Canada co-sponsored both resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) on sexual violence in conflict. Both resolutions elaborate on resolution 1325 (2000) by outlining a number of concrete steps to be taken to address sexual violence more systematically.

Canada also warmly welcomes the recommendations set out in the Secretary-General's recent report (S/2009/465) on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In particular, Canada would like to echo the Secretary-General's calls for an effective monitoring and accountability mechanism with respect to all aspects of resolution 1325 (2000), in particular the participation of women in peace processes.

As we know, the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations are unique and, sadly, often overlooked. Today's adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) is a response to a significant body of research findings that reinforce what we have always known — achieving durable peace, recovery and development in post-conflict countries requires the meaningful participation of women in all aspects and at all levels of peace processes.

(spoke in English) The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is indeed a work in progress, both at a national level and at the United Nations. With the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) approaching next year, it is time to undertake a serious examination of the gains that have been made as well as those aspects of the resolution that remain unrealized.

Thus, ceasefire and peace agreements, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion programmes, must fully incorporate the specific needs of women and girls. Who better than women themselves to plead this cause? We must therefore guarantee their effective participation in all stages of the peace process.

The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is a collective endeavour. Along with States, the international community, including the United Nations, has an important and unique role to play in that regard. Every agency of the system should play its part in the context of a common and consistent approach.

The emergence of extremist groups in a number of areas and the adoption of legislation legitimizing discriminatory practices restrict women's full enjoyment of their rights. Refugee camps and camps for internally displaced persons, where they exist, sometimes become zones of insecurity for women, instead of serving as the islands of relative tranquility they are supposed to be.

Peacebuilding is first and foremost a responsibility and a challenge that fall to States. In countries emerging from conflict situations, priorities are numerous and all are urgent. In such a context, the situation of women and girls must be an absolute priority.

Nine years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) and one year after the adoption of 1820 (2008), and despite the Security Council's repeated recommendations and appeals, post-conflict situations regrettably remain marked by the ongoing devastating impact of armed conflict on women and children.

Most important, however, is the fact that Governments will have to do their utmost to strengthen the rule of law and establish institutions conducive to creating a climate of trust between leaders, all actors, victims and the population as a whole, with the ultimate objective of eliminating the deep-rooted causes of conflict.