Implementation

In terms of the African continent, we are satisfied to see the commitment shown by African States
to promoting gender equality and empowerment of women, in conformity with the Constitutive
Act of the African Union. We pay tribute to the progress achieved so far at the regional level.
Indeed, a final draft of African Union policies for women has been elaborated with the assistance

Despite all of those efforts by the United Nations, the African Union and individual States, we are
seriously concerned by sexual violence against women in conflict areas, whether during conflict
or in postconflict situations. Effective prevention and response, in our view, requires
comprehensive, coordinated and multidimensional long-term efforts involving all stakeholders.

The participation of women to all phases of conflict resolution and
peacebuilding has a clear, vast potential. I think, for example, of the participation
of Somali women as a "sixth clan" in the National Reconciliation Conference; of
the key contribution assured by Burundi's wonen to the Arusha process. As this
example shows, their participation in the peace process since its inception was a

This is not just a question of how many women are included in a political or
decision-making process. It is about enabling them to champion issues that are also
vital to their empowerment. This is only possible through the full engagement of
civil society and women's organization; we should at the same time consider their
need of resources, such as training and capacity- building programmes.

The Peace Building Commission has proved that it can make a difference in
redressing inequalities and creating the conditions for sustainable development on
solid, non-discriminatory foundations. It does so through the inclusion of gender
perspectives in its Integrated Peace Building Strategies. The Commission must
continue to engage women's organizations in every phase of its work, ensuring

Other practical steps could be equally considered:- appointment of more women as SRSGs ar d Special Envoys;- inclusion of a gender component in all UN peace-keeping and politicalmissions;- establishment of structured gender expertise in the Department for Political Affairs' mediation capacities.In the same light, creating a strengthened and consolidated UN entity for women is of critical importance.

In this field, the United Nations can contribute to farther progress by, for
instance, considering how participation of woman can be better reflected in peacekeeping
missions' mandates and by providing those missions with needed
expertise and resources.

Before concluding my remark, let me stress that enhancing women's participation
in peace process requires sustained and long-term efforts. Indeed, eight years
since the adoption of resolution 1325, there is certainly no shortage of action
plans. It is timely, we believe to proceed beyond plan of actions. Indonesia for its
part will redouble its efforts at the national level and within the UN in pursuit of

The United Nations, national governments as well as individual donors should listen clearly to the views of women civil society orgarizations. These organizations in turn need to receive their fair share of professional education and support. It is a government's obligation to fulfill their responsibilities to establish and maintain women-friendly security, health and education services.

The Croatian national strategy for the promotion of gender equality 2006-20 10 contains several measures related to promoting the application of Security Council resolution 1325 and commitments arising from the Beijing Platform.