Participation

Thirdly, ensuring women's participation in political processes, recovery and reconstruction is an important part of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The effective participation of women in political processes, national reconstruction and national reconciliation will contribute to the maintenance of social stability and the consolidation of peace in post-conflict countries.

Women's participation in peace negotiations has been limited to less than 10 per cent.

The action plan's third focus is civil society. One of the key aspects of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) was the inclusion of civil society in the public process of launching this initiative — not as a mere spectator or recipient of the final result, but as an active party.

My Government attaches great importance to this issue and to the difficult situation created by modern conflicts, in which women and children are most affected by the degradation of their living conditions and fundamental rights. We are therefore particularly grateful to you, Sir, for having convened this debate at an opportune moment for evaluating progress and dealing with pending issues.

As stated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Chile at the ministerial event entitled “A 1325 Call to Action”, held here at Headquarters in September, Chile's ongoing foreign policy commitment to peacekeeping operations has resulted in the introduction into its national policy of the formulation of new approaches such as that in resolution 1325 (2000), emphasizing the participation of women in peace and security efforts.

Much has been achieved in the 10 years since Resolution 1325 was adopted. However, much remains to be done. Through our commitment to act, and being accountable for our actions, we can move forward together to ensure that all members of the international community - women and men, girls and boys participate equally and benefit from our work.

As we said in the Security Council Debate on October 13th, Canada is pleased with the Secretary General's concrete efforts to redress the disparity in women's participation in peace building efforts. And we support the Secretary-General's seven-point action plan. Canada reiterates the concerns raised in the Review of the UN peacebuilding architecture.

Throughout the many conflicts that Burundi has gone through, the people of Burundi have understood that the search for a viable and promising peace cannot be carried out by men alone but should also include women. Moreover, it has been well known for a long time in my country that women are the pillar of the family and therefore of society.

The topics promoted through these pillars are primarily participation, conflict prevention, protection against violence against women and children and community recovery.

The question that remains crucial in Burundi is that of customary law and the access of women to property and inheritance. That issue has become a social concern that the Government of Burundi must address in order to align itself with the parliamentary debate convened in 2004, which resulted in a proposed draft law on succession, matrimony and rights.