Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

Countless women have dedicated their lives, and in some cases sacrificed their lives in order to bring peace to societies ravaged by war and to stand up for human rights.Today we pay tribute to these women and reaffirm our commitment to work for the protection of women in armed conflict and for their active involvement in conflict resolution. No society can address its problems by drawing solely on the talents of only half of the population.

In the next 5 years, Uganda will be developing a comprehensive national policy on gender-based violence to guide prevention and response efforts in all situations, including in the humanitarian and development contexts. We shall also establish sustainable and integrated systems of collecting data on gender-based violence and improve access to justice for victims and survivors.

We subscribe to the rule of law in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security as well as in the empowerment and advancement of women.

The vulnerability of women and girls in situations of armed conflict and, in our specific circumstances, armed violence, continue to engage our attention. Consequently, we have implemented and continue to implement measures to eliminate and mitigate the effects of armed violence, particularly against women and girls in our society.

Notwithstanding the importance of the implementation of agreements on peace and security, Trinidad and Tobago is of the view that the prosecution of those accused of committing grave crimes against women and girls during armed conflict is a key factor in the attainment of lasting peace.

Resolution 1820 (2008) affirmed the Council's intention to consider targeted sanctions against parties to armed conflict who commit rape. In addition, we have international criminal justice instruments at our disposal, in particular the International Criminal Court, to ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished.

When considering the status of women, we are able to say proudly that the Sudan has deep-rooted pioneering experience in this field, as Sudanese women have always been genuine partners in the political and decision-making structures of our country since their participation in the election of the first Sudanese parliament in 1954 on the eve of our declaration of independence.

It is a shame that sexual violence against women, particularly in armed conflicts, still exists and has not yet been fully resolved. Sexual violence is one of the major tragedies in conflict and post-conflict situations, where women and girls bear the brunt and often become casualties.

In Africa, the African Union and subregional organizations, as well as civil society, play a pivotal and strategic role in the prevention and resolution of conflict. Women are always ready to play a role in conflict resolution initiatives, such as the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, both of which are vital to peace, security, stability and prosperity.

Solomon Islands has adopted various conflict-prevention mechanisms in an effort to prevent the country from sliding back into conflict. The South African model of a truth and reconciliation commission is operating, allowing victims to seek justice and offenders forgiveness.