Implementation

In my own country there has been compelling evidence that, when women are empowered, they can act successfully to change their lives and the lives of those around them. Under “Bolsa Familia”, a conditional cash transfer programme that has lifted millions of Brazilians out of poverty, women are the preferred recipients of transfers.

However, we share a sense of optimism that, given our collective will, especially within the Security Council, we can bring an end to impunity and to this crime against humanity.

As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/498) indicates, some progress has indeed been made in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as demonstrated by the notable efforts made by the United Nations system, Member States, civil society and other actors. In this regard, a number of activities covering a broad range of areas have been undertaken over the past decade.

Therefore, we must ensure that the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000) are realized in order to enable women to participate fully and equally in all levels of decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Women must become full agents in the shaping and rebuilding of their communities in the aftermath of war.

Resolution 1325 (2000) represents one of the most important milestones of gender mainstreaming in the United Nations. Since its adoption in 2000, this important tool has allowed the United Nations and its agencies, through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Women and Peace and Security, to work together on these issues. Considerable attention has also been paid to its implementation at the national and international levels.

I would like to extend the gratitude of my delegation to you, Mr. President, for having convened this important meeting on women and peace and security. We congratulate Ms. Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. We assure her of our full support in the discharge of her mandate.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken significant steps to integrate the gender perspective into national policies. We are among the first countries in the Western Balkans region to have adopted a national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

The establishment of UN Women, the appointment of its head and the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict are important recent developments.

Indeed, much has been accomplished in the past decade. But much remains to be done to obtain real results for women on the ground. To that end, it is of vital importance for the Security Council to continue to use all tools at its disposal for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as appropriate.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has also adopted a gender action plan. The two documents link activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and international activities by addressing a broader concept of women and peace and security, translating them into genuine political commitments and mainstreaming 1325 issues across the relevant Government and non-government sectors.