The empowerment of women and gender equality are our common responsibility. Every State must take the necessary measures, in the light of its own particular situation. Mexico understands that the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000) are also relevant for countries that are not facing a situation of armed conflict.

That is why we welcome the indicators introduced by the Secretary-General in his report, as they can serve as a valuable instrument for planning and decision-making and can be used as a diagnostic tool and road map. The most important thing is that we be able, in coming years, to assess with certainty that we are heading in the right direction.

Ten years ago, when it adopted resolution 1325 (2000), the Council acknowledged that women and girls suffered disproportionately from the effects of armed conflicts and were frequently the specific and deliberate victims of various forms of violence.

My country is pleased with the tireless efforts carried out by civil society as the engine for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as it is a force for change on the ground. We draw the attention of the Security Council to the importance of the gender perspective and to reprehensible acts of gender related and sexual violence against women.

Mexico believes that this joint discussion is bringing us closer to the goal of eliminating the effect of conflict on women and ensuring their involvement on an equal footing in all aspects of international peace and security. The decisions that we have adopted to protect women's rights and to ensure their participation will be our best investment in a future of peace and stability.

Mexico believes it is crucial that the Security Council adopt a systematic gender approach in its activities and resolutions as a central element for international peace and security and not as something marginal or separate.

I should like to convey to Ms. Bachelet the most heartfelt congratulations from the Government of Mexico upon her appointment as head of UN Women. As she carries out her important mandate, she can rest assured that in Mexico she has an ally committed to gender equality. The women of the world and the women of Latin America in particular are very proud of her appointment.

Furthermore, as we know that women must take part in all aspects of public life, we have promoted the legislative changes necessary to ensure their equal inclusion in decision-making processes in the areas of public security and the prevention of violence.

Despite some progress, much remains to be done for us to meet our responsibility to effectively address the needs of women and to ensure that they do not suffer the effects of violence inherent to armed conflict.

Women and girls are often the first victims of conflict, and they have specific needs after conflict ends that must be taken into account if the conflict is to be brought to a lasting end. It is also critical that women be more involved from the outset in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts at all levels in order to ensure their better participation in development efforts and to increase the likelihood that peace will last.