Women and girls are often the primary victims of conflict and have specific n...

Women and girls are often the primary victims of conflict and have specific needs in post-conflict situations, especially when they have been displaced, are refugees, or have been mistreated or maimed by anti-personnel landmines, as so rightly noted by Ms. Alberdi this morning. Those specific needs must be taken into account in assessing countries' requirements as they emerge permanently from conflict. In post-conflict situations, women must become important engines for peace and security in their communities. It is indeed critical that women be more involved in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts at all levels. The involvement of women in decision-making processes from the start should subsequently provide for their better participation in development efforts.