On 31 October 2000, when resolution 1325 (2000) was solemnly adopted by the Security Council, Burundi was in a good position to implement it, given not only the experience that Burundian actors had recently acquired in Arusha and the backing of international organizations in the support of women of Burundi during the peace process, but also the challenges still to be tackled, in particular, agreeing on a ceasefire with the armed movements and

In this connection, during the Global Open Day for Women and Peace on 11 June 2010, the women of Burundi firmly recommended to the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General for Burundi the establishment of a basket fund that would facilitate the economic recovery of women in the context of post-conflict reconstruction.

In the judicial branch, there is a good level of representation of women in high offices. Three women in fact preside over the following higher courts: the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court and the Administrative Court. In a society characterized by male dominance in the highest State offices, those positions reflect an important change in terms of gender.

In order to fully achieve the objectives of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), women in civil society, under the leadership of the Ministry of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender and in partnership with United Nations agencies, have drawn up plan of action for resolution 1325 (2000) comprising eight pillars that outline the steps to take to make this resolution effective.

In order to ensure that the participation of women becomes more active and grows, there are also the issues of strengthening their capacities and establishing a fund to ensure their continuous participation in various activities, so that they can take charge of their own destiny.

During the same period, two decisive events were under way at the regional and international levels. The first was the Arusha negotiations, which gave the women of Burundi a seat at the negotiating table. The second was the period of the evolution of resolution 1325 (2000), here at the United Nations.

In the occasion of the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), we think that it is necessary to step up our commitment to a complete implementation of its noble objectives in a number of ways.

With respect to sexual violence, the situation is the more terrible for its unequalled scale and the unspeakable suffering of its victims. Even some refugee camps and displaced persons camps have become unsafe places for women and girls, instead of being islands of peace.

Unfortunately, that progress and all of those efforts and the regular consideration of the issue of women and peace and security by the Security Council have not ensured the protection of women and girls during conflicts, nor their full involvement and participation at all stages of the peace process, not to mention the fact that the issue of the inequalities and disparities between men and women continues to be a challenge.

To conclude, I would like to recall that my country, Burkina Faso, adopted in 2009 a national gender policy, which was drawn up in a participatory and inclusive way. For its implementation a three-year plan of action — 2011 to 2013 — was drafted and adopted. In terms of gender equality, the adoption of a law setting quotas of 30 per cent in the legislative and municipal elections is an important step forward.