Implementation

Costa Rica co-sponsored the text of resolution 1889 (2009), but we would like to make clear that our country rejects any interpretation that seeks to include abortion in the reference made in operative paragraph 10 to reproductive rights. We believe that lasting peace cannot be built on the basis of a status quo that in many cases has been characterized by discrimination, inequity and an imbalance of power.

As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, and as reflected in the text of this new resolution, we need to promote a multisectoral and, above all, inclusive approach. In addition to enhancing the gender perspective in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, women's participation in the international community's efforts should be strengthened, especially in the areas of prevention and protection.

Our national policy for the social and economic reintegration of those who have left illegal armed groups seeks to ensure that institutional actions fully incorporate a gender-based approach. In particular, assistance to women, children and ethnic minorities in the reintegration process is taken into account by identifying the characteristics of population groups and promoting the family's dynamic role in the process.

Mr. Montoya (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. We thank you for issuing the concept paper (S/2009/490, annex) serving as the basis for today's discussion. Colombia's experience demonstrates the importance of implementing gender strategies that include the social, economic and cultural dimensions, among other factors.

In that connection, we are advancing the rural women's agenda, which includes actions to enhance respect for and guarantee the effective enjoyment of rural women's rights.

For example, mindful of the particular needs of women at the local level, we are promoting the establishment and enhancement of women's community councils, which are spaces for discussion in departments and municipalities, created to increase their participation and increase the visibility of the role that they play in development in their regions.

Additionally, the State has made efforts to ensure access to justice and special protection for women victims of displacement and sexual violence perpetrated by illegal groups. The Office of the General Prosecutor is promoting a comprehensive action strategy to uphold the fundamental rights of women victims. The programme is based on a specific methodology to address the impact of this phenomenon on Colombian women.

Post-conflict countries are often faced with numerous tasks and difficulties. The international community should provide them with generous financial and technical support and should help them to enhance capacity-building.

A few days ago, the Council adopted resolution 1888 (2009), which requests the Secretary-General to continue to submit annual reports on combating sexual violence in armed conflict.

Women are shouldering an increasing share of the responsibility to maintain world peace and are playing a significant role in peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding throughout the world. As the Chinese saying goes, women can hold up half of the sky.