Implementation

In the landmark resolution 1325 (2000), the Security Council recognized the important role of women in maintaining peace and security. It also highlighted specific needs and concerns of women during and in the aftermath of armed conflicts. We feel proud that Bangladesh, as a member of the Council at the time of the resolution's adoption and one of its main sponsors, was closely associated with the adoption of that historic document.

In Bangladesh, based on our experience with nation-building and women's empowerment, we have embraced this view and developed a model that our Prime Minister, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina calls a “peace model”. She believes that if peace is attained and maintained, development and prosperity will follow. The central message conveyed in the model emphasizes the empowerment of people, including women and other vulnerable groups.

Finally, let me emphasis that we have a solemn responsibility to protect women and girls against all forms of violence and to ensure their rightful place in line with the letter and spirit of resolution 1325 (2000). On its part, my country stands ready to make its humble contribution to global efforts in promoting the status and role of women both nationally and internationally.

The adoption by the Security Council of the landmark resolution 1325 (2001) was an important milestone that took up the issue of women and peace and security as a separate thematic issue and brought international visibility to the plight of women and girls in situations of armed conflict.

In three days, we will commemorate the twentieth anniversary of atrocious crimes committed against the Azerbaijani civilians of the town of Khojaly, where during one night hundreds ofcivilians were killed only because they were Azerbaijanis. Not even women and children were spared by the invading troops.

Among the pressing issues requiring urgent action and attention is that of women taken hostage and reported missing in connection with armed conflict. We are continuing our efforts to address that disturbing phenomenon, including through the relevant biennial resolution of the General Assembly and the Commission on the Status of Women, of which Azerbaijan is a main sponsor.

We know that conflict situations are usually characterized by the breakdown of law and order. The impunity that can prevail in such situations has a particularly devastating impact on the victims of sexual violence. Accountability for crimes of sexual violence is critical to changing behaviours.

We encourage the Council to remain seized of the need to deploy women protection advisers to peacekeeping and special political missions. The inclusion of relevant information in country-specific reports and in mission mandates must also be considered.

Security sector reform must address conflict related sexual violence. The development of human rights training tools for security officials will help to extend these efforts to detention and interrogation facilities, which are often beyond the reach of peacekeeping missions.

Over the past two and a half years, we have witnessed a renewed dedication by the United Nations, as well as troop- and police-contributing countries, to developing and implementing tools to prevent and address sexual violence, consistent with their mandate to protect civilians.