Egypt has considered with interest the Secretary- General's report on women and peace and security (S/2013/525). We would like to express our appreciation for the efforts made in the drafting of the report, which highlights the progress made, including the significant policy and operational focus on the monitoring, prevention and prosecution of violence against women in conflicts.

Owing to discriminatory legal frameworks and practices, women and girls are more vulnerable to conflict- related violations of their rights, including sexual violence. It is of vital importance that the culture of impunity that still prevails with regard to such crimes be addressed.

Respecting and protecting women's rights and interests is not only the epitome of the civilization and progress of human society, but is also closely related to world peace and development.

We note the progress to date in the system as a whole and at the regional and national levels with regard to best practices, national plans, indicators and training. However, we are concerned by the persistent deficit in the number of women in leadership positions, as well as the lack of opportunities for them to rise to such positions.

For countries emerging from conflict, peace processes often lead to institutional reforms that establish new political, economic and social orders. Women's early participation in peace talks is critical, not only to their effectiveness, but to underpinning women's longer-term empowerment.

"From resolution 1208 (1998), on security for refugees, which underscores the special security needs of women in camps, to resolution 1314 (2000), which underscores the importance of prevention, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration policies including a gender perspective, it is clear we have made progress.

To that end, the African Union Commission, with the technical support of civil society partners, are leading in the development of the African Union Transitional Justice Policy Framework. The Transitional Justice Policy Framework emerged from the report by the AU Panel of the Wise entitled Non-impunity, truth, peace, justice and reconciliation in Africa: opportunities and constraints.

The Namibian delegation appreciates the fact that, since adopting resolution 1265 (1999), the Security Council has been addressing the issue of the protection of civilians in conflict and has adopted numerous resolutions on that issue. The international community has long had in place instruments of international law that provide the legal framework for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts.

Another key aspect of resolution 2098 (2013) is that of sexual violence, which continues to see widespread use as a weapon of war, usually with total impunity. Here we welcome the initiative of Ms. Mary Robinson to convene, jointly with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, a conference devoted to the role of women in the process of implementation of the Framework agreement.

Women's participation and leadership in both the security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes is essential to long-term peace. So, too, is their direct engagement in the implementation of the Framework. Special Envoy Robinson's work to ensure their full and effective participation, including through the recent Bujumbura Conference is long overdue, prospective and reassuring.