Peacekeeping operations are one of the most important tools available to the ...

Peacekeeping operations are one of the most important tools available to the United Nations to protect civilians in armed conflict. Resolution 1894 (2009), resolutions relating to children and armed conflict and to women and peace and security, the mandating of peacekeeping missions to protect civilians, the creation of the informal expert group on the protection of civilians and the adoption of aides memoire on the protection of civilians have been important steps forward.

During its annual debate on women and peace and security last month (see S/PV.6642), the Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2011/20) on women's participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution, in which it reiterated its condemnation of all violations of applicable international law committed against women and girls in situations of armed conflict. As I commend those developments, may I add that the presence of uniformed female personnel may also play a pivotal role in a State's ability to protect its citizens. I take this opportunity to refer to the efforts of the allfemale formed police unit from Bangladesh working in the peacekeeping Mission in Haiti.