Switzerland

Switzerland thanks the Guatemalan presidency for proposing this discussion, as well as the Indian presidency, which took it up again after Hurricane Sandy. We would also like to thank the Deputy Secretary- General for having presented the report (S/2012/732) on the implementation of the strategic framework for the promotion of women and peace and security. The report shows, in our view, the usefulness of the global indicators in measuring progress — or sometimes the lack of progress — in a systematic, transparent, honest and critical way.

First, on mediation, the Secretary-General's report provides us with important facts and figures. Unfortunately, it comes to the conclusion that progress remains limited with regard to the inclusion of women in peace talks and the inclusion of women's issues in peace agreements. Our challenge today is to identify opportunities for their participation and to offer them such opportunities at all levels. There is no shortage of capable and well-trained women, as a number of mediation training events for women and women's networks have taken place all over the world.

On security sector reform, gender-based violence can be rooted in traditional values and norms, stereotypes and structures that are transmitted through education and perpetuated by civil society. These stereotypes, values and norms are mirrored in the security sector, which is also one of the key areas to focus on in the fight against discrimination and gender- based violence. If the security sector is to be effective in fighting impunity for crimes committed against women, it must be reformed, taking into account sexist clichés and patterns of deep-rooted discrimination against women, and by including women's networks in the process.

Finally, I have the pleasure today to announce the launch of another important publication supported by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the Handbook on Women, Peace and Security, by the NGO Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. It is the second edition of the Handbook and examines the degree to which the Security Council has incorporated women, peace and security into its geographical work over the past 12 years, specifically in the Council's country-specific resolutions. The Handbook also contains important recommendations and is available electronically as a smartphone application so that all can have access at any point to language involving women, peace and security. We encourage all Council members to use the Handbook to better strengthen the links between geographical and thematic work.