Implementation

On the positive side, there have been some remarkable accomplishments by the many dedicated actors who pursue the promotion and protection of women's and girls' rights, including the efforts of civil society organizations. On the other hand, we are still short on some institutional mechanisms and action.

In particular, Canada would like to draw the Council's attention to the participation of women in peace processes and to a study by the United Nations Development Fund for Women, which has already been referred to today, concluding that the participation of women in negotiating delegations to peace talks has averaged approximately 7 per cent.

In conclusion, a peace that lasts is a peace owned by all, including women. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we can acknowledge the progress made towards its implementation. We can also recognize that more must be done. Global indicators to track implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as called for in today's resolution, will be helpful in this regard. But let us not wait further.

I should like to say A few words on the peacebuilding front. The Peacebuilding Commission holds much promise for involving women and girls in designing and then operationalizing post-conflict strategies.

Finally, we would also like to raise the issue of bringing violators to justice with respect to sexual violence. As we all know, this type of violence remains rampant in conflict-affected areas. Too often, these crimes go unpunished and therefore perpetuate the cycle of sexual violence.

Canada co-sponsored both resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) on sexual violence in conflict. Both resolutions elaborate on resolution 1325 (2000) by outlining a number of concrete steps to be taken to address sexual violence more systematically.

Canada also warmly welcomes the recommendations set out in the Secretary-General's recent report (S/2009/465) on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In particular, Canada would like to echo the Secretary-General's calls for an effective monitoring and accountability mechanism with respect to all aspects of resolution 1325 (2000), in particular the participation of women in peace processes.

(spoke in English) The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is indeed a work in progress, both at a national level and at the United Nations. With the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) approaching next year, it is time to undertake a serious examination of the gains that have been made as well as those aspects of the resolution that remain unrealized.

The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is a collective endeavour. Along with States, the international community, including the United Nations, has an important and unique role to play in that regard. Every agency of the system should play its part in the context of a common and consistent approach.

As to the specific issue of sexual violence, my delegation welcomes the recent adoptions of resolutions 1882 (2009) and 1888 (2009), which provide for the strengthened implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008).