Participation

Moreover, we need indicators for tracking what has or has not been done. In that regard, we are delighted that the new resolution sets a timeline for the development of global indicators. However, indicators need to be complemented with a mechanism for monitoring compliance and with the political will to make the cost of non-compliance much higher than it is today.

After a violent conflict, women are often the best experts in identifying the most crucial needs of their communities. Their experience, knowledge and determination are needed for the markets to start buzzing with life again, for the children to go to school and for the community to heal.

Security Council resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) focus directly on these challenges. However, the implementation of those resolutions must be done in tandem with resolution 1325. The strengthening of women's participation in decision-making is critical to overcoming the scourge of sexual violence. I am committed to the full implementation of these landmark texts on women, peace and security.

Much has been said about the importance of a monitoring mechanism. I have repeatedly called upon this Council to demonstrate leadership in this regard. Attention must also be given to safeguarding the newly acquired roles that women are playing during conflict, including in decision-making.

A cessation of conflict should not result in the marginalization of women and girls, nor their relegation to stereotypical roles. Nor should we allow any exclusion of women in peace negotiations and mediation to become the template for what happens in implementing a peace settlement.

These three objectives are also those that Denmark is prioritizing in its new national action plan for implementing resolution 1325 (2000). In order to be able to monitor progress, we have developed indicators for each objective. Last year, Denmark revised its national action plan. The new plan for 2008- 2013 is based on experience from our first plan.

That link between the impact of war on women and the possibility of using the potential of women in peace negotiations and reconstruction is precisely what we must focus on in our implementation of the resolution. Resolution 1325 (2000) is the very backbone of Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security, highlighting the necessity of addressing the issue of women as peacebuilders as well as victims of war.

Let me highlight three key areas for future work in this field. First, we must work to achieve greater active participation of women in peacebuilding and reconstruction. Secondly, we must enhance recognition of the special needs and rights of women and girls before, during and after armed conflict.

Denmark fully agrees with the recommendations of the Secretary-General on ensuring accountability. We also emphasize the stated need for concerted efforts to collect data. At the end of the day, it is results that count.

We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. Here, I shall make additional remarks in my national capacity. Almost a decade has passed since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). We have witnessed much progress in the area of the empowerment of women.