It is totally unacceptable that perpetrators of sexual and other serious violence against women and girls are shielded by a culture of impunity. The culture of impunity is a direct threat to women's security, and it also hinders women in playing the vital role they might otherwise play in post-conflict peacebuilding efforts.

First, it is vitally important to ensure that women's perspectives and the particular needs of women and girls are reflected at every stage of the peace process. We need to promote the full and equal engagement of women from the earliest stages of the process of peace negotiations and peacebuilding, because that is the most effective way to prevent the recurrence of conflict.

Even nine years after the adoption of the very important landmark resolution 1325 (2000), we cannot fail to see that many innocent women and children live under fear and want in conflict and post-conflict situations. Clearly, much remains to be done. Japan therefore welcomes today's debate and the decision of the Council to adopt resolution 1889 (2009).

Women's security must be guaranteed. Abuses must be prosecuted. Blanket amnesties must be off the table. But the protection of women is just one pillar of resolution 1325 (2000). Women are agents of change and fundamental players for peace, stabilization, reconstruction and sustainable development. That was one of the key messages of resolution 1325 (2000).

We encourage the Working Group of the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict to use the full array of means at its disposal to deal with parties responsible for rape and sexual violence against children. We look forward to the Secretary-General's early appointment of a special representative for women and peace and security to provide much-needed leadership, coordination and advocacy.

Tragically, sexual violence continues to be used with impunity as a weapon of war to destroy the very fabric of society in many conflicts in the world. That has to stop. As Secretary of State Clinton said in this Chamber just a few days ago (see S/PV.6195), the dehumanizing nature of sexual violence erodes social and political stability, undermines economic progress and holds us all back.

The use of sexual violence as a war tactic is clearly a global emergency. In the past year and a half, the Security Council has shown remarkable leadership in this field. With hindsight, we can say that the adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) was indeed a watershed moment.

The role of women is particularly important in peacebuilding efforts, as recognized by the specific gender mandate of the Peacebuilding Commission. After a conflict, women are often victims of heinous abuses and can be irrationally stigmatized for the violence they have suffered. At the same time, they are the pillars of families that need to be put back together and of societies that need to be rebuilt.

Resolution 1820 (2008) brought about a better understanding of the implications of sexual violence as a weapon of war, thus opening the way for the Council to adopt two other important resolutions: resolution 1882 (2009) and, only last week, resolution 1888 (2009). Both provide the Council with important and effective new tools to end impunity and to hold accountable the perpetrators of those heinous crimes.

Mr. Cornado (Italy): I would like, first of all, to commend you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Let me also thank Deputy Secretary- General Migiro, Assistant Secretary-General Mayanja, Executive Director Alberdi and Ms. Amin. Italy aligns itself with the position expressed by Sweden on behalf of the European Union.