In addition to military efforts, the Afghan Government is engaged in a comprehensive outreach initiative aimed at achieving lasting peace and security. The Afghan-led peace process calls on the Taliban to lay down their arms and join the peace process and reconciliation efforts.

As shown in the 2010 mid-year report of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (S/2010/463), the number of civilian casualties due to violence in my country has increased. In the first six months of 2010, there were 3,268 civilian casualties, including 1,271 deaths as a result of armed conflict — or an average of over 18 civilian casualties a day. It shows a 31 per cent increase from the same period last year.

I thank you, Mr. President, and the delegation of Uganda for convening this important high-level meeting to mark the tenth anniversary of the historic resolution 1325 (2000). We thank the Secretary-General for his report contained in document S/2010/498, on women and peace and security, as well as his report contained in document S/2010/466, on women's participation in peacebuilding, which he presented to the Council a few days ago.

As a nation deeply committed to women's emancipation and empowerment, Viet Nam has always supported the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), and our contribution to the drafting and adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) by the Security Council in October 2009 is just one example of this.

My delegation appreciates the monumental work done by United Nations entities, in consultation with Member States and civil societies, in building the set of indicators annexed to the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/498). We share the view that the indicators can provide a helpful tool kit for the United Nations system and those countries that wish to use them on a voluntary basis.

We congratulate Ms. Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as Executive Director of the newly established United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and we welcome her participation in today's meeting of the Council. We assure her of our full cooperation in the execution of her important mandate.

Following the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we have noted with appreciation the Security Council's increased commitment to women's role in peace and security, which has been illustrated not only in its active participation, but also in its role as key promoter in the United Nations system in advancing the women and peace and security agenda.

Women, being not merely victims, but rather agents of change, should be able to involve themselves more in peace talks to better reflect their priorities in the text of peace agreements.

We particularly commend the adoption early this year of the three-year Joint Strategy on Gender and Mediation initiated by the Department of Political Affairs and UNIFEM, and the proposed seven-point action plan, which contains actions needed to enhance women's participation in peacebuilding — a fundamental factor to prevent war and empower women.

My delegation is of the view that much more remains to be done to better protect women and girls from all forms of violence in conflict and post-conflict situations, further empower them and increase their participation in all stages of peace processes.