Nine years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000), a milestone document that has laid the groundwork for international cooperation in the area of women and peace and security. Since then, the Council has taken a number of follow-up actions under the resolution, and relevant Member States have also taken vigorous measures in that regard.

First, responding to the needs of women in post- conflict reconstruction and enabling them to play their full role form an important link in the comprehensive and full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Respect for and protection of women and girls are manifestations of social progress and civilization and are an indispensable element of a mature social system.

A few days ago, the Council adopted resolution 1888 (2009), which requests the Secretary-General to continue to submit annual reports on combating sexual violence in armed conflict.

Women are shouldering an increasing share of the responsibility to maintain world peace and are playing a significant role in peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding throughout the world. As the Chinese saying goes, women can hold up half of the sky.

Mr. Normandin (Canada) (spoke in French): At the outset, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to thank the Vietnamese presidency for convening this open debate on resolution 1325 (2000). Addressing the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations is a critical element of the Security Council's responsibilities.

On the positive side, there have been some remarkable accomplishments by the many dedicated actors who pursue the promotion and protection of women's and girls' rights, including the efforts of civil society organizations. On the other hand, we are still short on some institutional mechanisms and action.

In particular, Canada would like to draw the Council's attention to the participation of women in peace processes and to a study by the United Nations Development Fund for Women, which has already been referred to today, concluding that the participation of women in negotiating delegations to peace talks has averaged approximately 7 per cent.

In conclusion, a peace that lasts is a peace owned by all, including women. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we can acknowledge the progress made towards its implementation. We can also recognize that more must be done. Global indicators to track implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as called for in today's resolution, will be helpful in this regard. But let us not wait further.

I should like to say A few words on the peacebuilding front. The Peacebuilding Commission holds much promise for involving women and girls in designing and then operationalizing post-conflict strategies.

Finally, we would also like to raise the issue of bringing violators to justice with respect to sexual violence. As we all know, this type of violence remains rampant in conflict-affected areas. Too often, these crimes go unpunished and therefore perpetuate the cycle of sexual violence.