General Women, Peace and Security

We further request the Secretary-General to take concrete steps to enhance the efficiency of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in particular by creating the posts of full-time senior gender advisers in DPA and within DPA's Mediation Support Unit.

Mr. Argüello (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin by congratulating the Mission of Viet Nam on its assumption of the presidency and on organizing this open debate, which reflects the resolute commitment of the Security Council to the effective follow-up and implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) almost 10 years since its adoption. We thank the Secretary-General for submitting his report (S/2009/465).

From the viewpoint of the State, it is important that the role of women in post-conflict reconstruction activities be incorporated into national implementation plans for resolution 1325 (2000). That involves not only the deployment of a larger number of women in the field, but also acknowledgement of the effective role that women can perform in all stages of that process, including as mediators in peace processes.

Argentina is among those countries that have made progress in developing an implementation plan for resolution 1325 (2000) in the defense sector. At the same time, it is drafting a national plan that addresses all the areas included in that instrument, and has incorporated specific policies for the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008) on sexual violence against women in situations of armed conflict.

Over the past eight years, we have kept those promises to the best of our ability. The Afghan Constitution guarantees equal rights to women and representation in the Government.

In conclusion, the countries of the Pacific Islands Forum are committed to work with like-minded countries to ensure that our necessary local efforts and our contributions to the United Nations will always encourage and support resolution 1325 (2000).

The Namibian delegation appreciates the fact that, since adopting resolution 1265 (1999), the Security Council has been addressing the issue of the protection of civilians in conflict and has adopted numerous resolutions on that issue. The international community has long had in place instruments of international law that provide the legal framework for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts.

While the majority of victims are male journalists, we note with concern that female journalists are also subject to violations in conflict situations. They face additional risks, such as those of sexual violence or sexual abuse in detention. We believe that a gender-sensitive approach is needed when considering measures to address the issue of violence against journalists.

According to the Secretary-General's 2012 report (S/2012/376), the state of protection of civilians remains terrible.

In that respect, national action plans on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) are a crucial instrument and must be broadened. As part of its plan of action, France , in partnership with UN-Women, has undertaken cooperation programmes aimed at combating violence against women in Africa and the Arab world.