We are committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women. We are currently in the process of drafting a national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). Efforts are already under way to promote that resolution and to raise awareness of gender-based violence, human rights and peacebuilding through the training of women's groups, survivors of violence, men and youth.

Resolution 1325 (2000) represents a watershed moment in the international community's approach to conflict and its resolution. It recognizes the disproportionate impact that conflict has upon women and children, the vital role women play in maintaining and sustaining peace, as well as the need to engage women across all sectors, starting from the very beginning of the peace process.

It is necessary to stress the importance of making resources available to women's organizations, which can be utilized to shed light on the needs of women and children during and after conflict, but also as a tool in peacebuilding. The innovative cross-learning initiative on resolution 1325 (2000) involving Ireland, Liberia and Timor-Leste is an example of such a dialogue.

According to the World Bank, women and girls with disabilities are three times more likely to be victims of gender-based violence. Periods of conflict increase the number of those afflicted with long-term physical, mental or sensory impairments, leaving a larger group of women and children who are disabled and often targeted by abuse and violence.

We would like to highlight the sections of the report of the Secretary-General that relate to the role of women in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. Supporting the capacities of developing countries so as to enable them to attain those objectives is the best way to ensure the advancement of women.

The situation of women in armed conflict is closely linked to the integrated efforts to deal with the root causes of conflicts. We therefore agree with what is stated in the report as regards the plan of action, which is based on the principle of dealing with the root causes of conflict, including poverty, lack of development, climate change, and given the fact that in the end, war is war.

The Government of the Sudan has also established several specialized centres at the federal and state levels for the coordination of women's efforts in the areas of peace and development, and for providing guidelines and advice on the principle of equality between men and women and on the gender perspective.

Our national programmes on resettlement, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration have given priority to the situation of women, in close coordination with the relevant United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). In that respect, we commend the relationship of cooperation with UNIFEM in connection with women's issues and its role in the implementation of the aforementioned plan of action.

My delegation also reaffirms the need to base the Council's measures on country reports submitted by States and on accurate information contained in the Secretary-General's periodic reports on the issue, not on information contained in reports by non-governmental organizations and media sources.

I should like to reiterate my congratulations to you, Madam, as you crown your presidency of the Security Council by devoting this open debate to the issue of women and peace and security 11 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), on the basis of which the United Nations has adopted a strategic framework and standard indicators to assess the implementation of the resolution and its time frame at the regional and international level