Participation

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.

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.

Secondly, stopping sexual violence against women in armed conflict is closely linked with women's empowerment and gender equality. Only when women can play a full and equal part in peace, conflict resolution and post-conflict processes can we build the foundation for international peace and security.

The United States welcomes and supports the recommendations in the Secretary-General's report, particularly with regard to the need for all parties to conflict to make specific and time-bound commitments to cease acts of sexual violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

For example, the United States believes that it is crucial to increase women's participation in security forces involved in preventing conflict and building peace as one way to reduce conflict-related sexual violence. The United States funds and implements the Global Peace Operations Initiative, which has facilitated the training of 2,451 female peacekeepers worldwide.

Mr. President, Rape is increasingly used as a tactic of war and the Security Council should be united in condemnation of it and steadfast in support of the crucial work of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence.