Implementation

We have to redouble our efforts in the fight against impunity. Targeted and graduated measures should be imposed against the perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence and rape. We believe that in tackling the issue of women's security, we should move from ad hoc approaches towards a systematic one.

We believe that gender equality and the empowerment of women should be at the core of our efforts. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular Goal 3 — promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women — will no doubt reinforce the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The international community should regularly review the implementation of MDG3, including its commitments in that regard.

We are confident that the newly established UN Women will further strengthen our work by helping the United Nations pursue its efforts in a more systemized and coordinated manner in areas related to women, peace and security.

Since the adoption of the landmark resolution 1325 (2000), there has been progress across a broad range of issues with regard to the protection and promotion of women's and girls' rights in conflict affected situations. Thanks to the efforts of the international community, a strong understanding of the need for gender equality and women's empowerment as a prerequisite for international peace and security is taking hold.

In our opinion, the United Nations should develop and adopt a comprehensive framework that includes agreed goals and time-bound targets and guidelines for the realization of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

I wish to conclude by underlining my country's commitment to the human rights of women all around the world. We wish to see women take their rightful place in the economic, social and political life of their societies. In Turkey we are committed to that goal. We will therefore continue our support for the implementation of the resolutions on women and peace and security.

We believe that the Security Council has a special responsibility to support women's participation in peace processes by ensuring a gender balance in United Nations peacekeeping missions. We welcome the fact that the Council has already recognized the important role of women in conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

Tunisia's interest in this subject arises from its long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, a strategic choice made by my country upon gaining its independence in 1956 and which has become an integral part of its national development policy.

Tunisia will further develop the implementation of this resolution as part of its comprehensive approach to gender equality and women's empowerment because we believe that empowering women is a moral imperative. It is also a sound policy and one of the greatest investments that we can make.

Tunisia hosted a regional seminar on this topic in September, which allowed participants from the Western Mediterranean countries to exchange views and national experiences regarding the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).