Implementation

We have also taken steps to work with UNIFEM to develop indicators. We note that this is an important subject here, and we support the recommendation contained in the presidential statement (S/PRST/2010/22) to incorporate the indicators as a measurement of progress. Furthermore, this positive experience has led us to support the indicators annexed to the Secretary-General's report on women and peace and security (S/2010/498).

To make specific roles and responsibilities clear, the Liberian national action plan delineates a lead agency and collaborators for each activity, in addition to ensuring coordination for the implementation of the activities.

The Government has also taken measures at the institutional, political and legal levels to ensure the plan's implementation, including an amendment to the penal code extending the legal definition of rape, making it a non-bailable offence, and increasing its penalty to life imprisonment.

However, we have taken some concrete steps, and the plans for the next two years include the development of a strategy to ensure 20 per cent participation of women in the security sector by 2011. Presently, women constitute 30 per cent of immigration officers and 15 per cent of the national police.

However, some challenges remain, and I will name a few that militate against the effective implementation of the plan.

Discussions with different stakeholders in Liberia highlighted the importance of implementing the Liberian national action plan at the local, national and subregional levels over four years. The implementation periods are thus designed as short term, lasting 18 months; medium term, lasting 30 months; and long term, lasting 36 months.

A gender equity in politics bill, designed to increase women's participation in governance, political parties and other institutions, has been introduced in Parliament and is awaiting approval for passage into law.

As they care for their families and raise their children, women play a crucial role in restoring the fabric of society and overcoming war wounds. Yet, their own wounds are still not being properly remedied. In that regard, reforming the security sector and ensuring respect for the rule of law in a gender responsive manner is of crucial importance.

Finally, efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000) should be more coherent. There is, therefore, a need for a strategic framework that includes well-defined targets and indicators. The preliminary set of indicators annexed to the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/498), is an important tool for taking stock of the progress achieved and for tracking the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in conflict and post-conflict situations.

As we mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), let us take this opportunity to examine the progress that has been achieved, as well as the challenges that persist. Over the past decade, the United Nations system, Member States and civil society have made significant efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000) through a wide spectrum of measures and initiatives.