General Women, Peace and Security

Security Council resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) focus directly on these challenges. However, the implementation of those resolutions must be done in tandem with resolution 1325. The strengthening of women's participation in decision-making is critical to overcoming the scourge of sexual violence. I am committed to the full implementation of these landmark texts on women, peace and security.

I welcome this open debate on a subject that is a top priority for the United Nations. Resolution 1325 (2000) provides a global framework for mainstreaming gender in all peace processes, including peacekeeping, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction, as well as in the general maintenance of peace and security.

Addressing those needs is critical for long-term peace. So too is empowering women and girls in order that they can play their rightful role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. As we approach next year's tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 and the review of its implementation, it is appropriate that today we take stock. In nine years, only 16 countries have adopted national action plans for the implementation of the resolution.

These three objectives are also those that Denmark is prioritizing in its new national action plan for implementing resolution 1325 (2000). In order to be able to monitor progress, we have developed indicators for each objective. Last year, Denmark revised its national action plan. The new plan for 2008- 2013 is based on experience from our first plan.

The report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2009/465) presents an overview of achievements, gaps and challenges, as well as recommendations for further actions to accelerate the implementation of Resolution 1325 (2000).

The Danish national action plan was formulated in a participatory manner involving all relevant national stakeholders. An annual dialogue with civil society is planned and an inter-ministerial working group is responsible for reporting on the plan's implementation. I have elaborated in some detail on the Danish national action plan and its objectives, since resolution 1325 (2000) in itself will not do the trick. It must be implemented.

That link between the impact of war on women and the possibility of using the potential of women in peace negotiations and reconstruction is precisely what we must focus on in our implementation of the resolution. Resolution 1325 (2000) is the very backbone of Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security, highlighting the necessity of addressing the issue of women as peacebuilders as well as victims of war.

Resolution 1325 (2009) is a strong resolution, and we all have an obligation to implement it effectively. We see the adoption of today's resolution 1889 (2009) as a step towards strengthening our joint efforts in that respect. Some progress has been made and should be recognized. Incorporation of gender perspectives into peace processes is emerging, but slowly.

Denmark fully agrees with the recommendations of the Secretary-General on ensuring accountability. We also emphasize the stated need for concerted efforts to collect data. At the end of the day, it is results that count.

We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. Here, I shall make additional remarks in my national capacity. Almost a decade has passed since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). We have witnessed much progress in the area of the empowerment of women.