The presence of women in United Nations missions can foster confidence and trust among the local population, which are critical elements in any peacekeeping mission. In performing their tasks, women are perceived to be compassionate, unwilling to opt for force over reconciliation and ready to listen and learn, and they are widely seen as contributors to an environment of stability and morality that fosters the progress of peace.

My country is greatly concerned about this situation and strongly condemns the targeting of women and girls in situations of armed conflict. In this regard, we welcome the Security Council's efforts to pay a special attention to the particular needs of women affected by armed conflict when considering action aimed at promoting peace and security.

It is important that the Secretary-General's reports to the Council dealing with specific conflict situations and developments in the field also incorporate gender perspectives in addressing various aspects of conflict analysis and conflict resolution.

However, in spite of all international efforts, women continue to be the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict, targeted for the most brutal forms of sexual violence. In addition to that, women also experience the trauma of losing relatives and friends in times of armed conflict and of having to take responsibility for the care of surviving family members. They also constitute the majority of refugees and displaced persons.

Being an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping efforts, Ukraine has for years been contributing women civilian police and military observers to United Nations peacekeeping missions. We reiterate our readiness to continue working constructively with other Members States in order to ensure the protection of women in armed conflicts and women's participation in peace processes.

At the same time, women are still underrepresented in decision-making with regard to conflict. Their initiatives and visions for peace and security are rarely heard during peace negotiations. In this regard, I would like to stress that women should not be viewed primarily as victims of armed conflict; the international community should use the potential of women as agents of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

Uganda's action plan focuses on the relevant legal and policy framework, improved access to health facilities and medical treatment for victims of sexual and gender-based violence, women in leadership and decision-making, the elimination of gender-based violence in society and, finally, budget allocations for the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and the Goma Declaration.

Uganda is the first and only country in the world to adopt a three-in-one national action plan on resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and the Goma Declaration.

Uganda is committed to strengthening women's participation in the promotion of peace and security within the context of conflict prevention and resolution, eradicating sexual violence and ending impunity in conflict-prone situations. As Uganda is a country that has experienced an extended period of instability, the Government has set one of its priority goals as tracking progress on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Uganda is aware that the adoption of a resolution does not automatically translate into its implementation. This year marks the ninth since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.