Secondly, we must increase the number and standard of national-level implementation strategies, drawing upon peer experience and the excellent examples set recently by Liberia, Uganda and Chile. And thirdly, we must finalize and agree indicators to measure progress. We need data on success or failure in implementing specific provisions. We need to know what works and what does not. Today's resolution should help kick-start those efforts.

In resolution 1888 (2009), the Council took further steps to end impunity for the barbarous perpetrators of sexual violence against women and children in conflict. We now need to identify practical ways to assure women a central role in peacekeeping and post-conflict peacebuilding. That is, we need to improve our record in implementing resolution 1325 (2000).

For our part, the United Kingdom is currently reviewing our national action plan for implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), one of only 16 of such national plans as the Deputy Secretary-General noted earlier. Our review is designed to ensure that our policies not only remain consistent with that resolution but also promote its implementation around the globe. We urge other Member States to do the same.

But we are heartened by the excellent effort led by the Secretary-General to address the lack of women in senior United Nations positions. He himself has appointed three of the nine women who have ever held the post of Special Representative of the Secretary- General, and he, of course, also appointed the Deputy Secretary-General, who is with us today.

But our consideration of these issues has also been prompted by the lack of implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). During last week's debate on sexual violence in armed conflict (see S/PV.6195), we again heard heartbreaking and harrowing stories. At an Arria Formula meeting which I chaired in June, we were reminded of the fact that women and women's civil society groups are all but excluded from peace processes and mediation.

As a Council, we need to ensure that we are doing whatever we can to enhance women's vital role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, a role without which real and lasting peace will often be unachievable.

We would also like to commend the determined efforts of the Security Council members aimed at finding effective ways to protect women and to ensure their full participation in endeavours to maintain peace and security. In this regard, we express our support for Security Council resolution 1888 (2009), adopted last month under the presidency of the United States.

We believe that the Security Council has a special responsibility to support women's participation in peace processes by ensuring appropriate gender balance in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Ukraine, as a non-permanent member of the Council back in 2000, was one of 15 countries that voted in favour of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). This decision of the Council, no doubt, was and is the milestone document on empowerment of women. We welcome the most recent report of the Secretary- General on the implementation of that resolution (S/2009/465) and support its recommendations.

The question before us today is a complex one. In response to the increased targeting of women and other civilians that has become a shameful instrument of contemporary warfare, the international community has done a lot, but much still remains to be done.