Participation

These commitments are commendable, but we are of the belief that putting words into action is the only way that we can approach the resolution of remaining issues. And those issues are many. As many situations on the agenda of the Security Council have shown, women still have a long way to go in order to fulfill the empowerment goals as well as to fully realize their human rights, not only in armed conflict but in times of peace as well.

As reported by UNIFEM, there is a substantial gap in financing women's needs in post-conflict situations. How did that happen? The answer is clear: women have not been included from the very beginning of peace processes, especially in peace negotiations.

In order to re-energize its implementation, we still need to consolidate a global strategy with clear targets and adequate benchmarks for measuring progress. In this regard, resolution 1889 (2009), adopted today, calls for greater empowerment of women in the evaluation of needs and in planning in post-conflict situations. That is certainly a step in the right direction.

During the past year much thought has been given in the Security Council to the issue of women and peace and security. We responded to gender concerns through resolution 1820 (2008) last year. The recently adopted resolution 1888 (2009) and resolution 1889 (2009), adopted today, all contribute to strengthening a process that began with the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000).

As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, and as reflected in the text of this new resolution, we need to promote a multisectoral and, above all, inclusive approach. In addition to enhancing the gender perspective in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, women's participation in the international community's efforts should be strengthened, especially in the areas of prevention and protection.

In that connection, we are advancing the rural women's agenda, which includes actions to enhance respect for and guarantee the effective enjoyment of rural women's rights.

For example, mindful of the particular needs of women at the local level, we are promoting the establishment and enhancement of women's community councils, which are spaces for discussion in departments and municipalities, created to increase their participation and increase the visibility of the role that they play in development in their regions.

Women should have greater access to participation and decision-making, and their right in that regard should be institutionalized. Peace in post- conflict countries is often fragile. Without the effective participation of women, there cannot be lasting peace and long-term social stability. Women should fully enjoy the right of decision-making and participation in the post-conflict peacebuilding and development of their countries.

Post-conflict countries are often faced with numerous tasks and difficulties. The international community should provide them with generous financial and technical support and should help them to enhance capacity-building.

In particular, Canada would like to draw the Council's attention to the participation of women in peace processes and to a study by the United Nations Development Fund for Women, which has already been referred to today, concluding that the participation of women in negotiating delegations to peace talks has averaged approximately 7 per cent.