General Women, Peace and Security

Uganda's action plan focuses on the relevant legal and policy framework, improved access to health facilities and medical treatment for victims of sexual and gender-based violence, women in leadership and decision-making, the elimination of gender-based violence in society and, finally, budget allocations for the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and the Goma Declaration.

Uganda is the first and only country in the world to adopt a three-in-one national action plan on resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and the Goma Declaration.

Uganda is committed to strengthening women's participation in the promotion of peace and security within the context of conflict prevention and resolution, eradicating sexual violence and ending impunity in conflict-prone situations. As Uganda is a country that has experienced an extended period of instability, the Government has set one of its priority goals as tracking progress on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Uganda is aware that the adoption of a resolution does not automatically translate into its implementation. This year marks the ninth since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.

Uganda has an advanced, articulate and organized women's peace movement. Even before the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the Uganda Government had previously supported the efforts of women leaders, such as Ms. Betty Bigombe, who initially led the peace talks with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to end the conflict in northern Uganda.

We believe that, while tackling the issue of women's security, which is inextricable from international peace and security, we should move away from ad hoc approaches and towards a systematic one.

The months ahead of us in the run-up to the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) next year will provide ample opportunities to translate these words into deeds in order to ensure the basic rights and the human rights of women all around the world. We in Turkey are committed to that goal and thus will continue our support for the implementation of all resolutions on women and peace and security.

Ms. Alberdi and Ms. Amin for their briefings and their contributions to our debate. Since the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) in 2000, there has been progress across a broad range of issues related to the protection and promotion of women's and girls' rights in conflict- affected situations, particularly in terms of raising awareness of the challenges that they face.

Given the adoption of resolution 1888 (2009) only a week ago, this meeting has particular significance in demonstrating to the world at large the continued commitment of the Council to the empowerment of women in all its aspects. In this respect, I would like to commend Viet Nam's leading role in organizing this debate, as well as its efforts in preparing the resolution we have just adopted.

There is an urgent need to advocate more strongly for the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.