Reconstruction and Peacebuilding

In that context, effective institution-building during the different phases of the process requires coordination among the Peacebuilding Commission and all relevant actors, including international financial institutions, United Nations entities, regional organizations and civil society, including women, local experts and other stakeholders.

Given the magnitude of destruction, stabilization efforts in Afghanistan have produced impressive results. Despite its uphill climb since the time of Taliban rule, Afghanistan has experienced political transformation and development over the past decade, achieved through the support of the international community. The political process for the continued growth of the country is in place. Nearly 7 million refugees have returned.

Uganda considers sexual violence as a serious health, human rights and development problem. There can be no peace, security or sustainable economic development in societies that deny human rights, including the human rights of women.

Thus the fight against sexual violence is not only a matter of human rights but is, and should be, at the heart of our efforts to stop and resolve conflicts. For that reason, we completely share the SecretaryGeneral's assessment that sexual violence should be a priority consideration not only for humanitarian actors but also for peacemakers, peacekeepers and peacebuilders.

Despite some small progress achieved so far, we cannot fail to note that much remains to be done. Many structural and institutional impediments remain, which we should overcome in order to meet the challenges before us.

I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Council that, a month ago, Slovenia adopted its 2010- 2015 national action plan for the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). One of the three main objectives of the plan is to prevent sexual violence against women and girls and to protect them during and after armed conflict.

We are, however, of the view that combating sexual violence is one of the major components of all of the measures that can be used for settlement and post-conflict recovery. We are convinced that, in concentrating efforts on combating sexual violence, we must pay due attention to other abuses committed during conflict.

As we see it, the diverse nature of violence during armed conflict requires appropriate attention to all its categories. The issues of women and peace and security must be based on a comprehensive approach, which is the approach that is enshrined in resolution 1325 (2000), which is the fundamental document for the protection of women and which ensures their rights in conflicts.

"Portugal obviously shares the views that were expressed by the European Union regarding the implementation of the resolution, but let me underline some aspects of particular significance to my country. The excellent report before us today provides us with a clear analytical framework for understanding sexual violence in conflict as a threat to security and an impediment to peacebuilding in situations on the Council's agenda.

Finally, we are pleased to announce bilateral collaboration between the Netherlands and Spain in the development of more civilian and military gender capacity so as to increase operational readiness. We have a responsibility to arrive well prepared at our