Participation

Within the framework of the United Nations, we must welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General aimed at ensuring an increasing participation of women in positions of responsibility in peace missions. That has been the case in the Central African Republic, Liberia, Timor-Leste, Nepal and Cyprus.

The adoption of this resolution has marked a historic step in the United Nations consideration of the participation of women in the peace process and the strengthening of protection for women and girls from violence in conflict and post-conflict situations.

At the national level, many countries have taken the issue on by adopting action plans that seek to give effect to the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. For its part, Gabon has taken concrete measures that make it possible today for many women to assume important responsibilities, including at the highest levels in all branches of the army and the police force.

Implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) remains imperfect. Sexual violence continues at an intolerable level, and only 7 per cent of peace negotiating teams are women. Hence, a great deal remains to be done. This tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) should mark the start of fresh efforts by the international community.

France was instrumental in recasting operational documents of the European Security and Defence Policy to include protection of women in conflict situations and promotion of their role with respect to emerging from crisis.

France is fully playing its role in these efforts, as reflected in its adoption of a national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Finally, with respect to the participation of women in conflict resolution, France welcomes the progress that has been made. This has been outlined by Ms. Bachelet and Mr. Le Roy, and I shall not return to it now.

Participation of both women and men in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction is crucial for the sustainability of their ultimate objective: peace. Let me be clear: full and equal participation is important for the delivery of the mandates that this Council has provided. Recent study from Afghanistan showed that women's participation in Provincial Reconstruction Teams benefitted their operational effectiveness.

Increasing the amount of women also in the highest positions can wait no longer. The United Nations regional organisations have a responsibility to set examples and promote gender-equality, while Member states have a responsibility to provide and support female candidates. Accordingly, Finland commits to increasingly
nominating female candidates.

Finland believes that conflict prevention, mediation, and peaceful settlement of disputes should occupy a more central place in the peace and security agenda of the United Nations. Equal and effective participation of women at all stages and at all levels of peace processes is an integral part of our policies. For example, Finland supports the African Union in strengthening its mediation capacities.