Strengthening the rule of law as an essential element in the search for lasting solutions to sexual violence in conflict is one aspect addressed in the report of the Secretary General. My delegation would like to highlight that approach and to encourage the United Nations to continue to broaden it.

Strengthening the role and capacity of women, as well as justice and the enforcement of their rights, is of utmost importance for the Government of Colombia. In that effort, the contribution of the United Nations system and the international community is essential.

Resolution 1888 (2009) includes provisions for increasing the participation of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. We agree that their participation in that regard contributes to creating an atmosphere of trust in which women and children can expose the abuses to which they are subjected.

International efforts by the Organization, in particular the establishment of UN Women, contribute to strengthening coordination and cooperation in the implementation of mandates on women peace and security.

For several months, therefore, Colombia has been a contributor to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, providing two female police officers with a strong background in human rights and the protection of children and adolescents. Colombia would like to reiterate its willingness to step up its contribution in that regard.

Colombia, in its capacity as one of the Friends of 1325, will continue to closely monitor developments in the area of women and peace and security and reiterates its commitment to the implementation of policies, plans and programmes that expand and strengthen the role of women in peacebuilding.

Colombia endorses the repeated statements issued by the Security Council in connection with all acts of sexual violence and other violence against civilians in armed conflict, in particular against women and children. We regret the fact that, despite those statements, various armed groups continue to commit such acts.

Allow me first to emphasize the importance of the role of the United Nations in promoting the participation of women in achieving peace, security and development, as well as in the initiatives undertaken in response to the problem of sexual violence in conflicts.

Secondly, national Governments bear the primary responsibility for combating crimes of sexual violence. The international community should focus on providing affected countries with assistance, seek their understanding and cooperation, help strengthen their capacity-building, make progress in security sector reform and improve mechanisms in the areas of the rule of law, judicial assistance and compensation.

We call on the relevant national Governments to investigate crimes and bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against women in armed conflict. We urge the States that have not yet done so to accede to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women as soon as possible.