Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security acknowledged that women are not just victims of armed conflict and that their equal and full participation is of vital importance in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery.
In the past 10 years, many activities have been carried out to strengthen the role of women during and after conflict. However, this anniversary reminds us that despite those efforts, much needs to be done in the protection of women and in the promotion of the participation of women at the decision-making level, in conflict resolution and in peace processes.
Violence against women, especially sexual and gender-based violence, persists in conflicts. Recent events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have shown that women continue to be deliberate targets of injustice and sexual violence in the conflict and its aftermath.
In his report (S/2010/498), the Secretary-General takes up United Nations activities in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The report shows that a vast range of activities has been carried out in the past 10 years. However, the fragmentation of those activities demonstrates the need to streamline and coordinate the action of all members of the international community. Slovenia supports the Secretary-General's recommendation to develop a single comprehensive framework that consists of an agreed set of goals, targets and indicators to guide the implementation of the resolution in its second decade.
We are of the opinion that the issue of women, peace and security needs to be addressed in a holistic and comprehensive manner. We welcome the Security Council's decision to take forward the set of indicators developed by the Secretary-General to track the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in situations of armed conflict as well as post-conflict and other situations. We hope that the indicators will now become operational.
Slovenia also supports the recommendation to establish a dedicated working group to review progress in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and to make recommendations to the Security Council on how to address gaps and challenges to accelerate progress in the implementation of the resolution.
Stronger steps should be taken to address accountability and to end impunity for perpetrators of violations. The Security Council should impose targeted and graduated measures against all parties to a conflict responsible for grave violations of women's rights, including sexual violence. Sexual violence should be a priority element in all Council resolutions mandating the sanctions committees.
We all have a responsibility to implement resolution 1325 (2000). The development of national action plans is a key means by which Member States commit themselves to fulfilling that responsibility. I would like to report that Slovenia is about to finalize and adopt such an action plan. The goal is to interconnect existing national and international activities addressing a broader concept of women, peace and security in order to translate them into genuine political commitments, and thus accelerate the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and contribute to the empowerment and protection of women.
We all have a responsibility to implement resolution 1325 (2000). The development of national action plans is a key means by which Member States commit themselves to fulfilling that responsibility. I would like to report that Slovenia is about to finalize and adopt such an action plan. The goal is to interconnect existing national and international activities addressing a broader concept of women, peace and security in order to translate them into genuine political commitments, and thus accelerate the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and contribute to the empowerment and protection of women.
In Slovenia, gender equality is a priority not only in the field of human rights and development cooperation but also in security and defence policy. Since 2008, much has been done to promote gender equality in the security and defence sector. Those activities range from awareness-raising and training to the adoption and modification of legislation and other measures, including codes of conduct. The recently adopted strategy on the participation of the Republic of Slovenia in international operations and missions promotes equal opportunities with regard to such efforts at all levels, irrespective of gender.
Lastly, let me take this opportunity to encourage the Security Council to continue to address the issue of women, peace and security and to seek the most effective means to improve the situation of women in armed conflict. With a comprehensive United Nations approach and increased ownership by Member States over their activities, the plight of women in situations of armed conflict and its aftermath can be eliminated.