Netherlands

The Netherlands has for decades put gender equality at the heart of all its policies. Internationally, we support female leadership, the follow-up of resolution 1325 (2000), women's economic empowerment and the elimination of sexual violence against women. Equal rights and opportunities for women and their full participation in society and decision-making are important not just for the security of women; women are powerful agents for peace, stability and prosperity in any society.

First, we support enhancing monitoring, research and reporting, as well as putting in place an appropriate mechanism or procedure by the Security Council to systematically monitor commitments by parties to conflict so as to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence.

Thirdly, we support the recommendations on increasing attention given to the role of small arms, as was successfully done in the negotiations on the Arms Trade Treaty.

Because of the important role of women, since 2007 the Netherlands has invested in national action plans, together with civil society organizations, research institutions and other Government institutions — altogether more than 40 partners. The objective of those partnerships is to create an enabling environment in which women are better able to take a leading role and to participate in political decision-making processes. Within the United Nations, the Netherlands wants to continue its proactive role within the United Nations Human Rights Council, the General Assembly and the Commission on the Status of Women. We are also committed, and a long-term supporter of, the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women.