Mr. Vilović (Croatia): Let me begin by extending my congratulations to you, Sir, and to your delegation on your assumption of the presidency for the month of October and assuring you of the full cooperation and support of my delegation. At the same time, I extend our thanks to the delegation of the United States for their able leadership during the very difficult month of September.

Croatia has included elements of resolution 1325 (2000) in its national strategy on gender equality, but we are aware that gaps in the implementation of that resolution need to be continuously monitored. In that regard, my Government extends its support to the leadership of the composite gender entity that is to be established within the United Nations. We see it as an important tool in advancing the issue of women and peace and security.

As reported by UNIFEM, there is a substantial gap in financing women's needs in post-conflict situations. How did that happen? The answer is clear: women have not been included from the very beginning of peace processes, especially in peace negotiations.

Croatia welcomes the focus on the need of women and girls in post-conflict situations for sustainable peace and security. Croatia also welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) (S/2009/456) and its recommendations.

Lastly, on behalf of the Human Security Network — made up of Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Switzerland, Slovenia and Thailand, and South Africa as an observer member — we would like to welcome the conclusion of the process leading to the adoption of this new resolution.

In order to re-energize its implementation, we still need to consolidate a global strategy with clear targets and adequate benchmarks for measuring progress. In this regard, resolution 1889 (2009), adopted today, calls for greater empowerment of women in the evaluation of needs and in planning in post-conflict situations. That is certainly a step in the right direction.

During the past year much thought has been given in the Security Council to the issue of women and peace and security. We responded to gender concerns through resolution 1820 (2008) last year. The recently adopted resolution 1888 (2009) and resolution 1889 (2009), adopted today, all contribute to strengthening a process that began with the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000).

Costa Rica co-sponsored the text of resolution 1889 (2009), but we would like to make clear that our country rejects any interpretation that seeks to include abortion in the reference made in operative paragraph 10 to reproductive rights. We believe that lasting peace cannot be built on the basis of a status quo that in many cases has been characterized by discrimination, inequity and an imbalance of power.

As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, and as reflected in the text of this new resolution, we need to promote a multisectoral and, above all, inclusive approach. In addition to enhancing the gender perspective in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, women's participation in the international community's efforts should be strengthened, especially in the areas of prevention and protection.

Our national policy for the social and economic reintegration of those who have left illegal armed groups seeks to ensure that institutional actions fully incorporate a gender-based approach. In particular, assistance to women, children and ethnic minorities in the reintegration process is taken into account by identifying the characteristics of population groups and promoting the family's dynamic role in the process.