Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

Despite important national, regional and international efforts, however, the conditions that women and girls still face in situations of armed conflict continue to be abhorrent. The benefits of resolution 1325 (2000) have yet to reach most women in conflict and in fragile settings. In that regard, allow me to make the following comments. First, we view the prevention of conflict as a crucial element of resolution 1325 (2000).

Preventive actions in post-conflict countries, including comprehensive reform of judicial and law enforcement systems, are important as the only way to ensure the rule of law and better protection of the rights of women, particularly in protecting them from violence and increasing their participation in the law enforcement sector. My country believes that positive experience in that area must be mainstreamed and disseminated.

The prevention of the violation of women and girls' human rights, including sexual violence, must enjoy the highest priority. It is high time that we bring war criminals to justice, end impunity for their atrocities, and invest in immediate service and assistance mechanisms for women and girl war crime victims.

Key aspects of post-conflict reconstruction, such as economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy, all require the active engagement of women. Resolution 1325 (2000) was a seminal piece of international legislation in our efforts on women and peace and security. The United Nations, Member States and civil society have made steady and noticeable efforts in implementing the resolution.

Third, with regard to the national level: Last year the German Government presented its third report to Parliament on its implementation of SR resolution 1325. It contains, inter alia, projects on gender training, including for UN peacekeepers, prevention of sexual violence, enabling women's participation in peace-processes as well as their unhindered access to justice.

The PRST to be adopted today clearly recognizes once again the significant role of women in prevention, conflict resolution and post conflict rebuilding. Including women in peace initiatives is not a benevolent act, we see it as a key requirement to any lasting, sustainable peace. Women's participation will strengthen the capacity to resolve conflict and build security and justice systems that protect the human rights of all.

We note that much progress has been made in developing a normative framework to strengthen the action of the international community. Resolution 1325 (2000) is the foundation of that structure. That foundation has expanded and now forms a body with resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1960 (2010).

Allow me to conclude by referring to the matter of justice, which is a major issue in the implementation of the resolution on women and peace and security. How can women express themselves and participate in public life if they must live alongside their former tortures, or live in fear and under oppression? How can they have access to justice if the road to justice entails humiliation, threats and reprisals?

Secondly, we are pleased to report a clear increase in the number of women among the military, police and civilian peacekeepers deployed. We also committed to train our personnel on gender equality and human rights. The mixed police teams deployed in Haiti, Liberia and Afghanistan have all received training on resolution 1325 (2000). Some have been specifically trained to address sexual and gender-based violence.

In post-conflict planning and budgeting, there should be targeted actions and sector-specific gender experts for all relevant areas, such as security sector reform and economic recovery. The Secretary-General's seven-point action plan on peacebuilding (see S/2010/466) provides detailed recommendations on that. We welcome the work done so far.