In recent years, the United Nations has augmented its involvement in establishing and supporting transitional justice measures, furthering women's rights in post- conflict societies. The United Nations-supported truth commissions in Mali, Kenya and Cote d'Ivoire have addressed gender-based crimes.

We welcome the report (S/2012/732) of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Council's resolutions on women and peace and security and the recommendations contained therein. We note positively the further establishment of the monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence. We also welcome the continued and systematic deployment of women's protection advisers.

Today we focus our attention on one of the most appalling aspects of the women and peace and security agenda: the problem of sexual violence in conflict. The challenge when discussing this scourge is to translate our sorrow and outrage into practical action capable of bringing about real change.

Despite the international community's repeated condemnation of sexual violence in armed conflict, we remain deeply concerned about the fact that such acts continue to occur and in some situations have even become systematic and widespread. Impunity for sexual violence by armed groups is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

We welcome the presidential statement adopted by the Council on 31 October (S/PRST/2012/23). We are also grateful for the report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/732) and fully support its recommendations. The Nordic countries echo the concern about the lack of implementation, as shown by the information collected and analyzed while using the indicators.

With regard to the peacebuilding process, Chile notes the work of the Peacebuilding Commission and the vision of gender equality that the Commission has brought to its work, in keeping with the resolutions that led to its creation. It is also noteworthy that the Peacebuilding Fund has allocated significant resources to incorporating the gender perspective in the projects it funds.

Ireland welcomes the opportunity to address the Security Council during this open debate which marks tenth anrtiversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace arid security. Ireland is deeply committed to the principles enshrined in this groundbreaking Resolution and will continue to strive for its full implementation - both in Ireland and internationally.

To enhance the participation of women in peace processes, the most effective
way, we believe, is to empower women, both politically and economically. To
this end, it is important to ensure their equal access to education and information,
since this helps raise their awareness of their own rights and equip them with
necessary knowledge and skills to actively participate in governance and

Lithuania sponsored Council resolution 2117 (2013), on small arms and light weapons, which links the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms to a disproportionate impact on violence against women and girls.

Ensuring that women are represented and participate in decision-making forums, institutions and mechanisms concerned with preventing and resolving conflict and with peacebuilding; that they are included in peace agreement negotiations and implementation; and that enabling conditions for women peacemakers and peacekeepers are created requires clear guidelines and support on the part of the United Nations and national authorities.