Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

Resolution 1325 (2000) also underscores the need to scrupulously respect the provisions of international humanitarian law and human rights instruments. It is imperative that atrocities not go unpunished, especially those in which rape is used as a weapon of war.

Although the role of women in development no longer needs to be proven, it is equally crucial to ensuring lasting peace, social cohesion and political legitimacy. Women's contributions are not an end in themselves; they are also crucial elements in achieving peacebuilding priorities. In that regard, in order to ensure the rule of law, there must be support for the establishment and strengthening of national institutions.

The establishment of the International Criminal Court represented an important step forward in the fight against sexual violence and gender-related violence. Mexico is fully convinced that we cannot achieve lasting peace without guaranteeing the delivery of justice, promoting accountability and fighting impunity.

Mexico is not a stranger to the phenomenon of violence and its consequences for women and girls. We have sought to adopt a comprehensive approach for the social prevention of violence, together with efforts to strengthen protection measures.

Ten years ago, resolution 1325 (2000) requested all parties to armed conflict to take specific steps to protect women and girls against acts of gender-based violence, especially rape and other forms of sexual abuse.

The work of the Court is therefore of direct relevance to the 1325 agenda, as the Security Council anticipated when referencing the Rome Statute in 1325 ten years ago. It is therefore astonishing that the role of international criminal justice in general and the ICC in particular are entirely absent from the latest report on the implementation of resolution 1325 - not its only, but perhaps its most serious defect.

Furthermore, we will continue our financial support for the International Criminal Court's Trust Fund for Victims, which adopts a gender-based perspective across all programming and has a specific focus on victims of sexual and gender violence. We hope that the Fund will get more support from States as a result of their national efforts to implement SCR 1325.

As they care for their families and raise their children, women play a crucial role in restoring the fabric of society and overcoming war wounds. Yet, their own wounds are still not being properly remedied. In that regard, reforming the security sector and ensuring respect for the rule of law in a gender responsive manner is of crucial importance.

Kenya condemns all forms of violence against women including sexual violence and has always "urged compliance with both humanitarian and human rights law during times of conflict. Women must be protected from violence and other atrocities during times of conflict. Additionally women must participate in rebuilding efforts, free from threats, intimidation and discrimination.

In April this year, Japan hosted the Security Council ministerial open debate on post-conflict peacebuilding (see S/PV.6299), with then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Okada serving as President. The presidential statement adopted at that meeting pointed