Implementation

In order to further advance the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in the Pacific region, it is important that we focus our work on approaches that reflect the reality of the situation on the ground in our islands. We believe that the development of a Pacific regional action plan would assist in this regard, and would build on our efforts to integrate resolution 1325 (2000) into the wider regional peace and security agenda.

The Secretary-General's report provides examples of both real progress and the challenges ahead of us. We welcome the initiative of DPKO and DPA to include gender components, advisors, or focal points in all field missions on this issue.

Over the past several years, the United Nations and its member states have taken important steps to increase women's participation in issues related to peace and security. We established UN Women and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Sexual Violence in Conflict. Through this Council's work, we defined what we expect of parties to conflict with respect to the protection of women.

More can be done to ensure that personnel of UN missions are adequately prepared to implement resolution 1325 and supported in their efforts. Both pre-deployment training and mission-wide strategies on the protection of civilians, including the needs of vulnerable groups such as women and girls, need to be improved.

Madame President, the United States is developing a National Action Plan to accelerate implementation of Resolution 1325 across our government and with partners in civil society. The plan will be centered on the four pillars of Resolution 1325: participation; prevention; protection; and relief and recovery.

In the Prevention Pillar, the U.S. has developed multiple programs that seek to address the root causes of conflict, including a $26 million annual Reconciliation Program that supports innovative programming in conflict-affected countries and includes gender analysis. In the Relief and Recovery Pillar, the U.S. has provided significant funding to improve water and sanitation in situations in which women's safety and security are at risk.

In the Participation Pillar, the U.S. supported Afghan women's inclusion in the High Peace Council and in follow-on shuras and negotiations, in the reintegration and reconciliation process at the local level. We've also awarded $16.9 million in direct grants to Afghan women-focused NGOs. In the Protection Pillar, the U.S.

Though we support the comprehensive PRST that will be adopted in this debate. I regret that because of the opposition of some, we were unable to unreservedly welcome the Secretary-General's report. The United Kingdom does whole-heartedly welcome that report. Women have a central role in building stability in countries at risk from conflict.

Since taking up her position as Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women, Michelle Bachelet has passionately and effectively promoted the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Supported by Special Representatives Radhika Coomaraswamy and Margot Wallstrom, UN Women plays a vital role coordinating wider international efforts to implement the full suite of UN resolutions on Women Peace and Security.