Resolution 1325 reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building.We acknowledge that in some parts of the world women have become increasingly effective participants at the peace table and have continued to assist in creating an enabling environment for conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peace building and post-conflict construction.

My delegation is aware that Security Council Resolution 1325 does not exist in a vacuum. Many resolutions, including 1820 and 1888 which focus on sexual violence in situations of armed conflict were created on the momentum generated by resolution 1325. Treaties, conventions, statements and reports also preceded it, and thus, formed its foundation and an integral part of the women, peace and security policy framework.

Jamaica has played its part in ensuring the participation of women in peace and security over the years through its increased presence in UN Peacekeeping Operations. We have also been encouraging the recruitment of women police officers to peacekeeping missions being keenly aware of the impact their service and experience have had on the UN and host country's recognition of the role of women in peace and security.

I wlsh, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica to thank you Mr. President for convening this open debate on women's equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security,Resolution 1325 unanimously adopted in the Security Council ten years ago, brought to light one of history's best kept secrets, the disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women and girls.

Finally, the United Nations Population Fund State of World Population 2010 report — “From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change” — speaks of the three Rs, resilience, renewal and redefining roles between boys and girls and men and women. It further shows how communities and civil society are healing old wounds and moving forward.

Although late in coming, my delegation is pleased to note that on this the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325, there are now signs of increased commitment and action by the Security Council to ensure that the goals of the resolution are fully implemented. The Security Council's expressed intention to take action on a comprehensive set of indicators on the implementation of resolution 1325 is an encouraging development.

The anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) provides a unique opportunity for Member States and the United Nations system to take concrete steps to enhance its implementation. In this regard, allow me to express my appreciation for the Council's decision to take forward the set of indicators developed by the Secretary-General to track the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

One of the main objectives of the Italian action plan is to strengthen the participation of women in peacekeeping missions and their decision-making bodies. Italy has long honoured its pledge to avoid gender discrimination, enrolling women in all its national armed forces. This has resulted in an increase in the number of women in that field and in their participation at all levels and stages of peacekeeping operations.

Let me start by reiterating Italy's full commitment to adopting a national action plan. An inter-ministerial committee of committed administrations and departments has been working on a draft action plan, which is now at an advanced stage, and I am pleased to announce that it is expected to be finalized and adopted by the end of this year.

Another priority of the plan is cooperation with countries beset by conflict and with their institutional stakeholders, non-governmental organizations and civil society to enhance their invaluable work. One possible example of such cooperation would be opening ad hoc local facilities to accommodate and rehabilitate women who fall victim to violence and sexual abuse.