Implementation

There is no doubt that the numerous resolutions and presidential statements that have been adopted by the Security Council constitute a major step towards protecting women and promoting their rights. However, it is not enough merely to adopt resolutions and statements; they must be implemented.

Libya has therefore launched several initiatives to empower women and enhance their role in African countries. In cooperation with Nigeria and Cuba, we have established a South-South health-care programme. In 2006, we launched the Al-Qadhafi programme for African youth, women and children, which places particular emphasis on health care, education, vocational training and human rights.

In 2004, the African Union adopted an action plan at Ouagadougou that gave special priority to the empowerment of women, their access to the workplace, their effective participation in the adoption of poverty- reduction strategies, the mainstreaming of gender issues in all poverty-reduction programmes and policies and the promotion of employment and equal opportunities for men and women in the area of employment.

We are also encouraged by the commitment of the Secretary-General to increase the number of women in decision-making positions, as confirmed by the Deputy Secretary-General this morning. We urge other heads of international organizations and regional organizations to do the same and appoint more women as high-level mediators and members of negotiating teams.

The Council should continue to explore how United Nations missions can better protect women and children in conflict, with adequate resources, training and logistical support. We would like the importance of protection of women to be fully incorporated into training programmes for peacekeepers and peacebuilding experts on the ground, before they are deployed.

One good example is cited in the Secretary- General's latest report: the project is funded through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security to deliver health care, education and counselling to women and girls in Nepal who have been left vulnerable by conflict in that country.

It is totally unacceptable that perpetrators of sexual and other serious violence against women and girls are shielded by a culture of impunity. The culture of impunity is a direct threat to women's security, and it also hinders women in playing the vital role they might otherwise play in post-conflict peacebuilding efforts.

We encourage the Working Group of the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict to use the full array of means at its disposal to deal with parties responsible for rape and sexual violence against children. We look forward to the Secretary-General's early appointment of a special representative for women and peace and security to provide much-needed leadership, coordination and advocacy.

Let me conclude by reaffirming Italy's firm commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and to promoting women's participation and empowerment. We have made this a priority both in our political action and in our development cooperation.

As we have said time and time again, this is not just a question of how many women are included in the political and decision-making process; it is about enabling them to champion issues that are vital to their empowerment. This is possible only through the full engagement of civil society and women's organizations, which is why resource, training and capacity-building needs must always be given full consideration.