Peacekeepers are tasked with establishing an environment of security to allow for the resumption of political processes. This requires the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes, including for children affected by conflict, security sector reform programmes, and programmes strengthening the rule of law.

Peacekeeping is an important component of the peacemaking exercise, and greater attention should be given and greater efforts be made to address the issues at the root of conflicts, including issues relating to economic and social development. In peacekeeping it is imperative to formulate and gradually improve transition and exit strategies and to improve dovetailing with peacebuilding.

We also support the Secretariat in their continued efforts to elaborate more advanced, scenario-based training, especially regarding the protection of civilians and response to conflict-related sexual violence.

We applaud its recent decision to explore the security implications of such divergent topics as development; cultural and religious tolerance; HIV/AIDS; and women, peace and security. Yet the Council would render itself irrelevant if it chose to ignore the biggest security threat of our time.

The principles guiding the Security Council when it adopted its landmark resolution 1325 (2000), on women, peace and security, must also guide the Council's work when addressing the security implications of climate change. Women should be portrayed not only as victims of climate change, but also as fundamental actors in action against it.

Important progress has been made over the past year. We welcome the expansion of the triggers for listing to include the killing and maiming of children, rape and other sexual violence. We also welcome the exchange of information among the sanctions committees.

Last but not least, the Human Security Network invites the Council to enhance its efforts in order to approach the protection of civilians in a more systematic and coordinated manner, taking into account the situation of children and women. We therefore appreciate the fact that consultations on how to foster such synergies were held under Brazilian presidency of the Council in February.

I have met girls whose colleagues stay away from school because, as female students, they may be the victims of acid attacks

Since 1998, the Council has adopted eight resolutions on this issue. It has asked me to report on the recruitment and use of child soldiers, the killing and maiming of children, rape and other sexual violence, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access to children by parties to armed conflict.

My delegation believes that this exchange of information must be substantively strengthened among United Nations agencies, the various Security Council committees and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. Of equal importance is capacity-building and awareness-raising of military personnel deployed in the field so that they can adequately respond to situations involving sexual violence