Implementation

Last year’s open debate (see S/PV.7533) had the highest number of participating speakers in the entire history of the Security Council. More than 180 political, financial and institutional commitments were made in the course of the high-level review of resolution 1325 (2000), and the new resolution 2242 (2015) was adopted. Such commitments are important and can make a difference.

More broadly, it is not enough to support the women and peace and security agenda today, one day a year. Words spoken in this Chamber are not enough. Commitment means action every day throughout the year in mandate renewals and other negotiations, here and in capitals.

Uganda joins other Member States in reiterating the concerns the international community continues to have in the effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Women continue to face numerous challenges, but most specifically their plight is even more debilitating during conflicts and wars. More often than not, they are not the causes but mere victims and bear the greatest brunt of the excesses of such conflicts.

We know that the global landscape is challenging, but the international community has made tangible gains in the past year, in partnership with United Nations. First, the women and peace and security national focal point network, spearheaded by Spain, will drive the coordination and implementation of the women and peace and security agenda at the national level.

Turkey actively promotes the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in international platforms such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and NATO. Furthermore, we support the empowerment and well-being of women and girls in various emergency, conflict or post-conflict situations through our comprehensive development assistance programme.

Important steps have been taken to further implement the women and peace and security agenda since the last debate on this issue (see S/PV.7704), including increased gender provisions in signed peace agreements.

It is encouraging to witness the growing awareness around the world of the indispensable role of women and their perspectives in the areas of peace and security. Nevertheless, as rightly pointed out in the Secretary-General’s report, the subject of women and peace and security is not being sufficiently utilized to prevent conflict, and much remains to be done at all levels.

Switzerland continues to be one of the major donors to UN-Women and has increased its contribution to CHF48 million Swiss for the period from 2015 to 2017. Earlier this month, we also inaugurated the new UN- Women Liaison Office at Geneva. As the Secretary- General stated, Member States continue to shoulder the primary responsibility for implementing the agenda for women and peace and security.

Both the world and the Council have made progress, but we are still falling short. The task facing the Council is to close the gap between ambition and reality. After the global study and the adoption of the corresponding resolution 2242 (2015) last year, our full attention should be directed to carrying out our tasks to effectively integrate and operationalize the women and peace and security agenda in the daily business of the Council.

The Sudan continues to abide by its commitments in that area. Indeed, we have adopted a strategy for women covering close to a quarter of a century, from 2003 to 2027. We have adopted a national strategy to combat violence against women, a national policy to empower women, a national demographic policy, a national plan for Sudanese women, and a national law against human trafficking, including of women and girls.