Implementation

In conclusion, I would like to point out that work has begun on a draft national strategy on achieving gender equality in the Kyrgyz Republic by 2020, as well as a draft national plan of action on achieving gender equality for the period 2012-2014. Those documents will stipulate further measures for strengthening the role of women in the area of peace and security, including in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Following the inter-ethnic conflict in southern Kyrgyzstan in 2010, special importance was given to supporting female initiatives in the area of conflict resolution, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. In that difficult time, women activists joined together to form women's peacekeeping networks in order to put an end to conflict and violence and to prevent a recurrence of the tragic events.

The Security Council has an important role to play in dealing with peace and security matters internationally. States, however, bear the primary responsibility to protect their citizens from violence. It is in this regard that my delegation calls for more concerted efforts by the international community and the United Nations system to support national efforts to prevent and address the myriad issues surrounding conflicts.

Sexual abuse is indeed one of the most pervasive crimes of our time. It is imperative, therefore, that the international community support national systems and institutions — such as the police, prosecution and the judiciary — to combat this despicable crime. My delegation wishes to underscore the importance of education and communication as tools to prevent and combat violence generally.

Prevention is undoubtedly the cornerstone of any strategy to address the challenges that society faces. We note with satisfaction the various actions that have been undertaken by Member States, the United Nations system, civil society and other actors in implementing resolution 1325 (2000).

In conclusion, I wish to once again reiterate Kenya's commitment to implementing resolution 1325 (2000). In so doing, we must ensure greater coherence and coordination in addressing women's issues in conflict and post-conflict situations in a holistic manner.

Finally, Kenya expresses its gratitude to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2011/598*) on this agenda item, which, inter alia, showcases the key sectors where tangible progress has been made by countries, and identifies gaps and challenges in implementation. Kenya is particularly grateful for the thematic indicators under which Member States reports were compiled.

We must continue to ensure that women play key roles in peacekeeping operations and political missions; we must not only look at gender as a thematic issue, but ensure that women hold key and responsible positions at every level.

The flagship agency on gender — UN-Women — has begun to prove its leadership in theimplementation of resolution 1325 (2000) through United Nations system-wide coherence. It has been able to pulled together a set of key universal and regional human rights instruments.