General Women, Peace and Security

In conclusion, let me reaffirm India's commitment to contributing positively to the consolidation of United Nations efforts in the area of women, peace and security.

I now turn to my statement. I wish to thank you, Sir, for convening this open debate. Anecdotally, it brings back memories of my presidency of the Council exactly one year ago, when a presidential statement was adopted (S/PRST/2012/23) even before the debate was held, for it was postponed until November due to Hurricane Sandy, which caused so much damage to the city that it prevented the scheduled meeting.

Each year the Council has continued to build upon the core premise of resolution 1325 (2000), because we are convinced that without women's security, there can be no lasting peace. We think that the timely theme of today's debate, on women, rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations, will generate added value.

All this has taken place with arming, support and financing from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and France. Those States have spent countless sums on influential media and invidious sectarian incitement to halt Syria's socioeconomic, security and judicial development. They work to undermine its independence, its national decision-making and its rejection of those who exploit religion.

While the Government of Georgia spares no effort in ensuring women's liberties in the country and to strengthen women's role in areas related to security and peacebuilding, we face major challenges in the occupied regions of Georgia.

Thirdly, we support the inclusion of the theme of women and peace and security as a crosscutting issue in the post-2015 development agenda.

The Council's semi-annual open debate to review the implementation of Council resolution 1325 (2000)m, on women and peace and security, is a good opportunity to review the progress made over the past year, share good practices and identify the persistent barriers to the full implementation of the resolution.

Fourthly, the Security Council will hold a high- level meeting in 2015 to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). It will assess progress in implementing that resolution, renew commitments and address obstacles and constraints. In that regard, there is a need to address the existing gap related to quality data collection and analysis in conflict settings.

Egypt reiterates its commitment to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), in line with its international obligations, as well as its conviction of the critical and indispensable role that could be played by women in resolving armed conflicts and in post- conflict situations.

We welcome the report and recommendations of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2013/525), as well as resolution 2122 (2013), adopted today by the Council.