Implementation

The empowerment of women and gender equality are our common responsibility. Every State must take the necessary measures, in the light of its own particular situation. Mexico understands that the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000) are also relevant for countries that are not facing a situation of armed conflict.

That is why we welcome the indicators introduced by the Secretary-General in his report, as they can serve as a valuable instrument for planning and decision-making and can be used as a diagnostic tool and road map. The most important thing is that we be able, in coming years, to assess with certainty that we are heading in the right direction.

Ten years ago, when it adopted resolution 1325 (2000), the Council acknowledged that women and girls suffered disproportionately from the effects of armed conflicts and were frequently the specific and deliberate victims of various forms of violence.

My country is pleased with the tireless efforts carried out by civil society as the engine for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as it is a force for change on the ground. We draw the attention of the Security Council to the importance of the gender perspective and to reprehensible acts of gender related and sexual violence against women.

Mexico believes it is crucial that the Security Council adopt a systematic gender approach in its activities and resolutions as a central element for international peace and security and not as something marginal or separate.

I should like to convey to Ms. Bachelet the most heartfelt congratulations from the Government of Mexico upon her appointment as head of UN Women. As she carries out her important mandate, she can rest assured that in Mexico she has an ally committed to gender equality. The women of the world and the women of Latin America in particular are very proud of her appointment.

Our national plan of action also provides for an increase in the percentage of women and men, be they civilian or military, who are specifically trained in gender issues to participate in peacekeeping operations. Allow me to cite a specific example of our support.

My delegation warmly welcomes the Council's decision to recommend the use of the indicators drafted by the Secretary-General, and encourages all stakeholders to operationalize them as rapidly as possible. Such a clear, ongoing and comprehensive follow-up mechanism will assist Member States, the United Nations system and the Security Council to assess the progress achieved and to strengthen the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Luxembourg supports the recommendations elaborated by the Secretary-General in his report. Increased efforts are necessary at all levels, including the national level, to ensure the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

However, on a note of slight disappointment, we would have liked to see the Council at the same time set up a working group to evaluate progress achieved based on the annual reports of the Secretary-General and to formulate recommendations for the Council on the best possible way to fill the gaps and to meet the challenges in order to accelerate such implementation.