We are also encouraged by the commitment of the Secretary-General to increase...

We are also encouraged by the commitment of the Secretary-General to increase the number of women in decision-making positions, as confirmed by the Deputy Secretary-General this morning. We urge other heads of international organizations and regional organizations to do the same and appoint more women as high-level mediators and members of negotiating teams. Secondly, we must extend support to women suffering from the consequences of conflict by working to provide them with greater physical security. The Security Council has mandated many United Nations peacekeeping operations to respond to violence against civilians, but the Council has not fully succeeded in meeting the high expectations.