Implementation

The Secretary-General expresses concern in his report in regard to the slow global progress in women's participation and representation in peace talks. The Afghan Government recognizes the vital role that women have to play in the peaceful resolution of conf licts, and remains committed to focusing on women's rights throughout the peace process.

Afghanistan is designing a comprehensive plan for implementing resolution 1325 (2000) through its National Action Plan for Women. The Government of Afghanistan is fully committed to implementing the Plan, which will be a four-year plan focused on women and peace and security. We appreciate the generous support of the Government of Finland for help in the drafting process.

Additionally, we have ensured that there are strong links between women in Government and civil society groups to coordinate activities to encourage more involvement of women at all levels. Our civil society has been vital in helping Afghanistan to rebuild itself from decades of conflict.

Presidential statements increasingly referred to the ICC, as did thematic resolutions, including those on the protection of civilians, children and armed conf lict, sexual violence, and the rule of law.

The Security Council is clearly failing to live up to its responsibility to sustain the relevant legal provisions applicable to the situation of Palestinian women; hence the survival of yet another form of Israeli exceptionalism. Unfortunately, the same can be said about the protection of children's rights.

Need I recall here that resolution 1325 (2000) called on all parties to armed conflict to fully respect international law applicable to the rights and protection of women and girls, especially as civilians? And yet, when it comes to Palestinian women, the Council exhibits paralysis, and is unable to take any concrete action to redress their dire situation.

Furthermore, according to a UN-Women publication entitled Suspended Lives: Palestinian Female Prisoners in Israeli Prisons , an estimated 10,000 Palestinian women have been arrested and/or detained under Israeli military orders since 1967.

“In addition to monitoring and reporting violations, we are offering a range of responses, including mine-risk education, psychosocial support, vocational training, assistance to survivors of sexual violence and help for children who are being reintegrated into society after their association with armed forces and groups.”

“In addition, we continue to enhance our cooperation with partners on sexual violence against children to further our implementation of resolution 1882 (2009) In that regard, I look forward to working closely with Under-Secretary-General Bachelet and Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conf lict, Zainab Hawa Bangura.”

“I am also happy to report to the Council today that the action plan with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has almost been finalized and is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.