Implementation

Female experts on gender issues will be included in political activities related to peace- building, regional cooperation and national security. The representation of women in the Croatian Ministry of Defence and Croatia's Armed Forces will be increased, with special emphasis on increasing their representation in managerial positions.

Croatia, as a Troop and Police Contributing Country, is fully aware of the ongoing efforts aimed at improving the implementation of the resolution 1325 and the necessity of increasing the deployment of more women in peacekeeping missions. Croatia also uses sex-disaggregated data in order to better monitor and track progress in its reports on levels of military deployments to peacekeeping operations.

Although many women were victims in the wars that took place in South East Europe, they also had an active role in opposing armed conflict and building understanding and peace amongst the national groups of our region.

However, we still lack sufficient political will and resources to promote the systematic participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The report of the Secretary- General disturbingly highlights the fact that only 2.2 per cent of military personnel in United Nations peacekeeping operations and 7.6 per cent of civilian police personnel are women.

It is a responsibility of United Nations bodies and subregional and regional organizations, which must further strengthen the use of women's peacemaking and negotiating talents. That means, inter alia, enlarging the female component of representatives, envoys and heads of offices — all key elements of the good offices of those organizations, without forgetting an increase in the number of women decision makers at all levels.

The involvement of women involves a collective and shared responsibility. It is an individual responsibility, for we must rid ourselves of certain prejudices and other demeaning concepts regarding the place and role of women in society. Indeed, it is no secret that the challenge of socio-cultural inertia in this regard is often one of the most difficult challenges to take on.

My delegation pays tribute to the pertinence of the recommendations in the Secretary-General's report regarding accelerating he full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Those that address the Security Council deserve the greatest attention, given the role this body plays in the maintenance of international peace and security.

It is now recognized that the systematic involvement of women in negotiation and mediation efforts, in the elaboration of peace agreements and in reconstruction and reconciliations strategies is essential. The Security Council has reaffirmed that on many occasions. It did so quite recently, on 23 September, on the occasion of its 5979th meeting, the high-level meeting on mediation as a peaceful way to settle conflicts.

The regular review of the state of implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) testifies to the interest of the Security Council and the international community in this important issue.

Thirdly, the United Nations system has a special role to play in conflict settlement and post-conflict reconstruction, as mandated by the Member States. It has gained experience and knowledge in various fields. It is essential to promote local governments and people's ownership. Assistance may take different forms depending on the specific conditions of each country.