Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

We consider that the development of a Pacific regional action plan to support the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) would bring women into official processes and build on our efforts to integrate resolution 1325 (2000) into the regional peace and security agenda.

In conclusion, as we observe the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), let us renew our commitment to action and shoulder our responsibility to take more effective measures to fully implement this important legislation by the Security Council.

And, we must ensure greater accountability. I call on the Security Council to show leadership, by maintaining its focus on full implementation of all resolutions on women, peace and security; by endorsing today the indicators proposed by the Secretary General for this purpose; and by making prosecution ofperpetrators a political priority!

But, like others, New Zealand can still do more, and it agrees that commitments are required to ensure the advancement of the 1325 agenda. We therefore commit to developing a national plan of action on resolution 1325 (2000). We commit to mainstreaming issues faced by women with disabilities in our implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Our second commitment is the Dutch support to the Justice Rapid Response initiative to bring perpetrators to justice. This muitilateral stand-by facility gives UN entities and Member States access to a roster of rapidly deployable criminal justice professionals.

The Government of Nepal has adopted various measures to fight gender-related violence, establishing a toll-free hotline in the Office of the Prime Minister, a gender violence prevention fund, and gender violence control committees in every district in the country.

As enshrined in its interim Constitution, Nepal is committed to setting aside 33 per cent of seats in Parliament for women. We are also committed to continuing an affirmative action policy in our civil service with a view to bringing women into the decision-making levels of the public sector. We are also committed to increasing women's participation in our army and police forces.

We will continue encouraging nations to develop national action plans and to promote the participation of women in their armed forces. In Afghanistan, in particular, we will continue to encourage women to take their rightful place in shaping their country's future.

SADC is deeply concerned with the widespread and systematic sexual violence subjected to women and girls in conflict situations and condemns the use of sexual and gender based violence against women and children. It is our considered view that all parties to armed conflict, should respect, regional mechanisms and international law applicable to the rights and protection of women and children.

Our debate today provides us with the opportunity to take stock of the commitments that have been honoured and the goals that have been met, as well as the further efforts that remain to be carried out to implement resolution 1325 (2000).