Implementation

My delegation would like to take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of Ms. Bachelet. This move was a demonstration of the firm commitment of United Nations Member States and the Secretary-General to achieving the objectives and goals of advancing the equal participation and full involvement of women in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. We would like to assure Ms.

In conclusion, we support the set of indicators contained in the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/498) and trust that their application will go a long way towards speeding the implementation of 1325 (2000). The United Nations has come a long way and played a critical part in defining the role of women, particularly in conflict situations. Nonetheless, a lot of support to these women is still required.

In Africa, the African Union and subregional organizations, as well as civil society, play a pivotal and strategic role in the prevention and resolution of conflict. Women are always ready to play a role in conflict resolution initiatives, such as the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, both of which are vital to peace, security, stability and prosperity.

As we commemorate the tenth year of resolution 1325 (2000), South Africa believes that, while progress has been made in the implementation of its provisions, a lot remains to be done in achieving its objectives.

Solomon Islands has adopted various conflict-prevention mechanisms in an effort to prevent the country from sliding back into conflict. The South African model of a truth and reconciliation commission is operating, allowing victims to seek justice and offenders forgiveness.

Thirdly, it is important that the multilateral system work for small countries. Too often, we see that we are too small for the global system to work for us.

Secondly, there needs to be a shift in approach by the United Nations in supporting the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), away from a one-size-fits-all approach of over-regionalizing issues while disregarding the varying levels of development within Pacific small island developing States and country-specific development needs.

On the issue of governance, Solomon Islands adopted a political system — the Westminster system — that does not recognize the traditional decision-making role of women in tribal societies. Women's traditional role gets subsumed in the modern decision making-process, which further weakens the power base of women in their traditional setting.

In conclusion, Solomon Islands joins others in welcoming the operationalization of UN Women, looks forward to working with the new gender entity and reaffirms its commitment to resolution 1325 (2000).

I am pleased to say that Solomon Islands has not shied away from looking at the issue of gender representation in our national Parliament. An ambitious plan for temporary measures to advance women's participation was launched last year. However, it did not receive enough support and needed more consultation. We hope that it will receive attention over time.