General Women, Peace and Security

We are, however, of the view that combating sexual violence is one of the major components of all of the measures that can be used for settlement and post-conflict recovery. We are convinced that, in concentrating efforts on combating sexual violence, we must pay due attention to other abuses committed during conflict.

As we see it, the diverse nature of violence during armed conflict requires appropriate attention to all its categories. The issues of women and peace and security must be based on a comprehensive approach, which is the approach that is enshrined in resolution 1325 (2000), which is the fundamental document for the protection of women and which ensures their rights in conflicts.

In the context of the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) and of the third year of the Dutch national action plan, the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence jointly produced a publication entitled The Dutch Do's on Women, Peace and Security —

Luxembourg will continue to pay close attention to the needs of women and children in conflict situations. We encourage the Security Council not to relent in its efforts to achieve concrete progress and reduce the suffering of women and children in conflict
situations.

"My delegation would also wish to underscore the fact that peace, justice and security are interdependent. There can be no peace without the peace of mind that enables women to undertake their daily tasks, no justice without a national capacity to deliver justice, and no security without women's security.

Two important strands of international concern converge in this debate. These are the struggle to empower women and the constant endeavour of the United Nations to preserve peace and international security.

The struggle to empower women has moved forward from declaratory resolutions. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Commission on the Status of Women have been milestones in that journey.

The proceedings of the Council today will add to the edifice created by resolutions 1325 (2000), 1612 (2005), 1820 (2008), 1882 (2009) and 1888 (2009). Those and other decisions of the Security Council on, inter alia, sexual violence, children and the protection of civilians have led to a significant addition to the corpus of international law.

The appointment of Ms. Wallström in February this year was an important signal that increased and focused action would be undertaken in the fight against the scourge of sexual violence in conflict.

The violation of the rights of women is one of the principal characteristics of various conflicts across the world in both conflict and post-conflict situations. Unfortunately, 10 years since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the plight of women and girls in armed conflict is still dire. Regrettably, the war in Georgia in August 2008 was no exception in that sense.