European Union

The number of national and regional action plans adopted for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) has continued to increase. This provides us with an opportunity to compare different experiences to guide the formulation of new plans and review the existing plans. Moreover, with 26 out of 37 national action plans now equipped with indicators, we are better placed to evaluate their actual implementation and results. The European Union adopted a comprehensive approach for the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) in 2008. It has also established indicators to evaluate and assess gaps in its action plans. In March 2012, the European Union reported on its implementation of those resolutions in the context of our Common Security and Defence Policy. More than half of all European Union member States have by now adopted national action plans.

We thank the Secretary-General for his report on strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution (A/66/811) and its annex I, entitled “Guidance for Effective Mediation”, which highlight the importance of women's participation in peace processes. While women were present in 86 per cent of the United Nations mediation support teams involved in 14 peace negotiations in 2011, only four of the negotiating party delegations included a woman delegate. Only two out of nine peace agreements signed contained women and peace and security provisions.

Women's perspectives and voices are essential to tackling the security, social and economic challenges facing communities emerging from conflict. The engagement of women's leaders and organizations needs to be systematically supported in peace processes to ensure their involvement from the early stages. Lack of security, limiting mobility and access, has an immense and negative impact on women's participation in decision-making in conflict and post-conflict settings. Moreover, women who engage actively to promote women's rights and perspectives often become targets for violence. We urge the Council to continue to work to ensure the protection of human rights defenders.

In July 2011, the EU set out an initial programme in response to a Libyan request for capacity-building training for both civil society and new public service bodies. As part of those projects, a course for women was delivered in Misrata in June to support women in leadership positions and emerging women leaders and managers. The partnership established with the EU, UN-Women and the United Nations Development Programme on enhancing women's participation in peacebuilding and post-conflict planning aims to promote close cooperation among all stakeholders.

In conclusion, we are deeply concerned about the references in the Secretary-General's report to the continued use of sexual violence and threats of sexual violence as tactics of conflict over the past year, including in Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Syria and northern Mali. We welcome and further encourage drawing on the support of gender experts in United Nations commissions of inquiry.

Finally, our actions need to measure up to our words. The European Union continues to be active with regard to women and peace and security in more than 70 countries. It supports the development and implementation of national action plans, non-governmental organizations and training for governmental agencies. Let me affirm our commitment to continue that work in cooperation with all partners, including women's organizations, whose contributions remain key to the legitimacy and sustainability of our efforts.