Implementation

There is a vital need for a system of monitoring the status of implementation of 1325. Therefore, Iceland urges the Security Council to adopt the indicators put forward in the Secretary General's report so that UN organizations, member states and civil society are able to measure the impact on the ground and men and women around the world to reap the benefit.

The recognition by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ten years ago of gender equality as a security issue was a watershed, both for women and our organization. Through the unanimous adoption of resolution 1325, the Council acknowledged not only the needs and concerns of women in connection with peace processes, but underlined the participation of women as an important prerequisite for sustainable peace.

Only a handful of countries have adopted National Action Plans to implement resolution 1325. In the meantime, armed conflicts still devastate the lives of women and girls in many parts of the world. Women are often subjected to terrifying gender-based, sexual violence, which most of the time goes unpunished. Women are also regularly marginalised in peace-making. This is hardly a satisfactory state of affairs.

Iceland's National Action Plan has been in place for almost three years. Preparations are under way to revise the plan for adoption next year. This will be done through a participatory, transparent process involving political leaders at the highest level, all relevant government agencies and civil society. The plan will contain specific goals, clear indicators and a transparent monitoring

Advancing the aims and working towards the strengthening of resolution 1325 is a high priority of Iceland. All Icelandic diplomatic missions are required to support the aims of Resolution 1325 in their work. Iceland is, for example, workjng actively to advance resolution 1325 within NATO and the OSCE, in addition to our work at the United Nations.

Taking this opportunity I would like to confirm that the Government of the Republic of Hungary is strongly committed to implement Resolution 1325. We stand firmly behind endeavors aimed at mainstreaming gender issues in the strategies, policies, programs and actions and promoting participation of women in decision-making and peace processes.

It is a pleasure for me to inform you that we are finalizing an action plan concerning the national strategy on the implementation of the above-mentioned UN resolution. As incoming EU Presidency in the first semester of 2011 Hungary considers to maintain the current momentum through organizing a conference as a follow up to the series of events marking the 10th anniversary of the UN Security Resolution 1325.

My delegation is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this open debate of the Security Council on the contribution of women to international peace and security. We acknowledge the visionary work of the Council and its members, aimed at enhancing the principles of resolution 1325 (2000) and the empowerment of women.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of this landmark resolution. As we review the progress made so far, let us resolve to work harder to ensure its fuller implementation. There is therefore a need to share experiences and good practices across the board. We all have a duty to exhibit the political will to ensure that the next decade is one of action.

We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2010/498) and his statement here this morning. We equally thank the newly appointed head of UN Women, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, for her briefing to the Council. My delegation is confident that, with her appointment, this key position is in capable hands.