Implementation

Similarly, support should also be given to self-protection initiatives by civilian populations. That also includes strengthening the leadership role that women take on during reconciliation processes. Women are agents of change in cases such as that of Guatemala, where they are able to create spaces for conflict prevention, mediation and resolution, as well as for peacebuilding.

On the implementation side, we welcome the new monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangement on conflict-related sexual violence requested under resolution 1960 (2010), which now is operational. We also very much welcome the recent progress made by DPKO on the completion of new training modules on protection issues for peacekeeping personnel and we look forward to their roll-out in the near future.

I would like to reaffirm our support for the Special Representatives, Mrs. Wallström and Mrs. Coomaraswamy, for their commitment and the quality of their work. In this respect, the Security Council must be able to systematically consider the inclusion of sexual violence among the grounds for sanctions.

Serious violence against civilians in armed conflict is unacceptable. Life is the most precious. Innocent civilians, especially women and children, in armed conflict must be effectively protected. In this connection, the government should shoulder the primary responsibility.

Third, we must be persistent in denouncing violence directed against women and girls such as sexual violence, including rape as a weapon of war, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy and enforced sterilization. We will continue to promote the empowerment of women and girls.

Peacekeeping operations are one of the most important tools available to the United Nations to protect civilians in armed conflict.

Let me use this opportunity to thank OCHA and DPKO for their consistent work and support in enhancing the implementation of protection mandates. The training modules on the protection of civilians as well as on sexual violence will be crucial for better preparing UN peacekeeping personnel for these tasks. Furthermore, we look forward to the guidance on reporting on the protection of civilians for UN peacekeeping and other relevant missions.

We welcome the fact that in the past the Security Council made several important decisions regarding the protection needs of vulnerable groups during armed conflicts.

We welcome the recent statement by the President of the Security Council on climate change and the maintenance of international peace and security (S/PRST/2011/15*).

The Pacific is also committed to international efforts, and in this regard we welcome support for the Pacific SIDS candidate from the Solomon Islands for the Executive Board of UN-Women. We ask that the United Nations and donor partners continue to provide resources and support for our efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000), particularly those aimed at enhancing women's participation in prevention and broader peacebuilding.