Implementation

Despite all international efforts, women continue to be the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict and to be targeted with the most brutal forms of sexual violence. In addition to that, women also experience the trauma of losing relatives and friends in armed conflict, as well as having to take responsibility for the care of surviving family members. They also constitute the majority of refugees and displaced persons.

As a non-permanent member of the Council in 2000, Ukraine was one of the 15 countries that voted for resolution 1325 (2000). That decision by the Council has been a milestone document on the empowerment of women. We welcome the latest report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the resolution (S/2010/498) and support its recommendations.

We are also institutionalizing gender-based violence training in key institutions for training of security forces including those involved in peacekeeping missions.

Uganda recognizes the progress that has been made by the United Nations and the wider international community towards enhancing the participation of women in conflict resolution, peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction. However, there are still situations in which conflicts continue to have a devastating impact on women and girls.

Uganda launched its National Action Plan for Security Council Resolutions 1325, 1820 as well as the Goma Declaration in December 2008. The Action Plan highlights specific commitments and duties of the Government and stakeholders, identifies priority interventions for the short and medium term. It also apportions institutional responsibilities and establishes a mechanism for coordination, monitoring and reporting.

Uganda is already carrying out legislative reforms to address the remaining gender inequalities and violence against women in both public and private sectors. We are also working on integrating the principles of the resolutions 1325 and 1820 in the National Development Plan implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes.

It is essential to empower women to enable them effectively participate in issues of peace, security and development. The Government of Uganda has taken a deliberate policy for empowerment of women through affirmative action initiatives.

In the next 5 years, Uganda will be developing a comprehensive national policy on gender-based violence to guide prevention and response efforts in all situations, including in the humanitarian and development contexts. We shall also establish sustainable and integrated systems of collecting data on gender-based violence and improve access to justice for victims and survivors.

At the regional level, through the African Union, East African Community, and the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, Uganda is committed to strengthening collaboration on enhancing women's participation and empowerment in conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution. We are convinced that women have an important role to play in ensuring durable peace, security, and development.

As we commemorate the 10th Anniversary of resolution 1325, Uganda will move beyond the reaffirmation of our common commitment to the implementation of the resolution and make strong, time-bound and measurable commitments for action.