Participation

Thirdly, we need greater resolve on ensuring the participation of women in all stages of peace processes. To take an example: the issue of sexual violence has not yet figured in most ceasefire or peace agreements. To start closing this gap an interesting new tool has been developed by DPA: New mediation guidelines, which take into account the issue of sexual violence.

We commend the coordination and cooperation envisioned in the implementation of those arrangements with the relevant parts of the United Nations system, including the monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the human rights components of the United Nations peacekeeping missions.

When discussing sexual violence, let us not forget the burden borne by victims. Under the Rome Statue, victims of crime have the opportunity to participate in proceedings before the Court. Victims of sexual violence also require targeted assistance of the sort rendered by the Trust Fund for Victims established by the Statute.

El Salvador welcomes your initiative, Mr. President, to convene this open debate of the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.

Due regard should be given to the influential role played by Egyptian women in the 25 January revolution, which in itself was a clear manifestation of their active participation in the transformation process within Egyptian society.

Finally, I would like to underline that political, social and economic empowerment of women in fragile States is fundamental to eradicating discrimination, inequality and sexual and gender-based violence. Women's exclusion from the sectors responsible for their disempowerment must be addressed through adopting the principles of resolution 1325 (2000) and mobilizing strong political will. Political will is what it is really about

it is necessary to strengthen the participation of women in all stages of the peace process, pay attention to their status and roles, and further tap their potential. China supports women in playing a greater role in preventing and settling conflicts and in rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Botswana sincerely commends the efforts of the Secretary-General to address the under representation of women in formal peace processes. To that end, my delegation welcomes the inclusion of women in peacekeeping missions in civil, military and police functions. We also recognize that their presence may encourage women from local communities to report acts of sexual violence and other human rights abuses.

My second comment concerns some particular recommendations in the report, first, that concerning initiatives and modalities relating to security sector reform, It is indeed our duty to ensure that those who perpetrate, command or condone sexual violence are excluded from all branches of government, including the armed forces and police.

The participation of women should be ensured at all stages of peace processes, including conflict prevention, peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction. We also believe that poverty and socioeconomic deprivation are the breeding grounds for conflict, including sexual violence against women and girls.