Implementation

We recognize that we have also made some progress over the years. As examples, one can cite the creation of a platform in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the operational coordination of resources dedicated to providing specific services to combat sexual violence in conflicts; or the request for assistance to revitalize the national strategy on sexual violence based on gender in Cote d'Ivoire.

We applaud some of the conceptual advances contained in the Secretary-General's Report, in proposing a more detailed characterization on the scope of conflict-related sexual violence, based on the analysis and trends of some twenty situations on the ground.

We agree to a large extent with the specific recommendation of the Secretary General. We must bring greater pressure to bear against those responsible for acts of sexual violence in armed conflict.

The work that the Security Council had been developing during the last three years had the purpose of trying to strengthen collective measures to combat sexual violence in armed conflicts.

More over, we should guarantee the participation of women in the solution and prevention of conflicts. The rehabilitation and reconstruction aspects are very important tools for the full implementation of Resolution 1325 (2000). Guatemala supports the notion that women should have a predominant role in mediation of controversies. We encourage the Secretary General to appoint more qualified women as Special Representatives and Special Envoys.

Finally, we want to reiterate our support to the United Nations campaign against sexual violence in conflicts, as well as to the Secretary General's Policy of Zero Tolerance on Sexual Exploitation and abuse by the United Nations Peacekeeping and Humanitarian personnel. We also encourage Mrs.

What more can the Security Council, UN organizations and Member States do? First, our key goal should be prevention and not mere reaction. To facilitate such an approach, exact and reliable data and early-warning mechanisms, as mentioned in the Secretary General's report, are crucial. Awareness-raising and training, especially for peace-keepers and police-officers should also be high on our agenda.

Thirdly, we need greater resolve on ensuring the participation of women in all stages of peace processes. To take an example: the issue of sexual violence has not yet figured in most ceasefire or peace agreements. To start closing this gap an interesting new tool has been developed by DPA: New mediation guidelines, which take into account the issue of sexual violence.

The effective implementation of Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security is a priority for France, which worked actively for their adoption. It also worked to strengthen attention to this issue within the European Union. At the national level, at the end of 2010 France adopted an action plan for the implementation of the resolutions on women, peace and security.

We also welcome the establishment of a list of parties, annexed to the report of the Special Representative, pursuant to resolution 1960 (2010). This list should make it possible to improve communication of information on troubling situations. It is indeed a decisive step forward in combating impunity for the perpetrators of sexual violence, another imperative in our combat against this scourge.