Colombia appreciates the important role that is given in this report to promoting cooperation mechanisms, constructive dialogue and effective support for efforts being made in different countries, as well as the contributions from the General Assembly aimed at strengthening the national capacities of States in preventing and addressing all forms of violence against women.

As a member of the Commission on the Status of Women and of the Group of Friends of 1325, Colombia reaffirms its support for full implementation of that resolution. We stress the importance of coordinated and consistent support of the United Nations system for national initiatives aimed at building the capacity to address the security needs, recovery and development of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict.

All of that reflects the efforts being made by the Government of Colombia to adopt policies designed to include women at all stages of peacekeeping and peacebuilding while eliminating discrimination against women and promoting their economic, political and social empowerment, as well as their more active participation in development, both in decisionmaking and in enjoying the benefits that development brings.

Women are vulnerable in conflict situations and therefore require special attention. Women can make unique contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security, and their potentials must be further tapped. The Security Council's adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) was important progress in the efforts of the international community to protect women's rights and interests.

Thirdly, in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction, the national ownership of the government and people concerned must be respected. The international community can provide constructive help, but it must adhere to the United Nations Charter and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

Secondly, ensuring the participation of women in conflict resolution and prevention and in rehabilitation and reconstruction is an important part of the efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000). China supports a bigger role for women in good offices and dispute mediation.

Fourthly, in advancing the agenda of women, peace and security, the relevant United Nations organs should collaborate while working in their respective spheres of competence. The Council should, in accordance with its Charter mandate, focus its attention on situations that threaten international peace and security.

First, to avoid and reduce the harm suffered by women in armed conflict, it is first necessary to prevent war and reduce conflicts. The Security Council bears the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.

There can be no doubt that the establishment of UN-Women constitutes a milestone in the defence of the rights and the protection of women. In June, Under-Secretary-General achelet submitted to Member States a first strategic plan, which my country fully supports.

The main action lines of that document are to apply a gender focus to the respect and promotion of human rights; to promote the equal participation of women both in peacekeeping operations and in related decision-making bodies; to bring a gender perspective in the broadest sense of the term to bear on the design, implementation and execution of our international cooperation policies; to strengthen the technical capacity of both public official