Germany

Mr. Matussek (Germany): Germany aligns herself with the statement made by Sweden on behalf of the European Union. As a member of the Group of Friends of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), we attach great importance to the issue of women and peace and security. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for holding this open debate. Women and children need to be protected from violence. Every day, we bear witness to unspeakable atrocities. This is especially the case in post-conflict situations in which police protection does not exist and judicial systems lie in shatters. Institutions need to be rebuilt, but protection cannot wait until the systems are fully functional. Protection must take place from the very first minute of peacebuilding — for the benefit of the victims but also for the benefit of the whole community, since rape and sexual violence destroy the very components of societies. Thus, sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the protection of the most vulnerable, namely, women and children.

What can Member States do? I will give the Council just a few examples. Germany has advocated the inclusion of gender advisers in all European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) missions. The mission of the European Union-led peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had, for the first time, such an adviser among its personnel. During Germany's presidency, gender advisers were part of all ESDP missions. Also, the deployment of female soldiers enhanced the success of operations. For example, the presence of female soldiers to check women and children at checkpoints proved to de-escalate the situation on the ground. In Cambodia, Germany supports a project of the Ministry of Women's and Veteran's Affairs that focuses on capacity-building and gender mainstreaming. Finally, all German police and military personnel must undergo gender training.

Let me suggest and reiterate three more targets. The United Nations needs to continue working together with women's non-governmental organizations on the ground in post-conflict areas. It has to strive to include more women in peacekeeping missions at all levels and to improve its own performance, but also to set an example for the countries concerned. And United Nations entities must expand their activities related to the delivery of basic services that women in post- conflict situations need, especially access to health care, education and justice systems.