The importance of women's participation in confiict prevention, conflict resolution and reconstruction is clearly addressed in landmark Security Council resolutions 1325 and 1820, on women, peace and security. I would go as far as to say that "1325" is one of the best-known resolutions the Security Council has adopted. More so, it should also be one of the mostly widely implemented resolutions.

The Netherlands is committed to strengthening partnerships with men through financial support of training efforts. An active role for women is essential in interventions aimed at ending conflicts and increase security, stability and human security globally. But is not enough. We need the partnership of men.

The Netherlands has from the beginning put its full weight behind the implementation of 1325 and following resolutions. On 4 December 2007 the Netherlands adopted the Dutch National Action Plan (NAP) on SCR 1325, relying on a broad support base.

The Dutch government has summed up its efforts and results so far in a booklet that will be launched next month: "The Dutch Do's on Women, Peace and Security." Ten years after the adoption of 1325, we can say that more perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to justice in the DRC. That more women take part in decision making processes in Sudan. That more Afghan women demand support in exchange for their vote.

Our second commitment is the Dutch support to the Justice Rapid Response initiative to bring perpetrators to justice. This muitilateral stand-by facility gives UN entities and Member States access to a roster of rapidly deployable criminal justice professionals.

Women cannot be the silent bearers of the pain and sorrows of conflict, with all of the psychosocial trauma and stigmatization that implies. They are peacemakers and the very foundation of social cohesion and integration. They are an inherent part of the reconstruction and rebuilding of our country.

We are appreciative of the various notable efforts in a broad range of areas that the United Nations system, Member States, civil society and other actors have made towards implementing resolution 1325 (2000). But there are many areas in which our concerted efforts are still much needed. My delegation wishes to see an increased number of women in high-ranking positions in the United Nations system, as well as peacekeepers in the field.

The Government of Nepal has adopted various measures to fight gender-related violence, establishing a toll-free hotline in the Office of the Prime Minister, a gender violence prevention fund, and gender violence control committees in every district in the country.

My Government attaches great importance to resolution 1325 (2000), and we are in the final stage of preparing our national action plan for the effective implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). As a nation emerging from conflict and moving towards lasting peace, stability and prosperity, Nepal is fully aware of the benefits of effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

My delegation wishes to express its sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, for organizing this important open debate on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.