Implementation

As stated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Chile at the ministerial event entitled “A 1325 Call to Action”, held here at Headquarters in September, Chile's ongoing foreign policy commitment to peacekeeping operations has resulted in the introduction into its national policy of the formulation of new approaches such as that in resolution 1325 (2000), emphasizing the participation of women in peace and security efforts.

Today's open debate is an opportunity to focus on what remains to be done to implement the women, peace and security agenda. In that spirit, Canada's Action Plan for the Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security was launched on October 5th, 2010.

To assist in bringing perpetrators to justice, Canada supports the Justice Rapid Response initiative.

The Group of Friends welcomes the recommendations set out in the Secretary-General's report on women and peace and security (S/2010/498), including the global set of indicators on resolution 1325 (2000). The Friends call on the Security Council to endorse those indicators and put them into use.

The Friends congratulate Ms. Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as head of UN Women and strongly support the role of UN Women to provide support and leadership on women, peace and security within the United Nations system.

Speaking in my capacity as representative of Canada, I can assure the Council that Canada strongly supports the Secretary-General's recommendation for the establishment of an agreed set of goals, targets and indicators to guide implementation of the resolution over the next decade.

Much has been achieved in the 10 years since Resolution 1325 was adopted. However, much remains to be done. Through our commitment to act, and being accountable for our actions, we can move forward together to ensure that all members of the international community - women and men, girls and boys participate equally and benefit from our work.

More broadly, we strongly support the Secretary General's recognition of the need to take effective measures to address sexual violence in conflict. In this regard, we welcome the jurisprudence of the international courts and tribunals, recognizing that rape and sexual violence can be war crimes and crimes against humanity. Individuals responsible for these crimes must be. brought to justice.

Let me first say a few words on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, an informal network of over 40 interested Member States, chaired by Canada. The Group of Friends has played an active role in the effective implementation of the Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security.

I would like to share with you some activities that we will carry out in implementing Canada's Action Plan. We will:
• ensure that our non-governmental partners delivering Canadian humanitarian assistance have codes of conduct related to sexual exploitation and abuse;