My delegation would like to take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of Ms. Bachelet. This move was a demonstration of the firm commitment of United Nations Member States and the Secretary-General to achieving the objectives and goals of advancing the equal participation and full involvement of women in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. We would like to assure Ms.

My delegation believes that the full participation of women in the prevention and resolution of conflict has become a critical element in adequately addressing such tragedies. Placing women in leadership positions, at senior levels, as decision makers in peace consolidation processes, in public life and in transitional Governments could provide space for gender perspectives in order to resolve conflict and achieve stability.

It is also for this very reason that South Africa condemns in the strongest terms possible the mass rapes committed in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the past two months. We call for the urgent identification of the perpetrators of these war crimes so that they may be brought to justice. The days of impunity at the expense of women and children are over.

It is a shame that sexual violence against women, particularly in armed conflicts, still exists and has not yet been fully resolved. Sexual violence is one of the major tragedies in conflict and post-conflict situations, where women and girls bear the brunt and often become casualties.

It has been 10 years since the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000), following the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Resolution 1325 (2000) reaffirms the need to implement the obligations of these instruments, aimed at addressing the situation of women in armed conflict.

In conclusion, we support the set of indicators contained in the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/498) and trust that their application will go a long way towards speeding the implementation of 1325 (2000). The United Nations has come a long way and played a critical part in defining the role of women, particularly in conflict situations. Nonetheless, a lot of support to these women is still required.

In Africa, the African Union and subregional organizations, as well as civil society, play a pivotal and strategic role in the prevention and resolution of conflict. Women are always ready to play a role in conflict resolution initiatives, such as the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, both of which are vital to peace, security, stability and prosperity.

As we commemorate the tenth year of resolution 1325 (2000), South Africa believes that, while progress has been made in the implementation of its provisions, a lot remains to be done in achieving its objectives.

Solomon Islands has adopted various conflict-prevention mechanisms in an effort to prevent the country from sliding back into conflict. The South African model of a truth and reconciliation commission is operating, allowing victims to seek justice and offenders forgiveness.

To localize resolution 1325 (2000) in small island developing States, we must look at the challenges women face on a daily basis, in particular the impact of climate change, which is now a threat multiplier.