In this respect, it is also our belief that the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) can be achieved only through increased recognition of the crucial role of women, as well as their participation and involvement in all efforts aimed at preventing and resolving conflicts. We fully share the opinion that gender equality should be recognized as a core issue in the maintenance of peace and security.

In conclusion, Botswana attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of the rights and interests of women and to advancing the status of women. The Government of Botswana has made major achievements in protecting women from violence and in ensuring a secure environment where their rights are protected and their participation in decision-making bodies is guaranteed.

I would like to extend the gratitude of my delegation to you, Mr. President, for having convened this important meeting on women and peace and security. We congratulate Ms. Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. We assure her of our full support in the discharge of her mandate.

However, we remain concerned that, in spite of the adoption of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), which have become beacons of hope for millions of women and girls, crimes of rape and sexual violence persist. Women and girls continue to be targeted, while rape and sexual violence continue to be used as weapons of war. Women also constitute the majority of the world's refugees and internally displaced persons.

Contemporary conflicts create situations in which women and children are most affected by the deterioration of living conditions and fundamental rights. Deprivation of rights and violence often go hand in hand with conflict. We emphasize that rape as a weapon of war is unacceptable. Efforts to fight impunity, provide assistance to victims and hold perpetrators accountable must be intensified and better coordinated.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken significant steps to integrate the gender perspective into national policies. We are among the first countries in the Western Balkans region to have adopted a national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

We are aware of the fact that peace cannot be sustained unless women play a critical role in the process. We therefore underscore the importance of full and effective participation of women at all stages of peace processes, giving them an equal role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts as well as in early peacebuilding. Women must be fully engaged in peace talks, post-conflict needs assessments and planning frameworks.

The establishment of UN Women, the appointment of its head and the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict are important recent developments.

Indeed, much has been accomplished in the past decade. But much remains to be done to obtain real results for women on the ground. To that end, it is of vital importance for the Security Council to continue to use all tools at its disposal for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as appropriate.

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes and greatly appreciates the convening of this meeting to mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). We view this anniversary as an opportunity to look back on our achievements while also assessing what remains to be done in the next decade in order to fully implement the resolution's provisions and advance women's participation in peace and security.