leadership of Ms. Bachelet, has been resolutely promoting the agenda of women and peace and security as one of its priorities.

It is clear that resolution 1325 (2000) has defined a framework of standards guiding United Nations efforts on policies for integrating gender issues into the whole of the work of the Organization.

It is also important to recognize that there is now great awareness of the many types of violence inflicted on women in conflict, and that significant attempts have been made to address them.

Women's participation in mediation and negotiation is critical and is directly proportionate to the level of rights and opportunities that women experience during peacebuilding. Having women mediators appointed to senior positions at the forefront of international efforts in peacebuilding would send a strong message and would also ensure that the needs of vulnerable groups are not forgotten.