Implementation

More needs to be done also on a national level. The integration of the resolution" has to be country-driven; and Member States need to take responsibility for its success through ensuring that it is integrated into national policies. We urge countries to apply a broad gender mainstreaming approach across government, for instance through a system-wide approach that links development, humanitarian and defence issues.

I am pleased to say that Croatia has taken steps to integrate the gender perspective into the national security policy through its National Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality as and is currently developing its National Action Plan on the implementation of the resolution 1325, which is expected to be adopted by 2011.

Even on Croatian territory, in the heart of Europe, rape was used as a method of intimidation and terror, during the aggression to which Croatia was exposed at the beginning of 1990s. We are fully aware of the role both the Security Council and international community can play in addressing sexual violence against women and girls, especially when used by political or military leaders as a means of achieving political of military objectives.

Croatia aligns itself with the statement as delivered by the representative of Belgium on behalf ofthe EU. Here, I would like to make additional remarks in my national capacity.

Allow me to extend a warm welcome to Madame Michelle Bachelet, and wish her success in her future work as the first Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the newly established gender entity UN Women. Given her high political stature and experience, we deem that Madame Bachelet will enhance the gender equality agenda, and that the UN Women will grow into the principal voice for gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women.

The issue of violence against women in armed conflict is closely related to that of Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, which is a priority of the Human Security Network. Both the protection of civilians and the provisions of resolution 1325 have to be fully incorporated in the mandates for all peacekeeping operations.

On behalf of the members I would like to express our appreciation to the Republic of Uganda for convening this important Ministerial - level open debate on Women, Peace and Security - a priority issue for the Network - and to welcome the Executive Director of UN Women, Michelle Bachelet, to her first briefing to the Security Council and thank her for her presentation of the Secretary General's report, marking the progress we have made and high

It is evident this landmark resolution has greatly contributed to an increased political focus on the area of women, peace and security. Over the years, the Council has remained active in this area through the adoption of resolutions 1820 (2008),1888 (2009) and, most recently, resolution 1894 (2009). With resolution 1888 (2009) the Council established the mandate of a Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict.

It is an honour for Costa Rica to speak today in its capacity as Chair of the Human Security Network (HSN). The network is a cross-regional group of countries, which includes Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Thailand, and South Africa as an observer.

However, despite the progress of the past ten years, many challenges remain. Abhorrent conditions that women and girls face in all conflict sltuations persist, effective and comprehensive methods for addressing those realities are still lacking.