India

In Sikhism, women are considered to have the same souls as men and an equal right to grow spiritually. They are allowed to lead religious congregations, take part in the Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), perform Kirtan (congregational singing of hymns), work as a Granthi, and participate in all religious, cultural, social, and secular activities.

We are taking further steps towards increasing the participation of women to 50 % in these institutions, which will take the number of elected women to 1.6 to 1.8 million. Presently, a Bill for the same is under the consideration of the Parliament of India. There are, perhaps, more democratically elected women in India alone than in the rest of the world put together. This political empowerment of women is an unprecedented feat in the entire history ofthe world.

When Resolution 1325 was adopted unanimously in 2000, it was a landmark resolution dealing with women's issues in the area of international peace and security. Recognizing this, the Secretary General made a very pertinent point by saying that although women suffered the impact of conflict disproportionately, they also held the key to the solutions ofthe conflict.

We can reach lasting peace and security in any country only when women are represented at the negotiating table or in talks on post-conflict reconstruction. In the same vein, let me add that the three pillars of lasting peace name,ly, economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy, cannot be achieved without active engagement engagement of women.

Let me also add my voice to other speakers who had called for greater deployment of female military and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations, and to provide all military and police personnel with adequate training to carry out their responsibilities. In this regard, we encourage, especiallly those who champion the importance of participation of women peacekeepers and also have the inclination and capacity, to do so.

India even has the distinction of being the first country to deploy a full female peacekeeping unit of 100 personnel in Liberia in 2007. This oft cited Indian example, unfortunately still remains a rarity.

The United Nations system, Member States and civil society have made steady and noticeable efforts in implementing Resolution 1325.

The UN system has also come up with a useful set of indicators as global markers of progress in the implementation of Resolution 1325. India has taken note of the twenty six global set of indicators in the four key areas.

We are happy that the Member States were able to reach consensus earlier this year in establishing the UN WOMEN, which will be fully operational by January 2011. With consolidation of authority and responsibility within the UN System on women issues, I am positive that tbe UN system will also coherently coordinate and assist Member States, upon their request, in the implementation of the Resolution 1325.

There is a need for more stringent regulations in combating and eliminating this menace. We would also request the Secretary General further strengthen his efforts to ensure zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

I would like to reiterate India's frrm commitment to its international obligations flowing out of the Resolution 1325 and its successor resolutions and look forward to engaging constructively and proactively with other delegations in the Security Council from the beginning of next year, when we assume our responsibility as a member ofthe Security Council.