South Africa continues to support the work of the United Nations and of the African Union in promoting the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, as well as in protecting women and girls against sexual violence.

Resolution 1325 (2000) was adopted nine years ago. Consistent with the resolution, the theme today is “Responding to the needs of women and girls in post- conflict situations for sustainable peace and security”.

Ms. Rulumeni (South Africa): Allow me to express our sincere gratitude to you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate on such an important matter. South Africa welcomes the open debate and believes that it is also timely, leading the processes in preparation for the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security in 2010.

In the context of peace and security, the Protocol stipulates that the States parties shall endeavour to put in place measures to ensure that women have equal representation and participation in key decision- making positions in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes by 2015, in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000).

In conclusion, my delegation will continue to support the work of the United Nations and of the African Union in promoting the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, as well as in protecting women and girls in post-conflict situations and their aftermath.

We welcome resolution 1888 (2009), adopted on 30 September, on sexual violence during armed conflicts. However, sexual violence is far from being the only problem with respect to violations of women's rights. We must bear in mind that women and children continue to fall victim to premeditated attacks, including terrorist acts, indiscriminate or excessive use of force, as well as other violations of international humanitarian law.

The basis for this approach is to ensure genuine gender equality. Women can stand to make a more substantial contribution to all aspects of preventing and settling conflict. Moreover, there is a need to devote greater attention to mainstreaming the gender component into the poverty reduction and equality work of the United Nations, poverty and inequality being the main sources of conflict.

Resolution 1325 (2000) remains the effective reference for enhancing women's roles in preventing and settling armed conflicts, in post-conflict reconstruction and in the protection of women's rights in conflict situations.

Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Mr. President, at the outset, allow me to welcome you as the President of the Security Council and to extend my gratitude to the delegation of Viet Nam for today's initiative of convening an open debate of the Council to discuss the status of implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

We welcome the adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) this morning, which reiterates the commitment of the Security Council to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and other important relevant resolutions, including resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009).