Participation

Finland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union to be delivered later today. In addition, I wish to offer some insights into what Finland has done and learnt during the past decade, and commit ourselves to future action with regard to: Participation of Women at all stages and all levels of peace processes, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and

As We mentioned in this chamber a few weeks ago speaking on peacebuilding, even if outside actors can't dictate the composition of the negotiating delegations, there is a lot that can be done. Peace mediators and their supporting teams can always ensure that sufficient gender-expertise is provided to the parties, and organise parallel consultations with women's groups if they do not have a seat at the table.

Furthermore, we support the participation and representation of women at all levels of decisionmaking. In our consultations and interactions with civil society and the public, we are fortunate to have femLINKpacific, a Fiji-based non-governmental organization that specifically deals with resolution 1325 (2000). We also welcome the appointment of its coordinator to the United Nations Civil Society Advisory Group on Women, Peace and Security.

Fiji is fully committed to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). This commitment is exemplified in our continuing efforts to meet the goals set out in the four broad thematic areas of the United Nations System-wide Action Plan. In the area of participation, our policies strongly encourage the recruitment of women in our security forces and their deployment, with equal opportunities, to peacekeeping missions.

To further boost women's participation in peace and security, in 2011 we will implement specific capacity building projects to support civil society and women's networks in crisis affected countries. To report regularly On the implementation of EO's women, peace and security commitments, using the 17 EU indicators that were adopted in July 2010.

The EU works closely with the United Nations and civil society to boost women's participation in peace and security. Inspired by the UN example, EU delegations and missions organised 'Open Door' days to mark this 10th anniversary and to meet with local women's groups.

Despite 10 years of efforts, progress on protecting women in conflict situations as well as promoting their participation in peace processes, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and reconstruction has fallen short of both the commitments the international community has made and the needs on the ground.

As for renewed and measurable commitments, we are looking to: - develop specific standard training elements to be used by EU staff and Peace and Security missions and operations, on gender and human rights in .crisis management with the aim of increasing gender capacity and female civil and military participation in peace missions.

The Security Council debate today and the numerous initiatives related to resolution 1325 all over the world confirm that women are no longer an invisible or irrelevant aspect of armed conflicts. Women have the right to be protected in conflicts, and can and should be able to contribute to peace processes.

First, it includes steps to increase gender related expertise, as well as general awareness and support for the inclusion of gender perspective in crisis management at all levels through enhanced training.