We have experienced this first hand in our region. Earlier this year, representatives of Armenian and Azerbaijani women's non-governmental organizations discussed ways to find peaceful solutions to theNagorny Karabakh conflict. The peace dialogues are oriented towards increasing the role of Armenian and Azerbaijani women in peace processes and towards the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Peacebuilding needs the involvement of women. Women's roles in peacebuilding in Bosnia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and many other places in recent decades highlight the importance of their full participation. Women need to be present to discuss issues such as genocide, impunity and security if just and enduring peace is to be built.

Having had the privilege to chair the fifty-fourth session of the Commission on the Status of Women earlier this year, I would like to emphasize that special attention needs to be paid to children who are victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence, especially girls, who are usually the largest group of victims in armed conflict. In addition to the physical damage, sexual violence often leaves lasting harm and stigma.

As we discuss the role of women in peacemaking and peacebuilding, we cannot ignore an issue that is inextricably tied to it — violence against women and girls in conflict situations. It is unfortunate that, despite the existence of international legal instruments and normative mechanisms, there has been a disturbing escalation in levels of sexual violence during and after armed conflicts

Armenia takes note of some positive developments. During the past decade, the Security Council has put in place a normative framework for women's participation in peace processes, the elimination of sexual violence in armed conflict, the protection and promotion of women's human rights, and the mainstreaming of gender equality and perspectives in the context of armed conflict, peacebuilding and reconstruction.

Let me start with a quotation from the Beijing Platform for Action: “Peace is inextricably linked with equality between women and men and development” (A/CONF.177/20, annex II, para. 131). Although a very simple and straightforward statement, it goes to the heart of what we are discussing today, namely, that gender equality and security go hand in hand.

During the past decade, particular attention has been paid to addressing some of the specific crimes experienced by women and girls during armed conflict, namely, rape, trafficking, enforced prostitution and enslavement. It is critical to ensure accountability for past and present crimes and not to grant impunity to perpetrators. Otherwise, we would provide amnesty for future crimes.

Despite the progress, however, much still needs to be addressed and accomplished, as the female voice is not always heard. In that regard, the most important item on the agenda is to increase the presence of women in decision-making processes. Women remain largely excluded, especially from efforts to find workable solutions to conflicts. We should further promote their participation.

As noted by the Secretary-General earlier this year, many peace processes now regularly include consultations with women's peace groups. In many post-conflict countries, the number of women in Government has increased dramatically, and they have used their public decision-making roles to advance women's rights.

To conclude, my delegation wishes to take this opportunity to once again commend Ms. Michelle Bachelet on
her being named to the helm of the new gender entity, UN Women. We wish her the greatest success in her
work, and we are convinced that the problems of women and peace and security will gain visibility and will
make firm progress under her leadership.