Conflict-related sexual violence can disenfranchize and displace entire communities. Such outcomes are only the beginning of a spiral of social decline triggered by armed conflict. That chain reaction was recognized in resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), and our efforts to combat impunity, instill cultures of accountability, tackle deep-rooted attitudes and ultimately protect the vulnerable must now be intensified.

As the nature of conflict evolves, not only are civilians more frequently targeted, but we are also witnessing a disturbing trend in the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war. The international community is rightly appalled by such trends, and it is also our responsibility to take action to protect civilians and prevent such incidents.

All persons of good conscience should be appalled by the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, visited upon the most vulnerable members of society. Although only recently appointed, Ms. Wallström has already brought sexual violence in conflict firmly into the foreground of the international peace and security landscape.

The Netherlands would like to congratulate the Secretary-General on his excellent report (S/2010/604) and on its recommendations. We also wholeheartedly co-sponsored resolution 1960 (2010), which was introduced by the United States in its capacity as the current President of the Security Council. We agree with the emphasis on applying listing and de-listing criteria with regard to parties to armed conflict.

The Netherlands is committed to strengthening the protection against and the prevention of conflict related sexual violations and violence. We provide financial support to scenario-based training on sexual violence for United Nations peacekeepers, which is referred to both in the Secretary-General's report and in the new resolution.

That has implications for the way that United Nations and other missions are planned, but also for their composition. The Netherlands is committed to supporting such a development through practical contributions, such as training.

In the context of the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) and of the third year of the Dutch national action plan, the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence jointly produced a publication entitled The Dutch Do's on Women, Peace and Security —

Finally, we are pleased to announce bilateral collaboration between the Netherlands and Spain in the development of more civilian and military gender capacity so as to increase operational readiness. We have a responsibility to arrive well prepared at our

"In addition, the Netherlands supports a training initiative on the protection of human rights and the prevention of sexual violence with the Congolese Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo. That innovative project makes use of footage from the award-winning documentary Weapon of War, about the perpetrators of sexual violence."

With the establishment of the mandate of the Special Representative, an important step was taken to address this phenomenon, and in the short time that she has held that post Ms. Wallström has made it clear that, while there are broad challenges, it is possible to provide a comprehensive and effective response to victims of sexual violence and to make that issue a priority of our strategies for peace and reconciliation.