Ukraine stands fully committed to the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009). However, there must be a coherent strategy to cover all aspects of the protection of women and women's rights. In that regard, Ukraine welcomes the establishment of the United Nations composite entity, UN Women.

Today's debate presents yet another important opportunity to promote the effective, coherent and systematic implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), which gave much-needed and welcome visibility to the question of women's empowerment, their role as peacebuilders and their vulnerable position as victims of war.

In line with the position of the European Union, Ukraine considers gender equality, gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women not only as important objectives but also as the means to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and as an essential part of the development agenda.

In conclusion, Ukraine reiterates its readiness to continue to work constructively with other Member States in order to ensure the protection of women in armed conflict and women's participation in peace processes.

Despite all international efforts, women continue to be the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict and to be targeted with the most brutal forms of sexual violence. In addition to that, women also experience the trauma of losing relatives and friends in armed conflict, as well as having to take responsibility for the care of surviving family members. They also constitute the majority of refugees and displaced persons.

At the same time, women are still underrepresented in decision-making with regard to conflict resolution. Their initiatives and visions for peace and security are rarely heard during peace negotiations. In that regard, I would like to stress that the international community should use the potential of women as agents of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

As an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping efforts, Ukraine has for years contributed women civilian police and military observers to the Organization's peacekeeping missions. We believe that the presence of women in United Nations missions can foster confidence and trust among local populations, which are critical elements in any peacekeeping mission.

As a non-permanent member of the Council in 2000, Ukraine was one of the 15 countries that voted for resolution 1325 (2000). That decision by the Council has been a milestone document on the empowerment of women. We welcome the latest report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the resolution (S/2010/498) and support its recommendations.

We are also institutionalizing gender-based violence training in key institutions for training of security forces including those involved in peacekeeping missions.

Uganda recognizes the progress that has been made by the United Nations and the wider international community towards enhancing the participation of women in conflict resolution, peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction. However, there are still situations in which conflicts continue to have a devastating impact on women and girls.