Implementation

An urgent and effective response from the international community is required. There must be clear objectives, starting with ending impunity, empowering women, rejecting various forms of discrimination, mobilizing political leadership and increasing awareness of rape as a tactic and consequence of armed conflict.

All member states have a responsibility to implement Resolution 1325. The development of National Action Plans is a key component by which Member States commit themselves to fulfill this responsibility. The coming decade should aim for action and accountability. Women's full enjoyment of all human rights have been at the heart of the Human Security Network since its inception.

Moreover, guidelines for the displaced population are being drawn up with a targeted gender approach. Their goal is to provide effective care that responds to the specific needs and impact that displacement has on women. The guidelines are based on three guiding aspects: participation, a focus on law, and a genderperspective approach.

In order to meet the various existing international commitments with regard to the promotion and protection of the rights of women, including Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security, Colombia has at its disposal a significant constitutional, legal and institutional framework and gender-based strategies that cover social, economic and cultural aspects.

In his report on women and peace and security (S/2010/498), the Secretary-General acknowledges that significant progress has been made in several areas. However, he also warns that much remains to be done to realize the vision of resolution 1325 (2000). In particular, the report refers to the need to redouble efforts to ensure that women can play their rightful role in conflict prevention and resolution and in reconstruction processes.

Furthermore, the Presidential Advisory Office on Gender Equality, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, the United Nations Population Fund and the International Organization for Migration jointly run the Integrated Programme Against Gender Violence, which seeks to help prevent, treat and eradicate gender-based violence affecting Colombian women both publicly and privately.

Among recent developments, I would like to mention that, as recognition of the particular needs of women and with a view to ensuring a life free of violence, in December 2008 we adopted law No. 1257 of 2008. That law sets out standards of awareness, prevention and punishment for forms of violence and discrimination against women.

Although Colombia has a significant legislative framework and public policies that mainstream the gender perspective and variables, there persist challenges such as full integration, a review of indicators on the basis of international standards and the adoption of specific measures against gender-based violence.

Allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. Colombia appreciates the convening of this open debate to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security.

Secondly, Governments in conflict or post-conflict situations bear primary responsibility for the protection of women in their own countries. The international community should provide assistance to the countries concerned and obtain their understanding and cooperation in order to help them in capacity-building, including promotion of security sector reform, strengthening the rule of law and improving judicial and relief mechanisms.