General Women, Peace and Security

On behalf of NATO, it is a special pleasure for me to be here today with the Security Council to mark this important anniversary. Exactly 10 years ago, the Security Council adopted the important resolution 1325 (2000). It the first resolution to address the impact of conflict on women and the contribution that women can make to solidifying peace.

NATO is ready to play its full role by pursuing a pragmatic approach. With our partners, we have agreed on a comprehensive list of concrete actions to mainstream gender perspectives into NATO's partnership programmes. Resolution 1325 (2000) has become a fully integrated element of NATO's comprehensive approach to crisis management.

The resolution sought to ensure women's full and active participation in conflict resolution, peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction. It also sought the protection of women and girls from all forms of violence in conflict and postconflict situations. It affirms that women are an integral part of peace and security.

SADC is delighted that today marks ten years since the passage of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which was unanimously adopted during the Namibian Presidency of the UN Security Council in October 2000.

The scope of resolution 1325 (2000) has not been exhausted, as has often been said in this forum. On the contrary, much remains to be done to ensure the implementation of the four resolutions that have been adopted on the subject. Today we can say that we are on the right track.

Luxembourg commends the Ugandan presidency of the Council for having organized this open debate to mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) — the first resolution of the Council specifically to address the impact of war on women and their role in peacemaking.

At the outset, let me join others in commending you for organizing this open debate on the occasion of the anniversary of resolution 1325. We welcome the last report of the Secretary General and the recommendations contained therein as an important step in moving the Women, Peace and Security agenda from rhetoric to action. We also align ourselves with the

My delegation is committed to the vision of SCR 1325 and the subsequent resolutions to support it, and commends the United Nations, Member States and civil society, and specially the women themselves, for being the driving force for a gender perspective on peace and security issues, and working as partners with the United Nations.

Over the past 10 years, Member States, the United Nations system and civil society have engaged jointly in an effort to achieve peace by enhancing the protection and participation of women. However, when we recall that innocent women and children remain the principal victims of every conflict, we know that there are many challenges yet to be overcome.

I wlsh, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica to thank you Mr. President for convening this open debate on women's equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security,Resolution 1325 unanimously adopted in the Security Council ten years ago, brought to light one of history's best kept secrets, the disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women and girls.