We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/498). The set of indicators annexed to the report provides a good and objective basis for monitoring the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). It is our hope that the Council will endorse those indicators.

We have to make concerted efforts to support and strengthen the capacities of women and their networks to actively participate in all processes of conflict prevention and management, as well as in peacebuilding and peace consolidation.

Thirdly, women's political and economic empowerment and the promotion and protection of women's and girls' rights are critical for promoting women's participation in conflict prevention, post-conflict activities and gender mainstreaming in post-conflict strategies.

The adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) was an important milestone in empowering women in the critical areas of peace and security, where women have often been deliberate targets and silent victims of violent conflicts. The effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is therefore a necessity. In this regard we wish to emphasize the following points.

Sixthly, we must support UN Women, which is well placed to coordinate the various actors within the United Nations system and bring coherence to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Secondly, women's participation in peace processes and post-conflict planning should be routine,predictable and mandatory. Such participation must now be the norm, not tokenism.

Fourthly, support for post-conflict countries should include reform of their justice systems and security sectors to ensure that there is a credible and supportive environment for the participation and protection of women.

First, there is a need to create more awareness and to provide technical support for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions, such as 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1889 (2009), specifically in national gender machineries, foreign affairs ministries, the judiciary and the army.

Fifthly, impunity for all those who abuse women and girls and violate their human rights, as well as for those who commission such acts, must cease forthwith. These persons must be speedily brought to justice.

As an equal component of any society, women should have equal and active participation in formulating political, economic and social policies. Equally, as victims of exclusion, as vulnerable targets in conflicts and as mothers and breadwinners, women have high stakes in conflict prevention and resolution, and in all issues related to peace and security.