Vietnam

I thank you, Mr. President, and the delegation of Uganda for convening this important high-level meeting to mark the tenth anniversary of the historic resolution 1325 (2000). We thank the Secretary-General for his report contained in document S/2010/498, on women and peace and security, as well as his report contained in document S/2010/466, on women's participation in peacebuilding, which he presented to the Council a few days ago.

Following the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we have noted with appreciation the Security Council's increased commitment to women's role in peace and security, which has been illustrated not only in its active participation, but also in its role as key promoter in the United Nations system in advancing the women and peace and security agenda. We are heartened to see greater awareness at both the national and international levels, resulting in an unprecedented number of activities carried out in highly diverse forms and in a wide range of areas by all stakeholders to promote women's role and rights in relation to peace and security.

We particularly commend the adoption early this year of the three-year Joint Strategy on Gender and Mediation initiated by the Department of Political Affairs and UNIFEM, and the proposed seven-point action plan, which contains actions needed to enhance women's participation in peacebuilding — a fundamental factor to prevent war and empower women. In this connection, we sincerely hope that the newly established UN Women, once it has completed its transitional arrangements, will become a stronger entity and take the lead in the women and peace and security agenda. At the national level, among other things, the national action plans being designed, adopted and put in place represent a meaningful contribution. We hope that adequate resources will be made available to ensure the full implementation of these plans.

My delegation is of the view that much more remains to be done to better protect women and girls from all forms of violence in conflict and post-conflict situations, further empower them and increase their participation in all stages of peace processes. The fact that women have constituted less than 8 per cent of negotiators in United Nations-mediated peace processes and less than 3 per cent of peace agreement signatories since 1992; that only 16 per cent of peace agreements between 1990 and 2010 contained references to women; and that less than 3 per cent of post-conflict spending is dedicated to women is unacceptable.

My delegation appreciates the monumental work done by United Nations entities, in consultation with Member States and civil societies, in building the set of indicators annexed to the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/498). We share the view that the indicators can provide a helpful tool kit for the United Nations system and those countries that wish to use them on a voluntary basis. At the same time, we believe that certain indicators need more careful consideration in order for the whole set to be balanced and of an encouraging rather than an imposing character, and hence more effective.