General Women, Peace and Security

We also welcome today's adoption of resolution 1889 (2009), as well as resolutions 1882 (2009) and 1888 (2009) on women and children in armed conflict.

Unfortunately, we are compelled to note that progress in the implementation of the recommendations therein remains insufficient.

Member States will have to demonstrate the political will to fully implement resolution 1325 (2000). It is especially incumbent on them to utilize all existing provisions of international law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law, as well as not to tolerate impunity and to refer to national and international tribunals individuals suspected of having committed crimes against women.

Generally speaking, Luxembourg fully endorses the Secretary-General's recommendations in his report (S/2009/465) on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). My country especially welcomes the recommendation that the Security Council energetically pursue a strategy aimed at increasing the participation of women in all peace processes, especially within the framework of peace negotiations and mediation.

Thus our efforts to guarantee the full and equal participation of women — as well-intentioned as they may have been — have clearly been insufficient. We hope that the input given during this debate today will lead, nine years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), to significant improvements.

Resolution 1325 (2000) calls for an increase in the participation of women at decision-making levels in conflict resolution and peace processes. According to data made available to the Council by the United Nations Development Fund for Women, only 2.4 per cent of signatories to peace agreements are women and no woman has ever been appointed as a chief mediator.

Mr. Wenaweser (Liechtenstein): I thank you, Sir, for presiding over the meeting today and your delegation for organizing this open debate with a focus on post-conflict situations. As a strong supporter of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), Liechtenstein agrees with the assessment reflected in the concept paper prepared by your delegation (S/2009/490) that much has been achieved but that enormous challenges remain.

In preparation for the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we need concrete action. Hence, we welcome the establishment of a United Nations steering committee to enhance the visibility of and to strengthen coordination within the United Nations system regarding the preparations for the anniversary.

Almost nine years have passed since the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000), during which it also adopted several resolutions and presidential statements on the protection of women during and after armed conflict, their participation in the prevention of conflict and post-conflict decision-making and their role in the economic and social spheres. However, we are still far from reaching the desired goals.

Even nine years after the adoption of the very important landmark resolution 1325 (2000), we cannot fail to see that many innocent women and children live under fear and want in conflict and post-conflict situations. Clearly, much remains to be done. Japan therefore welcomes today's debate and the decision of the Council to adopt resolution 1889 (2009).