Participation

International support in such dynamic and evolving situations is to be based on broad political willingness and adequate and predictable resources. Efforts skewed towards unduly benefiting one group at the expense of others are likely to exacerbate a situation, igniting the causes of conflict.

Assistance obviously should be extended beyond capitals to the subnational level, civil society and the private sector. We need to strengthen the fabric of stable and prosperous communities through political, security, service delivery and economic institutions.
We must recognize and promote the role of women, who must be empowered to contribute to decision-making and the implementation of institution-building.

Given the magnitude of destruction, stabilization efforts in Afghanistan have produced impressive results. Despite its uphill climb since the time of Taliban rule, Afghanistan has experienced political transformation and development over the past decade, achieved through the support of the international community. The political process for the continued growth of the country is in place. Nearly 7 million refugees have returned.

The United Kingdom has clearly set out its commitments in its new national action plan. The plan was launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

We also welcome the inclusion of women in peacekeeping missions in civil, military and police functions. Ugandan women, and particularly those in military and police forces, are currently engaged in peacekeeping missions in the region and around the world. We are convinced that, wherever they are based, their presence has a positive influence and may encourage women from local communities to report all acts of sexual violence.

Despite some small progress achieved so far, we cannot fail to note that much remains to be done. Many structural and institutional impediments remain, which we should overcome in order to meet the challenges before us.

In conclusion, I would like emphasize that sexual violence poses an obstacle to peace and security. It impedes women from participating in peace and democratic processes and in post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation. As a tool of war it can become a way of life: once entrenched in the fabric of society, it lingers long after the guns have fallen silent.

As we see it, the diverse nature of violence during armed conflict requires appropriate attention to all its categories. The issues of women and peace and security must be based on a comprehensive approach, which is the approach that is enshrined in resolution 1325 (2000), which is the fundamental document for the protection of women and which ensures their rights in conflicts.

Thirdly, we need to increase the participation of women in peace processes and to strengthen their capacity. The full participation of women, particularly local women, in such efforts is essential to creating inclusive and sustainable peace. Research conducted

On its part, the Republic of Korea has been active in implementing resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) by mainstreaming a gender-sensitive approach in all its policies and activities and by increasing women's participation at all levels. In that regard, we recently deployed a gender adviser as a member of an Afghanistan provincial reconstruction team.