Croatia
Mr. Vilović (Croatia): Let me begin by extending my congratulations to ...
Mr. Vilović (Croatia): Let me begin by extending my congratulations to you, Sir, and to your delegation on your assumption of the presidency for the month of October and assuring you of the full cooperation and support of my delegation. At the same time, I extend our thanks to the delegation of the United States for their able leadership during the very difficult month of September. I express our appreciation to you, Sir, and to the Vietnamese presidency for initiating this meeting and for your leadership role in the adoption of today's resolution 1889 (2009). I also welcome your personal contribution, Sir, reflected in your presence and your chairing of the meeting today.
Croatia welcomes the focus on the need of women and girls in post-conflict s...
Croatia welcomes the focus on the need of women and girls in post-conflict situations for sustainable peace and security. Croatia also welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) (S/2009/456) and its recommendations.
We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered later by the represent...
We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. Here, I shall make additional remarks in my national capacity. Almost a decade has passed since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). We have witnessed much progress in the area of the empowerment of women. Women have been trained in leadership, and there has been an increase in the number of female peacekeeping personnel. The Security Council has, for its part, contributed to significant advancements on the issues of women and children that are on its agenda. It has adopted resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) on sexual violence in armed conflict, under the umbrella issue of women and peace and security, as well as resolution 1882 (2009) that addresses, among other matters, the problem of sexual violence against girls.
These commitments are commendable, but we are of the belief that putting word...
These commitments are commendable, but we are of the belief that putting words into action is the only way that we can approach the resolution of remaining issues. And those issues are many. As many situations on the agenda of the Security Council have shown, women still have a long way to go in order to fulfill the empowerment goals as well as to fully realize their human rights, not only in armed conflict but in times of peace as well. Women still do not enjoy equal participation or full involvement in mediation and negotiation processes. Nor have they participated equally in post-conflict reconstruction processes. Notwithstanding these shortfalls, what concerns us most is the telling failure that women and girls are still not guaranteed safety even in camps for refugees and internally displaced persons.
As reported by UNIFEM, there is a substantial gap in financing women's needs ...
As reported by UNIFEM, there is a substantial gap in financing women's needs in post-conflict situations. How did that happen? The answer is clear: women have not been included from the very beginning of peace processes, especially in peace negotiations. It is essential that we reach the goal of having at least 30 per cent of the members of the official negotiating delegations whom we appoint be women, so that the needs of women in post-conflict peacebuilding are recognized and are addressed from the very beginning.
Croatia has included elements of resolution 1325 (2000) in its national stra...
Croatia has included elements of resolution 1325 (2000) in its national strategy on gender equality, but we are aware that gaps in the implementation of that resolution need to be continuously monitored. In that regard, my Government extends its support to the leadership of the composite gender entity that is to be established within the United Nations. We see it as an important tool in advancing the issue of women and peace and security.